PASIR MAS: A total of 2,300 Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) agents nationwide are providing basic banking services to communities, especially those in remote areas.
BSN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin said its agents played a vital role in assisting rural and underserved communities by offering them essential banking services.
He said through the agents, the public could gain access to services such as account opening, bill payments and cash withdrawals, without needing to visit a BSN branch.
"This initiative promotes financial inclusion by ensuring that no Malaysian is left behind in gaining access to basic financial services at BSN.
"In addition, BSN has made significant progress in enhancing financial literacy through various educational programmes aimed at increasing financial knowledge among Malaysians.
"By strengthening an in-depth understanding of financial products and services, BSN empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions," he said during a press conference after visiting BSN Agent Sinaran Mentari in Kampung Lemal today.
Present was BSN chief executive officer Jay Khairil.
Awang Adek said BSN had 19 branches in Kelantan, including 213 banking agents, offering great benefits and convenience to the local population.
"Our agents are responsible for expanding BSN's reach and services to local communities, in addition to providing banking services to customers, contributing to financial inclusion and accessibility.
"Furthermore, in conjunction with BSN's 50th anniversary, we continue to strengthen our commitment to the Malaysian community through three main pillars — encouraging a saving culture, promoting financial inclusion, and increasing financial literacy.
"BSN is striving to fulfil its mandate effectively, including encouraging Malaysians to grow their savings and investments, as well as empowering the microfinance sector," he added.
In the same development, he shared news about the implementation of new BSN automated teller machines (ATMs) at the Sungai Besar MARA Junior Science College in Selangor, the South Kelantan Development Authority (Kesedar), and the Jeram Tekoh Nenggiri Project Office in Gua Musang, Kelantan.
He said new ATMs would be introduced this month at General Operations Force Battalion 8 Camp in Pengkalan Chepa, Kota Baru.
He said BSN had contributed significantly to improving the lives of the people while supporting economic growth, and it would continue to ensure that its banking services are accessible to all.