A 73-year-old temple monk from Air Itam has become an instant millionaire after winning RM1 million through the Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Premium Savings Certificate (SSP) Millionaire Programme.
Chan Chai Siang, who serves at a temple in Air Itam, said the winning savings were largely accumulated from donations, angpows and contributions he received from members of the public over the years.
The former factory worker from Butterworth became the 124th grand prize winner of the BSN SSP Millionaire Programme and the second winner from Penang, following a History teacher who struck the jackpot in April.
Chai Siang, who once worked as a supervisor in Singapore and Penang before dedicating himself to temple life, said he only started saving under the BSN SSP scheme in January 2025 after receiving a recommendation from a friend.
“I started saving because a friend suggested it. My intention was never to win a prize but simply to keep my money safe,” he said.
According to him, much of the money deposited into the account came from offerings, angpows and public donations, while a portion was also used to help people in need.
The monk received a replica cheque during a ceremony at BSN’s Penang Main Branch on Jalan Macalister, attended by BSN Penang Director Mohd Hairul Izam Abu Bakar and BSN Head of Strategic Communications Aizurra Mellissa Muzammil.
Despite winning the life-changing amount, Chai Siang revealed that he never maintained a fixed savings target and would usually deposit between RM1,000 and RM2,000 whenever funds were available.
The elderly monk admitted he initially thought the news was a scam when BSN first contacted him.
“I received three phone calls but only answered one because I assumed it was from scammers,” he recalled.
“When they told me I had won RM1 million, I simply could not believe it. It felt impossible.”
His doubts only disappeared after BSN representatives personally visited him to verify the win.
“I was extremely shocked. I never imagined I could win because my only goal was to save money,” he said.
As for the RM1 million windfall, Chai Siang said he has no immediate plans to spend it and intends to leave the money in the bank for now.
“I will keep it there and use it when necessary. If there are people who genuinely need help, I will continue helping them as I always have. But this money must be managed wisely,” he added.
The remarkable win has turned the humble monk into Penang’s latest millionaire, proving that even those saving for security rather than prizes can sometimes strike it lucky.
