Fire and Rescue Department personnel evacuating flood victims in Saujana Aman, Puncak Alam, on Nov 24. – BERNAMApic
KUALA LUMPUR: Banks are offering a range of flood-relief assistance, including deferment of loan or financing instalments to provide temporary financial relief and special financing facilities to assist customers in repairing and restoring their homes and businesses.
In a joint statement today, the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions of Malaysia (AIBIM) said that the banking industry is committed to easing the financial burden faced by individuals and businesses, while ensuring continued access to essential banking services.
The banks are also waiving fees for the replacement of damaged documents and cards, providing relief and adaptation facilities for micro, small, and medium enterprises, and offering exchanges for damaged banknotes.
"Customers are encouraged to reach out to their respective banks through official channels, namely bank branches, websites, online banking platforms, and social media accounts, for reliable information on available assistance.
"Customers are also advised to remain vigilant against scams and avoid engaging with unauthorised parties claiming to represent banks," it said.
Those seeking more information may refer to the list of member banks on ABM’s and AIBIM’s official websites.
ABM and AIBIM added that their member banks will continue taking the necessary steps to maintain access to essential banking services in all affected locations, with further updates to be issued through official communication channels.
Meanwhile, Maybank has activated its Flood Relief Assistance programme for affected individuals and SME customers. The support measures, available with immediate effect, are aimed at easing the financial burden on those impacted.
Maybank said its Flood Relief Assistance package aims to ease financial pressures on customers affected by the floods.
The measures include options such as deferment of loan and financing repayments, reduced monthly instalments and extensions of repayment tenures.
The bank is also waiving fees and charges for selected services, including the replacement of debit cards, ATM cards and cheque books damaged or lost in the floods.
Maybank’s insurance arm, Etiqa, has put in place a quick and easy claim process for policyholders and takaful certificate holders affected by the floods.
Claims can be submitted without forms or supporting documents, either through dedicated WhatsApp lines or by calling Etiqa’s flood claims careline for assistance.
In a separate statement, CIMB Bank and CIMB Islamic Bank said they continue to support individual and SME customers affected by the recent floods.
“To ease the impact of the floods on individual and SME customers, as well as its employees, CIMB has activated a comprehensive assistance package focused on immediate relief, business recovery and long-term resilience,” it said.
CIMB said the bank has expanded financing options for business owners through Bank Negara’s Disaster Relief Facility and the new Relief & Adaptation Facility (RAFt), which allocates RM100mil for flood-prevention and adaptation measures.
SMEs can apply for up to RM1mil under each facility, or RM2mil in total, at preferential rates with a tenure of up to seven years.
Customers can also apply for up to six months of repayment relief, including moratorium options, while SMEs will have access to flexible repayment arrangements to manage cash flow.
CIMB said insurance and takaful claims will be expedited through dedicated hotlines with its partners. The bank will also waive fees for replacing cards, passbooks, bankers’ cheques and statements, as well as late charges for individual and SME customers.
Employees affected by the floods will receive support through the bank’s Staff Welfare Fund, including cash advances and other financial assistance. - Agencies
