DEBAK: Residents of Saribas desperately want bank branches and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in town.
Betong Division Temenggung Pi’ee Alwi said they had been waiting for far too long to enjoy such banking facilities.
The appeal was made by community leaders, representing the people of Saribas, after the previous application was unsuccessful.
“We hope that at least one bank branch, either Bank Simpanan National, Bank Agro or Bank Rakyat, and ATMs be made available here.
“Residents have to travel to Betong or Saratok just to do their banking transactions, especially cash withdrawal. This incurs expenses and it is very difficult for the people,” said Pi’ee.
He hoped the government would look into the matter seriously. “Debak district currently has 63 longhouses and nine villages with a population of around 12,214, a relatively high figure.
“Many out-of-towners come here during the weekends to do business and buy daily necessities, and this has increased the purchasing power in Debak town.
“This situation of course requires cash and there are family members who are far away wanting to send money, this also needs a bank or ATM machine,” he explained why the need for such facilities.
It was understood that the appeal for the provision of bank branches and ATM machines in Debak was also supported by Penghulu Kadam Ot, Penghulu Abang Kifrawi Abang Rukaili and Kapitan Tan Siaw Peng.
Previously, Saribas assemblyman Mohammad Razi Sitam had touched on the same issue due to concern for the needs of the people, especially during the pandemic and movement restrictions.
