KUCHING, May 7: Agrobank yesterday launched its first mobile Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and is among the first in Malaysia to provide mobile ATM services to nine districts in Sarawak’s southern region to serve the local communities.
The launching ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The launch of this mobile ATM is part of Agrobank’s continuous commitment to support the unserved and underserved community towards achieving financial inclusion and to broaden access to financing whilst supporting the initiatives undertaken by the Sarawak government and Bank Negara Malaysia.
According to a Bernama report published on May 6, 2021, chairman of Agrobank Dato’ Mustapha Buang said Agrobank will continuously show strong commitment in supporting the State government of Sarawak’s initiatives towards achieving full financial inclusion which would improve the rural communities and, at the same time, supports the economic growth particularly in rural areas.
“With the potential development of activities in Sarawak, Agrobank sees greater needs to help drive the economic activities.
“We are pleased to introduce the mobile ATM banking services and we are proud to become among the first bank to provide mobile ATM to community in southern region of Sarawak namely Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Sematan, Lingga, Pantu, Tebedu, Asajaya and Sebuyau,” he said.
Mustapha noted more than 72 per cent of Agrobank branches and kiosks are located in rural areas and we always believe that comprehensive financial services are powerful tools for a strong and inclusive economic growth as well as empowering individuals and communities.
He said their efforts can be seen back in 1994 where Agrobank launched PATRIOT Rejang, the first banking service in Malaysia offered on a vessel plying the Rejang River to reach the local communities in the towns of Kapit, Sibu and Belaga.
“Today, our efforts continue and with this mobile ATM, it is hoped that it will create easy banking services for the rural communities in Sarawak. This is in line with the Bank’s objective which is to uplift the well-being of the unserved and underserved community,” added Mustapha.
Agrobank strives to balance its developmental and commercial roles by providing full value chain financing for the agriculture sector including upstream segments related to primary food and commodities-based agriculture activities to downstream activities such as processing, marketing and distribution of agricultural products. — DayakDaily
