Kota Kinabalu: Agrobank launched two mobile banks under the People’s Protection and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih) with an allocation of RM18 million.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the service is provided so that rural residents can enjoy basic banking services more systematically such as withdrawals, ATM deposits and advisory services for the products offered by Agrobank.
He said the mobile banks would be ready for Lahad Datu, Tawau and Beaufort residents starting next month.
“The mobile bank is part of Agrobank’s commitment to helping the unserved and underserved community achieve financial inclusion, in line with the goals of Bank Negara Malaysia and Malaysia Madani,” he said during the Agrobank Mobile Bank launch ceremony at Lintasan Deasoka, here.
Mohamad said the programme was timely because rural folks such as those who lived in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, had to travel some 73.8km to the nearest town to get banking access.
“Through the mobile bank, people in these districts can easily access automated teller machine (ATM) services as well as get advisory services on the products offered by Agrobank.
“Agrobank’s efforts match with the Government’s wish to increase financial inclusion and simultaneously help develop the country’s agricultural sector,” he said.
Agrobank President and Chief Executive Officer Tengku Datuk Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said agriculture was one of the most important economic sources in Sabah, and he was confident that mobile bank services could boost the State’s economy.
“This effort is not the first from Agrobank. Previously, this kind of initiative was introduced in the 1970s, known as the Bank Pertanian Malaysia mobile bank.
“In November 1994, Agrobank also provided the first floating bank in Malaysia, known as the Patriot Rejang, which went down Sungai Rejang to provide basic banking access for communities around Kapit, Sibu and Belaga in Sarawak.
“Most recently, in 2022, Agrobank also launched a mobile bank with the same mechanism in Sarawak,” he said.
He said Agrobank’s banking services were mostly in rural areas.
“We believe that comprehensive financial services are the main pillar to boost economic growth, thus increasing the empowerment of individuals and communities.” Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin, Agrobank Chief Executive Officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Husin and Agrobank Chairman Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.
