KUCHING: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Kuching is now exploring areas to cooperate with trade chambers and associations in relation to financial services in Sarawak.
Ishak (centre) is seen during a photo call for the briefing. From second left are Terence, SCCI executive secretary John Chua and Sheda secretary general Sim Kiang Chiok.
This new approach follows the elevation of BNM Kuching from a branch into a regional office effective July.
The first batch of trade chambers and associations to be briefed on BNM Kuching’s elevation were the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers Association (Sheda).
The briefing, held at the Sheda office here on Wednesday, was given by BNM Kuching manager Ishak Musa and executives Lofti Ismail and Thayalan Kathivel.
DCCI executive secretary Terence Temenggung Jayang, who attended the briefing, said among the general topics discussed in detail were e-payments and its problems and challenges, as well as the use of China’s renminbi especially for those trading and dealing with the country and the Chinese market at large.
Also discussed were access to financing facilities available in commercial banks and a number of pertinent issues such as problems experienced bycontractors, developers and house buyers in Sarawak.
“Ishak said his team would be reaching out and engaging with the public in the rural towns such as Simunjan and there would a seminar to be held in Miri during October for a dialogue with the governor of BNM to explain issues and policies especially on financial inclusion and education and BNM’s Strategic Agenda,” said Terrence.