Having ATMs in rural areas up to govt, not banks, says ex-minister

 

Former special functions minister Redzuan Yusof wants Putrajaya to detail its strategy to provide ATMs for rural Malaysians. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: A comment by the finance ministry that it is the responsibility of the banks to install ATMs in rural areas provoked the ire of a former Bersatu minister in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Former special functions minister Redzuan Yusof (PN-Alor Gajah) said the matter should be under the purview of the government to help rural communities, adding that Putrajaya should detail its strategy to provide ATMs for rural Malaysians.

“I think the deputy finance minister did not answer correctly. The issue of e-Digital, Jom Digital, ATMs and the role of banks is not accurate.

“If we want to implement what has been mentioned, we need to have a target. If we have a goal, there must be a plan,” he said while questioning deputy finance minister Yamani Hafez Musa.

Yamani had said the installation of ATMs in rural areas was subject to banking institutions providing such services in rural areas.

“However, we will always monitor the specific needs of the banking industry when deciding which areas really need them,” he said as part of his response to a question from Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus (PH-Hulu Langat) on the government’s efforts to help consumers in the interior. - FMT