KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 19): Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd have signed a pact with Dapat Vista (M) Sdn Bhd, which is controlled by Heitech Padu Bhd, to launch Malaysia's first digital bail payment solution — eJamin.

The digital bail payment solution, which is also the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, provides bailors the convenience of expedient and efficient payment to ensure the quick release of those in remand.

The platform allows bailors to post bail through mobile devices and desktops, where they will no longer be required to go through the lengthy and time-consuming process of travelling between the court and the bank to open a surety account.

“The convenience of eJamin allows a bail payment to be made instantaneously via FPX online banking. What used to take four to five hours can now be done within thirty minutes,” Dapat Vista said in a statement today.

“About 30% of bailors are now using the eJamin system in certain courts. This is a clear indication that Malaysians are welcoming the practice of performing crucial transactions via online payment systems,” it added.

Bailors are required to complete an electronic form on eJamin with both their personal details and that of the accused. Once payment is made through the FPX online interchange, bail money is automatically routed to the designated Bank Islam or Bank Muamalat accounts.

“At the close of the case, the bail money will be refunded to the bailor’s bank account via eJamin within a reasonably short time,” the statement read.

On Jan 10 this year, Chief Justice of Malaya Tan Sri Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said the digital platform would be launched in stages, starting with Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam and Seremban, before it is expanded nationwide in due course.

Speaking at the launch of the Legal Year 2020 in Putrajaya, Tengku Maimun said eJamin is particularly important in smaller and more remote stations where a bailor may have to travel long distances to access his bank account for the provision of a bail bond within a limited time. “The concept is also of particular significance in states like Johor and Kedah where the courts operate on Sunday, whereas banks do not. The dilemma caused by closed banks on Sunday may therefore be alleviated through this platform,” Tengku Maimun was quoted as saying. 

Meanwhile, Heitech Padu announced in mid-December last year that it was selling down its stake in Dapat Vista from 80% to 20%. The stake is being sold in stages over a 60-month period to Television Airtime Services Sdn Bhd for RM13.5 million.