Kuala Lumpur, 22 January 2015: – In a joint statement, The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM), Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM) have assured the public that their member financial institutions (FIs) with operations in the flood-stricken states have stepped-up efforts to ensure customers in the affected areas have access to basic banking services.

“Every step has been taken by banking institutions to ensure that basic banking services are made available at the affected flood areas. We understand the plight of those affected and would want to ensure that their burden is lightened by having access to much needed funds. Islamic banking institutions as well as our conventional counterparts have also embarked on corporate social responsibility initiatives in the affected areas,” said Dato’ Mohd Redza Shah, President of AIBIM.

“Our member FIs understand how important it is for affected households and businesses to be able to access their finances, especially those facing hardships due to the floods. FIs have worked hard to overcome various challenges faced by the FIs themselves, their employees and other support staff in the disaster areas such as electricity outage, disruptions to telecommunications services, damage to premises and equipment. Substantial resources have been allocated to ensure that simple over the counter services are available and self-service machines such as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and Cheque/Cash Deposit Machine (CDM) are functioning so that access to basic banking services are not interrupted,” said Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, Chairman of ABM.

“We wish to advise that basic banking services are being provided until such time affected branches are fully operational as the case may be. Cheque clearing services have been operating as usual,” added Datuk Farid.

Customers have also been informed of the closest branch where they may perform their banking transactions should any bank branch not be accessible. Additionally, customers may use the ATMs of other banks. FIs are working closely with Malaysian Electronic Payment System Sdn Bhd (MEPS) to set up MEPS ATMs where possible for the use of customers of local FIs which are MEPS members, and to waive the interbank withdrawal fee when a withdrawal is made at MEPS ATM in the affected areas.

The locations of ATMs and CDMs as well as branches in operation in the flood affected areas can be found on the websites of the three Associations or the respective FI concerned, and are set out in the Attachment hereto:

Those in the flood-affected areas who are eligible to receive the “Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia” (BR1M) payment can proceed to the nearest appointed FI to collect the BR1M payment beginning 15 January 2015.

The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) was formed in November 1973 with the primary objective of establishing and promoting a sound banking system in Malaysia in cooperation and consultation with Bank Negara Malaysia. Its members comprise the 27 commercial banks that currently operate in Malaysia.

ABM aims to facilitate, and create a conducive banking environment while promoting orderliness, and ethical banking practices. ABM also pursues wide-ranging issues to assist the industry in its efforts to remain competitive. Policies affecting banking infrastructure, clearing system, as well as areas on consumer education, risk management, and human resource development are part of the ABM platform. Member banks’ contributions to socio-economic planning and development of the country are some of the issues that form ABM’s agenda. The public can also call ABMConnect at 1-300-88-9980 for information on banking issues in the country. For more information, visit www.abm.org.my.

The Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) or Persatuan Institusi-Institusi Perbankan Islam Malaysia was established in 1996 as the Association of Interest Free Banking Institutions Malaysia, with objectives of promoting the establishment of a sound Islamic banking systems and practices and also aims at promoting and representing the interests of its 26 member banks and to render where possible such advice or assistance as may be deemed necessary and expedient to members.

Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia or the Association of Development Finance Institutions of Malaysia (ADFIM) was established on 12 January 1981. The purpose of this council is to increase knowledge and raise the level of expertise and effectiveness in all aspects of research and development funding as well as evaluating and disseminating techniques funding among members.

ADFIM has 20 members divided into 4 clusters financing Corporate Finance, Retail Financing, Financing Small and Medium Industry Development Organization and Financing of Entrepreneurship. While 6 were under the supervision of BNM.

The Malaysian Electronic Payment System Sdn Bhd (MEPS) is the only interbank network service provider in Malaysia that supports domestic, development, Islamic and foreign banks. Since its inception in 1996, MEPS has been an integral part of the Malaysian financial sector.

Through the provision of its Shared ATM Network, MEPS suite of services encompasses Interbank Cash Withdrawal, Interbank Funds Transfer (IBFT), Interbank Credit Card Payment, Interbank Loan or Financing Repayment, Interbank Mobile Prepaid Top-Up and Cross-Border Cash Withdrawal. MEPS is also involved in the business of ATM Deployment which are owned and managed by MEPS. The ATMs offer services ranging from domestic and cross-border cash withdrawal, domestic balance enquiry and funds transfer.

MEPS is committed to providing positive payment experience for its customers.

For more information, visit: www.meps.com.my / www.mepsatm.com.my