By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 13: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that Affin Bank will now have the authority to approve loans up to a certain amount directly from Kuching, expediting the process for businesses in the State.
He highlighted that the Sarawak government has acquired a 31.25 per cent majority stake in Affin Bank, marking the first time a Malaysian state has taken such a significant stake in a commercial bank.
“With this move, Affin Bank will establish its regional headquarters in Kuching and will have the mandate to approve loans up to a certain amount locally; no longer waiting for Kuala Lumpur,” he said during a Chinese New Year (CNY) dinner organised by the Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations, Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division at Imperial Hotel last night (Feb 12).
Abang Johari emphasised that this shift will expedite loan approvals for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to roll out their activities more efficiently.
Also present at the event were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Wei Ping, Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations, Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Division president Dato Richard Wee, and the dinner’s organising chairman Kapitan Dato Lau Sie Lok. – DayakDaily
