How to Make a Police Report

Why make a police report about a frozen account?

A police report creates an official record that your account is frozen and that you are acting on it. Without it, you have no formal reference when you deal with the bank, the police or a court later.

The report can start an investigation. An Investigating Officer is assigned, and you get a report number that becomes your reference for every step after. ^[f4]

If you have not yet done your first hour actions, do them before going to the station. Knowing which bank froze the account, and under what authority, makes your report more accurate.

Do I have a duty to report?

Under CPC Section 107, anyone who knows of certain offences must give the police information. ^[f1] If you believe your account was used for unlawful transactions without your knowledge, you have a right to report it, and Section 107 may also apply.

Filing a report shows you are cooperating. A report made soon after you discover the freeze can show you acted in good faith.

You do not need to be sure a crime happened. Your job is to give the information; the police decide whether to investigate.

Where and when should I file?

You can make a police report at any station in Malaysia. ^[f2] It does not have to be near your home, your bank or where anything happened, so choose one that is convenient.

If you can, call the station first and ask when it is least busy.

What should I bring?

Bring your IC, because the officer needs your full name, IC number and address. ^[f5]

Bring recent statements for the frozen account and mark any transactions you do not recognise. Bring any letter or SMS from the bank about the freeze, and anything else from the bank or a government body.

Write a one-page summary of what happened, in date order: when you found the freeze, which bank and account, and any idea why it happened. It helps the officer record your report accurately and saves time at the counter.

What should I say at the counter?

Tell the officer you want to report that your bank account has been frozen. Stick to the facts: when you found out, which bank, which account and what the bank told you.

Do not guess who might be responsible, and do not exaggerate or play things down. If you do not know something, say so. The officer will ask questions to fill the gaps.

If you are worried about saying the wrong thing, a lawyer can come with you. The lawyer will not make the report for you, but can advise you before you file on what is relevant.

What happens after I file?

Once the report is registered, you get a report number (No. Laporan Polis). Keep it safe: you will need it for every follow-up with the police, the bank and any court application. ^[f4]

An Investigating Officer (IO) is assigned to your report. ^[f3] The IO is your main contact from now on and may call to arrange a further statement, ask for documents or check details.

If you hear nothing from the IO within a few days, call the station and ask for the IO assigned to your report number. Polite follow-up is normal. Your lawyer can also deal with the IO for you.

How do I use the report number afterwards?

Give the report number to your bank when you contact them about the freeze, so they can match it with the police file. When your lawyer files a court application, the number links it to the police file too.

Keep a log of every contact after the report: the date, who you spoke to, what was discussed and any reference numbers. If the matter goes to court, this log becomes part of your evidence.

If you need money for living costs from a frozen account, the police report and its number may be useful supporting documents for a written AMLA Section 44A application to the enforcement agency. They show you have engaged with the police process.

When should I bring a lawyer?

You can bring a lawyer to the station at any stage. It helps most if your case is complicated, if you are worried about saying something that incriminates you, or if police have already contacted you about the freeze.

A lawyer can check your written summary before you file, make sure the report covers the right facts and tell you what to expect from the investigation. You can start by sending a WhatsApp message about your frozen account case.

If you or a family member has been asked to give a statement to police, try to get legal advice first. The guide on the investigation and court process explains what comes next.

Sources

1. Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), Section 107
2. Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Police Report Filing Procedures
3. Malaysian Bar Council, Guidelines on Legal Representation at Police Stations