KAPIT: All banks here were told to reopen for business from yesterday after they closed down since the movement control order (MCO) was implemented on March 18.
Kapit Disaster Management Committee held a meeting with banks officials at the Bletih State Complex yesterday to resolve various issues arising during the MCO namely transportation of cash from Sibu to Kapit, technicians to service and maintain the automated teller machines (ATMs) and cash deposit machines (CDMs).
The meeting was chaired by deputy Resident Galong Luang who is also the deputy chairman of Kapit Disaster Management – Covid-19 Committee. It was attended by senior officials from the local branch of Maybank, Public Bank BHD, Hong Leong Bank Bhd, Agro Bank Bhd, Bank Simpanan Nasional and Bank Rakyat Bhd.
Also present at the meeting was the state assemblyman for Pelagus Wilson Nyabong Ijang.
One of the issues discussed was the difficulty faced by the banks in transporting cash from Sibu to Kapit as express boats had stopped operation during the MCO period.
It was agreed that the banks would charter express boat for the purpose to ensure that the banks’ ATMs have sufficient cash flow.
The banks were also told to strictly practise social distancing of customers at their ATMs or counters. They should request assistance from the police or Rela to regulate the crowd if necessary.
It is learnt that banks here require about RM20 million in cash transactions per month.
At the meeting Kapit Disaster Management – Covid-19 Virus Committee presented hand gloves and face masks to the banks’ representatives.
