Many find online banking safer and faster

PETALING JAYA: Busy Malaysians favour online and automated banking services, instead of over-the-counter transactions, as they find the former more convenient, safer, cheaper and faster.

“I don’t have time to wait at the bank to do my banking stuff.

“I will go to the counter only if I really have no choice,” said 26-year-old blogger Sarah Voon, who hardly visits banks.

She said she preferred online banking because it is convenient and saves time.

IT executive Iqwan Mustapha, 28, said he couldn’t remember the last time he went to a bank.

“I hardly deposit cash or cheques, and I perform all my transfers online anytime and anywhere,” he said.

Marketing manager S. Priyanka, 27, said she would only use over-the-counter services if her transactions are above RM5,000.

“For smaller amounts, I would ra­­ther use the machines or online banking. You don’t need to queue or wait to be served by bank officers,” she said.

Consultant Matilda Lee noted that doing online banking is certainly safer than going to the bank.

“After all the stories about people getting robbed at the ATM or cash deposit machines, I’m reluctant to do so. I’d rather do all my transactions online in the safe confines of my bedroom,” said the 28-year-old Matilda, add­ing that cashless transactions are the way to go.

Civil servant Bobby Dallen Indoi, 34, said it is cheaper to go online.

“It’s better to pay the interbank transfer charge of 11 sen than paying for petrol and parking,” he said.