For non-Muslims, the Distribution Act 1958 sets a fixed formula. Leave a spouse, children and parents, and the estate splits one-quarter to your spouse, one-quarter to your parents and one-half to your children. With no surviving parents, it's one-third to the spouse and two-thirds to the children. It makes no allowance for who actually relied on you.
Without a will there's no named executor, so a family member must apply to the court for letters of administration before anything can be dealt with. Until then the estate is frozen. This routinely takes one to three years, and the applicant may need to provide sureties — part of why so much wealth sits unclaimed nationwide.
Children under 18: a minor's share is typically held by the court or the public trustee until adulthood — so money meant for school fees can be locked away exactly when it's needed.
A valid will names an executor and speeds things up; a trust sidesteps probate entirely for the assets it holds. Either is far cheaper than the cost of going without.
General information for Malaysian readers — not legal or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional or a licensed trustee before acting.
For non-Muslims, under the Distribution Act 1958 — e.g. spouse, parents and children present: 1/4 spouse, 1/4 parents, 1/2 children. The formula is fixed regardless of your wishes.
Commonly one to three years, because the family must obtain letters of administration before the frozen estate can be dealt with.
Understand the options here, then speak with a licensed trustee who can structure it properly.
MalaysiaTrustee