NUBE slams Bank Negara for allowing banks to charge extra for manual transactions

Bank Negara Malaysia has come under criticism from consumer groups for allowing banks to charge extra for over-the-counter transactions.

PETALING JAYA: Vocal bankers’ union NUBE has slammed the policy of banks to charge RM2 for any over-the-counter transaction, saying it burdens the poor who have no internet connection.

NUBE, or the National Union of Bank Employees, said it had raised the issue of such unfair practices with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) but no action had been taken.

NUBE general secretary J Solomon also questioned the excuse given by the Association of Banks in Malaysia that the fee is to encourage customers to use online banking.

“But what about those in rural areas, estates, those who are born without the ability to use computer gadgets, the poor who cannot afford tech gadgets?” he asked.

Social media users today shared a recording of a conversation between a client and a bank teller, in which a man was heard venting his frustration at having to pay RM2 for every transaction at the counter.

He said the online services were constantly down, and added that it was “grossly unfair” to charge customers extra for using the counters at the bank.

“We are already paying so much interest on loans and you further charge us for using your services,” the man was heard saying.

Solomon said it was “shocking” for BNM to allow such a policy which served the interests of only the commercial banks.

“We have been protesting over the issue with letters but they have not responded to our mails.

“Commercial banks are obsessed with profits. BNM should know the implications,” he added.

Yesterday, the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) criticised the move to allow banks to impose a 50 sen charge for use of the cheque deposit machines and RM2 for over-the-counter transactions, beginning next month.

CAP said its complaints to BNM were ignored by the central bank.

“There has been no response and we can take their silence as tacit approval of banks profiting from their customers in this way,” said CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader.

Commercial banks grouping Association of Banks in Malaysia however defended the move, saying it would encourage the public to use online banking. -FMT