The bank brings its services, RM1.34mil in takaful coverage and educational support to Kampung Peta residents
IN line with its commitment to advancing financial inclusion, Agrobank has reached out to the Orang Asli community in Kampung Peta, Endau, Mersing, through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme focused on financial well-being, takaful protection and educational support.
Kampung Peta is a Jakun Orang Asli settlement with approximately 370 residents from 126 families.
Its remote location makes access to formal financial services a challenge for residents.
To address this, Agrobank provided guidance on financial management and the use of digital banking services, while facilitating on-site bank account opening, eliminating the need for residents to travel to a bank branch.
As part of its efforts to strengthen financial protection for the Orang Asli community, Agrobank also offered the Takaful Kasih Plus Personal Accident Protection Plan, with total coverage amounting to RM1.34mil.
The plan covers accidental death and permanent disability, as well as funeral and medical expenses and hospital allowances.
Beyond financial services, the CSR initiative focused on education, with Agrobank contributing school enhancement materials and educational technology equipment to Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Peta to help create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment.
Agrobank group president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, said efforts to promote financial inclusion must take into account the challenges faced by communities in rural areas, including geographical distance, access to facilities and varying levels of familiarity with financial services.
“Distance should never be a barrier to accessing financial knowledge and services.
“That is why it is important for us to engage directly with communities, understand their needs and provide appropriate support.
“Our aim goes beyond introducing financial products or opening bank accounts. We want to empower communities with the confidence to manage their finances, embrace digital financial services and recognise the value of financial protection.
“This is among the key roles that financial institutions must play to ensure that more people can participate in the formal financial system,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Kampung Peta’s Tok Batin (village head), Rampuyan Kantan, emphasised the importance of developing good financial habits within the community.
“Learning to manage our finances is important because it encourages us to save a little at a time and make saving a habit.
“If we do not take the first step, we will never learn how to manage our finances or deal with banks.”
Rampuyan expressed gratitude to Agrobank for making the effort to visit their remote village.
He noted that travelling to town for basic banking services, such as obtaining a bank card or opening an account, can be challenging.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of today’s programme is that it has brought our community together,” he said, adding that the villagers also had the opportunity to attend talks on financial management and saving.
“We want our community to be more aware of financial matters, especially as financial scams become increasingly widespread.
“I hope programmes like this can reach more Orang Asli communities so that more people can benefit from the knowledge shared,” said Rampuyan.
Education for their children, he observed, was just as important.
“When they grow up, the knowledge and experience they gain will help them support their families, especially as their parents get older.”
He also welcomed greater involvement from organisations, including banking institutions, in supporting Orang Asli communities.
Additionally, he shared that initiatives like this would open up more opportunities for Kampung Peta residents to learn, grow and improve their prospects.
Meanwhile, Tuan Haji Abdul Kadir Ibrahim @ Yem, Sekolah Kebangsaan Peta’s student affairs senior assistant, described Agrobank’s contribution as a meaningful boost to the school’s efforts to integrate technology into teaching and learning.
“We are truly delighted and grateful for this contribution, which means a great deal to our school and pupils,” he said.
He explained that the equipment would support a more engaging learning experience for children in Kampung Peta.
Abdul Kadir also noted that with internet connectivity in the area improving, teachers would be better able to utilise the equipment to support classroom teaching and learning.
“It will help our pupils understand their lessons more easily and give them greater exposure to the world beyond their village.
“The contribution will also help us maintain continuity in our pupils’ learning. Our children have already been introduced to computers and basic digital skills.
“With improved internet access, the digital interactive board will provide pupils with more advanced learning opportunities,” he said, adding that the equipment was easy to use and portable, allowing it to be moved between locations as needed.
“We previously had a smart television for teaching and learning, but it was destroyed during the major floods in 2023.
“Agrobank’s contribution is therefore particularly meaningful,” he shared.
Abdul Kadir said external support played an important role in helping the school overcome challenges arising from its remote location.
“We hope that collaborations such as this will continue to create opportunities for the children of Kampung Peta to progress in their education and compete on an equal footing with pupils from other communities,” he shared.
