KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has confirmed that the public will continue to have nation-wide access to essential financial services amid a restriction movement order from March 18, until March 31.
In a statement released today, the central bank has ensured that all banking institutions, development financial institutions, insurance companies and takaful operators will continue operations.
These included uninterrupted accesses to self-service terminals (ATMs, cash deposit machines) at all branches and accessible locations, electronic banking, mobile banking, money changing and remittance services, payment card services and any other online services.
BNM said these include processing and approval of new loans or financing applications and processing and handling of insurance/takaful claims, issuance of guarantee letters and annual renewal of insurance policies/takaful certificates.
“The branches of these financial service providers will remain open during this containment period to provide essential services to the public.
“Members of the public are advised to refer to their provider’s website or customer service hotlines for further information on services available at the provider’s premises during this period.
"We urge all members of the public to remain calm and patient as the financial service providers roll-out their respective crowd containment and management measures to ensure the safety and health of their customers and employees are prioritised and preserved throughout this period,” it said.
BNM said selected non-bank money changers and remittance service providers will open at least three days in a week to ensure availability of money changing and remittance services throughout this period.
Members of the public should refer to the MSB Advisor app or websites of specific operators for more details.
All e-payment providers have also been advised to ensure no interruptions to all payments and money transfer facilities transacted through their customers’ e-wallets and e-accounts.
The Malaysian financial market will remain accessible and open as per regular trading hours throughout this period.
“We (BNM) will continue to provide sufficient liquidity in the foreign exchange, bond and money markets to ensure uninterrupted financial intermediation,” it added.
The bank said the public are strongly encouraged to use electronic and online services to facilitate social distancing to ensure effective containment of Covid-19.
“Households and businesses who are facing financial distress resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak are advised to contact their financial service provider early to discuss alternative repayment measures.”
It said the public are also advised to remain vigilant on scams related to COVID-19, which may be promoted in many forms through social media, emails or phone calls, to take advantage of the public in such emergencies.