Association of banks donates RM10 mil to fight Covid-19

The funds will also be used for the ‘ response support actions’ of the health ministry, operational supplies, logistics and to assist at-risk communities’ livelihood.

PETALING JAYA: The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) today announced a RM10 million contribution to assist the nation’s fight against Covid-19.

It is working together with Mercy Malaysia. Funds contributed by ABM’s members will be channelled specifically to “critical preparedness as well as readiness and response support actions” for the health ministry and the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC).

A statement issued by ABM today added that the funds would also be used for operational supplies; support and logistics; at-risk communities’ livelihood; mental health and psychosocial support; and epidemic/pandemic risk reduction.

Maybank contributed RM2.5 million while five banks – CIMB, Hong Leong, HSBC, Public Bank and RHB – each donated RM1 million for the battle against the deadly virus.

Alliance Bank, AmBank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB each contributed RM500,000.

ABM said member banks realised the need for adequate medical supplies and equipment during such times of emergency.

“We hope that our contribution will make a difference to all hospitals involved, together with all frontline teams, in providing them sufficient resources to help the fight against Covid-19,” said Khairussaleh Ramli, group managing director of RHB Banking Group.

“It’s our hope that this collective contribution will go some way to relieve some of the pressures faced by health professionals and communities impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak,” said Hong Leong Bank group managing director and CEO Domenic Fuda.

The RM10 million collected under the ABM initiative does not include the individual contributions announced by some member banks prior to this, which would be managed separately by the banks concerned. - FMT