Kota Padawan, a small town some 18km from Kuching city, has been lacking in banking facilities for many years.
There used to be two banks here. However, one of the banks decided to move away, leaving many – both residents and businesses – in a fix.
Now, there is only Bank Rakyat left – its automated teller machines (ATM) catering to the increasing population.
Cindy Bong, 49, who has lived in Kota Padawan for over 40 years, said previously, the availability of banking facilities and ATMs made it easier for people.
“The ATMs, banks and services provided were really good. It made life easier for us, who are living near and in town.
“When the Giant Hypermarket opened, there were many ATMs and people often used them. It was very convenient.”
She questioned why not many banks were willing to operate in Kota Padawan and urged them to consider setting up operations here.
“I would say the development here has been good and positive, but it does not mean life here is getting easy.
“Without any banking facilities, people here will have a hard time getting to far places just to get money. It is so important to us all, for sure, but I just hope banks or just ATMs can be set up here for our convenience.”
Boon, 39, who has lived in Kota Padawan for 30 years, concurred with Cindy.
However, she expressed concern that the one and only bank here might close operations soon.
“I’m sure people are grateful to have Bank Rakyat in the town. With its ATM and the services provided, life is easy for the town people to do their banking transactions.
“I am concern though that Bank Rakyat will move away soon and it will be hard for the people, as they need to go to Batu 7 or Siburan just to get money and do other transactions.”
Chew Siaw Lan, 42, opined that the setting-up of banks here would save people time and transportation cost.
“Just imagine the villagers from Puncak Borneo or people living near here, they need to go far just to get money or to sort out financial matters,” said the 42-year-old, who has been staying in Kota Padawan for some 10 years now.
“I thinks banks or just ATMs in Kota Padawan would make life easier.”
Chew agreed that it would mean a lot to people if banks were established here as Kota Padawan would be visited by many from Kuching and Serian, thanks to the soon-to-be-completed flyover.
“Many will flock to town for rest and relaxation, to eat as well as to buy fresh produce.
“I hope banks will consider this socioeconomic growth.”
Lan, 51, from Kampung Garung, Puncak Borneo, and has been trading at the Kota Padawan Market for 10 years now, said in the past, banking facilities were very convenient.
“We had CIMB Bank and Bank Rakyat. However, that’s in the past and now there’s only Bank Rakyat.
“It is good that the ATMs are operational but sometimes they run out of money.”
Lan said while banks were needed in Kota Padawan, ATMs would do just as well.
“A major stopover town like Kota Padawan should have more banking facilities. I’m sure, if this really happens, it would definitely give a positive impact on the lives of folk here and the visitors and tourists that drop by.”
