KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd (Bank Islam) will open 10 branches on two consecutive Saturdays starting tomorrow as part of its proactive measures taken in facilitating its customers who need financial assistance post moratorium.
Bank Islam said it would offer targeted payment assistance for individual customers and small and medium enterprises (SME) affected by Covid-19, despite the current automatic moratorium period will end on September 30, 2020.
Chief executive officer Mohd Muazzam Mohamed said the bank understand that some customers might have difficulties in visiting its branches during normal operation hours.
"Hence, we have taken the initiative to operate 10 branches nationwide on Saturday, 12 and 19 September 2020, from 10:00am to 3:00pm for consultations and submission of post moratorium financial assistance applications," he said in statement today.
He said the bank stands ready to ensure customers' financial needs are taken care of, and urged customers need to 'discuss and talk to the bank'.
Meanwhile, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd (Bank Muamalat) branches nationwide will also be opened on weekends for two consecutive weeks to help its customers who face financial constraints to apply for the post-moratorium payment assistance.
Bank Muamalat branches in the Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak will be open on September 12, 13, 19 and 20.
Its branches in Kelantan and Terengganu will be open on September 11, 12, 18 and 19.
"We, at Bank Muamalat, care about our customers and are ready to assist those who expect to face difficulties in resuming financing payments, after the moratorium period ends on September 30," said Bank Muamalat chief executive officer Khairul Kamarudin.
As of September 10, Bank Muamalat has successfully contacted 100 per cent of its targeted customer group. Of that number, only 17 per cent have responded.
"As there are still many who have yet to respond, the bank has decided to open all its branches throughout the weekend for two consecutive weeks, should they need assistance or wish to consult with us," added Khairul.
Customers who wish to apply for assistance are advised to bring along their latest salary slip, supporting documents such as termination letter / notice of salary reduction / unpaid leave letter, and Statutory Declaration.
This targeted assistance is also offered to operators of SMEs. Bank Muamalat had previously announced the provision of payment assistance to its customers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic such as job loss, salary reduction and required to take unpaid leave by employers.
The targeted assistance offered to customers includes, an extension of the moratorium for three months to those who have lost their jobs in 2020 and are yet to find new jobs, starting in October, 2020.
For customers who are still working but their salaries have been cut, the instalment payment will be reduced in accordance with the salary reduction rate, depending on the type of financing, for a period of at least six months.
Extensions can also be granted subject to the current salary situation of the affected customer.