DEBAK: People here have to go to either Betong or Saratok to withdraw money from the bank and it is not because attempts have not been made to get banks to provide their services here.
A frustrated Saribas assemblyman Mohd Razi Sitam said there had been no response from the banking industry despite him trying to get a bank branch or kiosk set up over the last few years.
“I am very disappointed with the silence by the banking industry, whether government-owned or commercial, as they have yet to give us any response,” he said, adding the facility was very much needed by the people.
“We have entered 2022, I hope bank service providers such as Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Bank Rakyat or Agro Bank do not just think of profit but put the needs of the people as a priority.
“I am optimistic that the bank will be able to generate profits with the rapid development of Debak and the surrounding area,” he said.
Elaborating, Razi, who is also Assistant Minister of Community Well-being Development, said banks should not be afraid to open a branch or kiosk in Debak town because the situation today was not like 10 or 20 years ago.
“Debak has undergone many changes in terms of development and economy,” he said, adding, “the population growth rate has also increased as well as purchasing power.”
This is why the presence of a bank branch or kiosk will make the daily affairs of the people easier, he argued.
“Debak will continue to be economically empowered in the next five to 10 years,” he declared, again calling on BSN, Bank Rakyat or Agro Bank to end the decades-long wait of the people of Debak so that they can also enjoy banking facilities at their own place.
Similarly, Kapitan Tan Xiao Ping said Debak residents really needed a bank branch or kiosk.
“We have to go to another town to withdraw the money (at the automated teller machine or ATM), and this is quite inconvenient.
“If we look at the growth of Debak, it is growing therefore, I urge the banking industry to consider providing at least one banking facility for us,” he stressed.
Another local leader Penghulu Kadam Ot fully supported Razi’s call for Debak to be provided with banking facilities.
“If possible, let it be expedited as it is a very important need as Debak residents have to go to Betong or Saratok to withdraw money — this takes a lot of time as well as increases our expenses,” he said.
