KUCHING: Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) aims to place registered bank agents in all corners of Sarawak this year.
Deputy Minister of Finance I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said the 100 per cent target has not been achieved as there is one sub-district in Nanga Merit, Kapit that has yet to have registered bank agents.
“We know it is very difficult to go to a state which is as wide as the peninsula, but currently BSN’s agents have covered about 98 per cent of all sub-districts throughout Sarawak.
“With the agent in place at Nanga Merit later, it will help the people gain access to the banking system, thus facilitating the affairs of the people in the rural areas,” he told reporters after handing over the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) to the recipients at BSN Satok here, today.
The agents, Ahmad Maslan said, were one of the objectives established by BSN to bring bank services to the community with about 2,556 bank agents and 390 branches, the most branches than any other bank.
“We know that sometimes other commercial banks refuse to set up branches in unprofitable areas.
“Therefore, it is important that the area must have a proper internet network to ensure that the agen can be put in place and implemented,” he said.
In addition, Ahmad Maslan said BSN also provides mobile banking services to facilitate the affairs of residents in the rural areas.
He said as many as three lorries with a capacity of three tons have provided services in seven locations, namely Sungai Asap, Sebauh, Tatau, Pakan, Kabong, Beluru and Bekenu.
“I hope the people in the seven locations identified are well-informed about the services provided,” he added.
