Ahmad Shabery (front row fifth right) and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang (fourth right) with members of AgroBank and representatives from the Baram Area Farmers’ Organisation during a photo call after the opening of AgroAgent banking facility in Bario.
BARIO: Banking facility is among one of the most important things that must be developed in rural areas to help the community live a better life like city-dwellers, said Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
He said villagers who are also farmers face many difficulties and among them is carrying out money transactions that will only limit their potential to become successful entrepreneurs.
“Apart from water supply, roads and hospitals, banking services is one of the most important infrastructures that will help make their village life better.
“We will not be able to produce many successful entrepreneurs if this difficulty continues because it can only make business transactions difficult,” said Ahmad Shabery after officiating at the opening of AgroAgent here on April 4.
Prior to the establishment of the AgroAgent in Bario, the local community have to travel far just to perform banking services.
“Previously, people in Bario who want to go to the bank must undertake a 12-hour journey by road or an hour by plane to Miri.
“Just imagine, those who want to perform business transactions have to spend around RM300 to RM400 before they can go to the bank to withdraw their money or perform other banking services,” he explained.
Ahmad Shabery congratulated Agrobank on their efforts to provide financial services to people in remote areas including Bario. He added that with the opening of AgroAgent in the area, it will give added value in terms of business development.
“As expected, when we establish the financial services in an area, indirectly it helps the local community to easily perform anything that is related to financing. Without proper financing and funding, a business cannot be developed.
“It is also hoped that with the establishment of banking facility here, it will boost the homestay businesses and the local community in Bario will take advantage this,” he added.
Several representatives from the Baram Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK) have been appointed as agro agents with the establishment of this banking facility in Bario.
To date AgroBank has appointed a total of 170 agents throughout the country including 14 from the state to provide basic banking services to the rural communities.