By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 5: Plans for mobile banking facilities in Sg Asap, Belaga, Sebauh and Tatau in Bintulu Division are in the pipeline and expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2021.
Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar emphasised that Bank Rakyat, an entity under the supervision of the ministry, is still looking into various matters and getting input on the setting up of the mobile banking services and the appointment of agent banks.
“Bank Rakyat is also studying the aspects of security, additional services, and Internet accessibility and coverage to open up a permanent branch in Sg Asap, Belaga.
“At the same time, Bank Rakyat will also be implementing digitalisation (of its services) until the end of 2021 in order to provide a much better, more efficient and advance services to the people as a whole,” he told the Dewan Rakyat in Kuala Lumpur this morning.
Wan Junaidi was responding to Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong (GPS-Hulu Rejang)’s query on the government’s plan to establish banking facilities such as Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) and Bank Rakyat at Sg Asap, Belaga.
He added that the federal government acknowledged the needs of local people and entrepreneur community for banking facilities to be set up in Sg Asap, Belaga.
“The mobile banking and appointment of agent banks are among the plans proposed to be implemented by the government through the agency Bank Rakyat in Sarawak including Sg Asap and Belaga areas,” he said.
He disclosed that the services to be provided by the mobile banking facility covered opening of accounts, transactions for saving accounts, Tabung Haji, Internet banking registration, bill payments, remittance, Ar-Rahnu, loan repayments and so on.
Wilson also suggested that mobile banking facilities to be extended to locations in the remotest areas of Sarawak such as Long Busang, Long Urun, Long Tanyit, Data Kakus, Punan Bah, Sg Gat, Merit and Hilir Belaga.
“These areas are located deep and far in the interiors and without access to banking facilities. I hope this mobile banking facility can reach them as well so that the people can benefit from it,” he added.
Wan Junaidi thus promised to put forward the requests to Bank Rakyat for serious consideration, noting the needs of the people in the Hulu Rejang areas of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
