Agrobank launches its ATM to help rural community in Sabah
BELURAN – Agrobank today launches its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and Cash Deposite Machine (CDM) in Pekan Baru Botition near Beluran to serve the local community at the rural area especially here in Sabah. The launch ceremony was officiated by YAB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, Chief Minister of Sabah.
The move is seen as one of the significant initiatives by the Bank to cater and reach out to the community in Pekan Baru Botition due to strong growth in agricultural activities especially oil palm plantation, oil palm mills and swiftlet farming. Swiflet is also considered as new wealth in agriculture sector in this country apart from ‘durian’, coconut, corn and dairy industry. Pekan Baru Botition being a strategic location is ideal for swiftlet farming and the town is accessible by road, some 200km from Sandakan.
With the potential development of activities in this area, Agrobank sees greater need to help drive the economic activities by providing banking services such as ATM and CDM machines.
According to YBhg Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal, Chairman of Agrobank, the ATM and CDM will create easy banking services for the rural community. This is in line with the Bank’s initiative which to serve the ‘unserved’ and ‘underserved’ community especially in rural areas.
“To date, Agrobank has a total of 17 branches and 3 kiosks in Sabah and the latest addition of services in Pekan Baru Botition will continue to support the rural community and increase its economy to another level. This is also to support Bank Negara Malaysia’s initiatives in expanding and enhancing financial inclusion nationwide. More than 71% of Agrobank’s branches are in rural areas and this is part of the Bank’s commitment to assist the unserved and underserved community”, he added.
With the introduction of the ATM and CDM, the 37,000 strong-folks in Pekan Baru Botition will no longer have to travel a long distance to the nearest town to make withdrawals and deposits as the machines are located in the heart of the Botition which comes under State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sugut. Previously, residents are forced to travel to the nearest town in Telupid and Beluran takes at least 2 hours to withdraw and deposit money at ATM and CDM. This basic facility is expected to boost the agro business in this area. This reflects the Bank’s effort and initiatives to continue serving the rural community in Sabah.
Also present during the launch are Datuk James Ratib, Sugut Assemblyman and Puan Masaat Awadz, covering President / Chief Executive Officer of Agrobank and local leaders.
