By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 16: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has highlighted Affin Bank as a key partner in supporting Sarawak’s businesses and communities.
He said financial institutions play an important role in building confidence, helping SMEs expand, and strengthening community resilience, singling out Affin Bank for its “unrivalled customer service.”
“What distinguishes future-ready institutions today is not only scale, but responsiveness, sound discipline and a genuine commitment to the customer.
“Affin frames this as unrivalled customer service, the discipline of putting the customer first, and delivering consistently, with inclusivity at its core. In the end, trust is built through steady delivery, consistent standards and real presence in the community,” he said in a speech text delivered by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Affin Chinese New Year Dinner last night (Jan 15).
Abang Johari also highlighted Affin’s recent achievements, including Moody’s ‘A3’ credit rating and an upgrade in its ESG rating from 3 to 4 stars under the FTSE4Good review, recognising the bank’s strong governance, sustainability efforts and standing among Malaysia’s leading public listed companies.
Meanwhile, Affin Bank president and Group chief executive officer Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah said the bank is entering 2026 with strong momentum and an expanding footprint in Sarawak and East Malaysia.
He noted that Affin has grown its branch network in Sarawak from six to 13 in under eight months, anchored by the Affin Hikmah Exchange Branch in Kuching, which serves as the hub for regional and corporate operations.
Affin’s loan growth in Sarawak’s community banking segment has surged 19 per cent, reflecting local confidence, while 76 strategically placed ATMs ensure convenient access across the State.
“Affin is accelerating its expansion across East Malaysia, with a Sabah Regional Office set to open by March 2026. These strategic hubs in Borneo will bring Affin closer to its customers and business partners, enabling faster, more personalised service and supporting businesses with tailored financial solutions,” he said.
On the innovation front, Wan Razly highlighted Affin’s commitment to digital leadership and lifestyle integration, including ATMOZFR, a lifestyle app that connects banking with travel, dining and live events, offering exclusive privileges for customers.
Sustainability and financial inclusion also remain key pillars, with Affin’s sustainable financing portfolio already reaching 12.4 per cent of total loans in Q3 2025, and its Mobile Financial Centre bringing essential banking services to over 19,000 residents in rural and semi-urban areas, including Sarawak.
The dinner was graced by Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, marking a vibrant start to the Year of the Fire Horse. – DayakDaily
