Section 4
Dealings with assets prior to official representation
of Administration of Estates Ordinance, 1933
—
(1)
No person (other than a Probate Officer) shall assume possession of, dispose of, or deal with the assets of a deceased person
(other than heirlooms, household and personal effects, including jewellery, such jewellery not being of a greater value than five hundred ringgit) unless he has obtained a grant of probate or letters of administration or the authentication under section 14 of a grant issued by a British authority referred to in that section:
Provided that a relative or friend of a deceased person may take possession of any asset for the purpose of safe keeping, pending the issue of such probate or letters of administration or such authentication, but such relative or friend shall report them to the
Probate Officer as provided in subsection (2).
(2)
Any person having in his possession, custody, or control any property or asset of a deceased person (not being property exempted under subsection (1)) shall immediately report the fact to the nearest Probate Officer. Wilful failure to report will render the offender liable on conviction to a fine which may extend to three times the value of the property so retained or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year.
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(3)
Any unauthorized person disposing of, dealing with, or causing loss or damage to any asset of a deceased person shall be liable in damages to the heirs or beneficiaries of the deceased.
PRELIMINARIES TO GRANT OF PROBATE
AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION