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KUCHING, 18 February – Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, has suggested that AFFIN Bank establish a regional office in Sarawak to accelerate loan approvals, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Premier made this call during AFFIN Bank’s Chinese New Year celebration at a leading hotel in Kuching last night. He emphasized the need to reduce dependence on the bank’s head office in Kuala Lumpur, which currently processes loan applications.
Faster Loan Approvals for SMEs
“We want AFFIN managers in Sarawak to have the authority to approve loans instead of waiting for approval from Kuala Lumpur alone,” said Abang Johari.
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He highlighted that Sarawak holds a significant stake in AFFIN Bank and expressed hope that the management would consider the proposal seriously. According to him, providing a certain level of approval autonomy in Sarawak would significantly speed up the loan process and benefit SMEs in the state.
Supporting Second Home Ownership in Sarawak
Apart from SME loans, the Premier also urged AFFIN Bank to offer financing options for individuals looking to purchase a second home in Sarawak.
“Help those who want to buy homes here in Kuching, not in London. Provide financing for them,” he said. He pointed out that international buyers, including Indonesian students studying at institutions like Swinburne University and Curtin University, may be interested in owning homes in Sarawak.
Facilitating home financing for these individuals would also benefit local property developers and contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Strengthening Sarawak’s Economy
The Premier’s proposal aligns with Sarawak’s broader economic strategy to enhance microeconomic activities. By giving local banking officials more decision-making power, businesses can access financial assistance more quickly, leading to increased economic growth and development.
Event Attendees
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Also present were Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
With this proposal, Sarawak’s business community is hopeful that AFFIN Bank will take swift action to establish a regional office, ensuring faster loan approvals and greater financial accessibility for local entrepreneurs.