Long-awaited ATM services for Nenggiri folk soon

GUA MUSANG: Residents in Nenggiri can look forward to getting automated teller machine (ATM) services soon as the state constituency continues to receive attention during the by-election campaign period.

The Finance Ministry has acknowledged reports about the difficulties faced by Nenggiri residents in accessing ATMs and said the activation of these machines will be expedited to ensure the public has access to the basic facility.

“The Finance Ministry has completed discussions with several local banks to provide ATM services in Nenggiri and the response has been positive,” it said in a statement, Bernama reported.

Additionally, the ministry mentioned that it will continuously engage local banks to identify improvements, particularly to ensure expanded access to ATM services.

It also stated that individuals facing difficulties accessing ATMs in their areas can contact the ministry via email at [e-mail] or call 03-8000 8000.

It was reported recently that Nenggiri residents have to drive nearly 45 minutes to access the nearest ATM, which is about 50km away in Gua Musang.

The residents’ grievances also caught the attention of Barisan Nasional candidate Mohd Azmawi Fikri Abdul Ghani, who promised to address the issue by contacting the relevant parties.

“I read the complaints from Nenggiri residents about needing ATMs. I will work to have ATMs placed in the area immediately by contacting banks,” he said in a video posted on his TikTok account.

The Nenggiri by-election features a straight fight between Mohd Azmawi Fikri, representing the unity government, and PAS’ Mohd Rizwadi Ismail.

Meanwhile, in Lipis, Pahang, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged party members to work hard for a Barisan victory, which he said would be meaningful for the Umno general assembly on Aug 21.

The Deputy Prime Minister said it would be significant for Mohd Azmawi Fikri to wrest back the seat, seeing that the general assembly will be held just four days after the by-election.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, said Barisan lost the Nenggiri seat in the last state election by just 810 votes – a result that could be attributed to many Orang Asli who did not vote then due to certain reasons.

“Please help me redeem our dignity in Nenggiri this Saturday,” he said when opening the Cameron Highlands Umno division delegates meeting yesterday.Tan Sri Annuar Musa, on the other hand, has called on Ahmad Zahid to show proof that Perikatan Nasional used state government assets in its campaigning.

The Perikatan director for the by-election said they are ready for any criticisms if it is true that such acts have been committed.

“Show us if we did anything. Criticise us. We will correct it if there is any but don’t just mention it without evidence,” he said in a report by Sinar Harian.

Annuar alleged instead that a hall owned by the Orang Asli Development Department was used as a Barisan headquarters and that vehicles belonging to federal government agencies were also used for campaigning.

Ahmad Zahid previously claimed that the Kelantan government might have used state assets for campaigning purposes.

Polling day is on Aug 17.