MIRI: ATM facilities are badly needed in rural places and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) drove the point home during a meeting with Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala on Saturday (Feb 11).
SMA general Manager Tan Seri Dr Zaidi Razak called for the prompt installation of such facilities for the convenience of rural residents.
The installation of 36 new telecommunication towers in the Mulu constituency is being actively supervised by SMA and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), he said.
“I hope with the towers allocated for the Bario and Mulu National Park area, the service providers can assist to allocate dedicated lines to ensure stability for the operation of the ATMs in order to ease both physical and digital banking in the areas,” said Zaidi after the meeting.
In a press statement meanwhile Gerawat stated that Bario and Mulu National Parks are well known as tourist attractions and are frequently visited by travellers from all over the world.
However, the absence of financial facilities, particularly ATMs for tourists and locals to have access to ready cash in both sites, has long been a source of complaint.
“Mulu is one of the biggest constituencies in the state and due to its remoteness and very difficult terrain, physical and digital accessibility has always been a big challenge.
“The government, through SMA, MCMC, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), has also been working hard to increase internet connectivity throughout the state, including in the Mulu constituency,” Gerawat said.
In accordance with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s policy on the digital economy, this is part of the government’s endeavour to establish internet connectivity throughout Sarawak.
“There are a large number of people in the rural constituencies who are still dependent on physical cash which includes tourists and local vendors.
“Of course they can do online banking, but we also need to cater to that large sector of the local people in rural areas who are not used to digital banking. Therefore, we need to set up ATMs to provide convenience and basic banking services for the tourists, local vendors and community,” he said.
With these amenities Gerawat added, commerce may be conducted more easily, boosting the local economy.
Also present during the meeting were representatives from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), MCMC, and Celcom-Digi.
