By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 19: AFFIN Bank has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support for its newly launched Kenyalang Card, while addressing recent debate over the depiction of the iconic hornbill on the card’s design.
In a statement today, the bank explained that the card was thoughtfully created to reflect Sarawak’s identity, heritage, and strength—drawing inspiration from the Jata Negeri Sarawak (Coat of Arms of Sarawak) and the state flag.
“The Kenyalang Card stands as a proud symbol of strength, heritage, and identity, reflected in its bold black and white design,” the statement read.
The bank said the card’s artwork was a symbolic tribute to Sarawak’s cultural legacy, incorporating elements from the Jata Negeri to celebrate its heritage in a contemporary form.
“Our priority is to ensure that our creativity and designs genuinely reflect what matters to the communities we serve. Your feedback guides us, and we remain committed to celebrating Sarawak with authenticity, pride, and respect,” it added.
A photo accompanying the statement outlined the design rationale: the card’s black, white, and yellow gold color scheme mirrors the Sarawak flag, blending modern elegance with traditional values.
“To harmonise the bold black background, yellow gold stripes were incorporated as a visual adaptation of the hornbill’s graceful wings, adding contrast and balance.
“The artistic motifs are influenced by Sarawak’s rich cultural artistry, paying homage to its legacy while embracing a contemporary aesthetic,” the statement explained.
The clarification follows public criticism questioning whether the bird depicted on the Kenyalang Card accurately represents the Rhinoceros Hornbill, Sarawak’s state bird known locally as Burung Kenyalang.
While the bank did not directly address the criticism, it reaffirmed that the design was created with deep respect for Sarawak’s identity and was never intended to misrepresent its cultural symbols.
The Kenyalang Card was recently launched to cater specifically to Sarawakians, offering financial benefits while highlighting the State’s unique heritage. – DayakDaily
