MUKAH: Agrobank continues to lead the charge towards promoting a cashless society in Sarawak with the launch of its Cashless Community Programme in Tanjung Manis, Sibu.
This corporate social responsibility-driven initiative aims to advance the comprehensive financial-inclusion agenda in Sarawak by revolutionising the digital payment systems and cashless transactions to benefit all segments of society, especially underserved communities in rural areas, the bank said.
In addition to empowering rural communities as well as small and micro-business owners, the Agrobank Cashless Community Programme promotes its innovative DuitNow QR feature as the main choice for transactions, as the tool provides users with a fast, secure, and seamless transaction experience, paving the way for a new era of financial efficiency.
With these advantages, the development financial institution is not only supporting small and micro-business owners in efficiently managing their operations but also contributing to the development and success of their businesses.
Speaking to reporters after the launch recently, Agrobank chief operations officer Zahid Ahmad Zawawi said the initiative towards a cashless society was first implemented with the Sarawak government a year ago.
“Previously we did it in Daro, with100 local residents and traders. Today, nearly 200 people participated; and we will expand further to areas such as Lawas and Limbang,” he said, adding that the response has been very good.
According to Zahid Ahmad, it is Agrobank’s responsibility through the initiative to ensure people, especially participating micro entrepreneurs, gain knowledge about the digital economy for business expansion.
He said this will spur sustainable and inclusive economic growth for Sarawak, going beyond the limits of traditional banking with a deep impact on the modernisation of the agriculture sector and agri-food industries along the supply chain.
Also present at the event were Sarawak’s Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh, who is also Kuala Rajang assemblyman, and Agrobank director Mohamed Iqbal.
Agrobank also presented a symbolic cheque for RM869,000 from the Sarawak Micro Funds Scheme to 25 entrepreneurs in the Tanjung Manis district.
The fund is aimed at assisting the B40 groups and providing relief to small and medium enterprises affected by the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also at the function, Agrobank announced a RM2mil contribution to its Takaful Kasih Plus Protection Plan.
In addition, the bank presented zakat amounting to RM5,000 to 100 less fortunate in Tanjung Manis.
Earlier, the event kicked off with Len Talif officiating Agrobank’s Tanjung Manis Kiosk, which has been in operation since May 2023 and facilitated the creation of over 500 new accounts in the district. — Bernama
