The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) in collaboration with selected member banks is conducting a pilot test involving the installation of ink-staining technology as part of the commercial banking industry’s measures to enhance the security of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

“The ink-staining technology will help to deter criminals from attacking the ATMs because the money inside would be stained with chemical ink. This staining would make the banknotes easily identifiable as stolen,” said Datuk Abdul Farid Alias, Chairman of ABM.

“As an industry we have collaborated closely with the regulators and the law enforcement agencies to stay abreast of current developments and will continue to fight against financial crimes.”

The introduction of the ink-staining system builds on existing security measures of ATMs which include alarms, camera surveillance and additional structural support to withstand physical force.

The technology is deployed to selected ATMs based on the risk-profile of its location. Research has shown that the use of ink-staining is one of the more effective means to deter ATMs robberies.

Members of the public must not accept dye-stained banknotes as they may have been stolen from an ATM. Anyone who receives such notes is advised to refer the said notes to the nearest Bank Negara Malaysia office/branch for assessment and should report any relevant information to the police immediately.

The dye-stained banknotes can be detected and rejected by Cash Deposit Machines and all financial institutions have been instructed not to accept such banknotes.

For more information about this initiative, do contact ABM at our ABMConnect hotline by dialing 1-300-88-9980 or emailing us at eABMConnect by logging on to our website, www.abm.org.my.