by BERNAMA / Pic by BERNAMA

SARAWAK Chief Minister (CM) Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (picture) has launched mobile banking services for the convenience of rural residents in the state.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony yesterday, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has allocated RM1.6 million for the scheme, including an allocation of RM200,000 to four participating banks to subsidise the purchase of bulletproof vehicles, each worth RM500,000.

Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd, Bank Simpanan Nasional Bhd (BSN), Bank Pertanian Malaysia Bhd (Agrobank) and RHB Bank Bhd are the financial institutions involved in the programme.

He said the services provided by the participating banks are similar to the services they provide in urban areas, including withdrawal services through ATM machines, loan applications and credit cards.

The CM said he is grateful to the banks involved, who had responded to the Sarawak government’s call to participate in the programme, and would still accept other banks interested in participating.

“This mobile banking service will definitely facilitate and ease the burden of the rural population because they no longer have to travel far to the city to get this service,” he said.

Abang Johari said BSN will provide the mobile banking service in the Sungai Asap and Sebauh areas, while Bank Rakyat would provide it in Sebauh, Tatau, Sungai Asap and Belaga.

“RHB Bank will cater to residents in Asajaya, Sadong Jaya, Balingian, Oya and Igan, while Agrobank will provide services in Padawan, Bau, Lundu, Sematan, Lingga, Pantu, Tebedu, Asajaya and Sebuyau, which are the state’s agriculture and tourism areas,” he said.

Abang Johari also said the areas where Agrobank and RHB Bank would be operating are expected to be further upgraded with infrastructure facilities and developed for agriculture and tourism activities. — Bernama