Six Agrobank Mobile Units Bring Financial Services Closer To Rural Communities

KOTA BHARU, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Six Agrobank mobile bank units have been deployed in rural areas as a strategic initiative to improve local communities’ access to the bank’s financial services.

Agrobank Group president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the six units - two each in Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak - had been strategically placed to serve these communities.

He said the services offered through the initiative include savings and withdrawals, opening savings accounts, takaful registration, utility bill payments, and financing advisory services.

“Generally, this service targets rural areas with populations of around 5,000 to 10,000 people.

“This clearly demonstrates the importance of this initiative in assisting rural communities who face challenges in accessing banking facilities,” he said.

He said this after the launching ceremony of the mobile bank services and Kampung Angkat MADANI (MADANI Adopted Village) initiative, in Kampung Pantai Mek Mas today, which was officiated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.

Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah added that Agrobank remains committed to strengthening its role in rural development, with the primary goal of promoting financial inclusion in a more accessible, efficient and inclusive manner.

“In Kelantan, the distance between rural villages and the nearest banking branch can reach up to 30 kilometres - about 40 minutes of travel one way - making it difficult for residents to access basic banking services.

“Our mobile bank initiative, covering areas around Kota Bharu, Jeli, Machang, Bachok and Kuala Krai, plays a crucial role as the main channel for providing financial services to the local community, especially those living in the interior,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mohamad expressed hope that the rural community would provide support to Agrobank, noting that many of the bank’s facilities and assistance programmes aim to improve the local economy.

At the event, Agrobank also handed over a zakat contribution of RM10,000 in conjunction with the launch of the Kampung Angkat MADANI, to be distributed to 50 selected families in villages including Kampung Pantai Mek Mas, Kampung Pantai Kundur and Kampung Kuala Besar.

In addition, Agrobank provided another RM10,000 in zakat contributions to benefit 100 underprivileged students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pulau Kundor.

-- BERNAMA