A 73-year-old monk from Air Itam, Penang, has become the 124th millionaire created by the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Sijil Simpanan Premium (SSP) savings scheme.
Chan Chai Siang won RM1 million after saving just RM2,000 from ang pow collections. He started putting money into the SSP scheme in January 2025, after a friend recommended it.
“I did not save with the intention of winning, but only to keep my money safe,” he said.
Chan, a former factory worker who spent years labouring in Singapore and Penang before becoming a monk in 1985, was sceptical when BSN first called. They phoned three times before he believed the news.
“They called three times. At first, I did not believe it. I thought it could not happen,” he said.
He has no plans to change his lifestyle. The money will go straight back into the bank. He will use it as needed, with no interest in gambling.
“Money is useful depending on how you use it. If you use it wisely, you can make yourself happy and make others happy. That is where the true meaning lies,” he said.
His priority now is to help people who need it, including covering medical costs. Chan has no close relatives to rely on, only three siblings remaining.
“You must take care of yourself. When you are sick, you need money. If you can help people, you help,” he said.
Chan is the second Penang resident to win the SSP million-ringgit prize this year.
Source: New Straits Times
