Estates of decease people worth RM60 billion has not been claimed by their heirs since Malaysia gained independence, due to lack of awareness and apathy.

Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Hamim Samuri said the figures were obtained through records from the Department of Director-General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG) through the Estate Distribution Division (BPP) under the ministry.

"The attitude of not wanting to know the procedures or which agency should manage the estate distribution is also a reason for the heirs failing to initiate measures to apply.

"There are also beneficiaries who consider the process of applying for a division of property as being slow, expensive and inconvenient, causing the deceased's estate to be frozen, leaving the land idle and unmanaged, and most importantly unofficial ownership status can result in unrightful claim of the property or wrongful claim of orphans property," he said when opening a Forum and Briefing On Small Estates Management in Tangkak today.

He said besides JKPTG, other agencies that manage applications for the distribution of inheritance is the High Court and Amanah Raya Berhad.

- Bernama