Azhani Arshad and Akmal Hidayah Halim
Keywords: Estate Administration, Administrative Bodies, Property, User-friendly Interface
Abstract: In West Malaysia, the jurisdiction to administer the deceased’s estates lies with the High Court, the Small Estates Distribution Division and the Public Trust Corporation (Amanah Raya Berhad) depending on the types of estates left by the deceased and governed by various statutes of general application, namely, the Rules of Court 2012, the Probate and Administration Act 1959, the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955 and the Public Trust Corporation Act 1995. In cases of testate or where the value of estate exceeds RM 2 million and/or the estate consists of moveable property only, then, it should be administered by the High Court. On the other hand, where the intestate estate total value does not exceed RM 2 million which consists wholly or partly of an immovable property, the jurisdiction to administer the estate lies with the Land Administrator at the Small Estates Distribution Division. Whereas an estate which consists of only moveable property and the value which is less than RM 600,000 would be administered by the Amanah Raya Berhad. These various administrative bodies, estates and statutes have resulted in the public concern and confusion over the different roles and functions of available bodies applicable to the administration of estates. Hence, we develop an application software or device that enable end-users to determine the applicable administrative bodies in administering the deceased’s estate. The purpose of the software is to increase efficiency, certainty and ensure compliance with law and procedure in administration of estate. It is a user-friendly interface which makes it easy, efficient and enjoyable to operate as it is designed by using, among others, clear dual languages namely, Malay and English, patterns in layout and design, colour, light, contrast and texture in software features, and legibility in typography. The user can also print the end results as the software provides print release integrating directly with printer devices.