Malaysian monk wins $243,000 in bank lucky draw, plans charitable use

Chan Chai Siang, a Malaysian monk living at a hermitage in Ayer Itam, Penang, won RM1 million (roughly $243,000) in Bank Simpanan Nasional's Millionaire Draw program. The bank announced the win Tuesday, naming Chan as the 124th grand prize winner.

Chan initially suspected the prize was a scam after receiving several phone calls from the bank. He was convinced only after BSN representatives traveled to meet him in person, according to Bernama.

Chan told The Star he intends to use part of the funds for charitable purposes. "I will use it wisely. Some will go to help people who are sick or in need," he said.

Chan attributes the win to karma rather than divine blessing. He said he never prayed or made vows for financial gain. Before entering the monkhood, he worked as a factory supervisor in Penang and Singapore. He said he maintained a bank account balance of RM2,000 to RM2,500 over the past two years, funded largely by public donations for daily necessities.