BSN reopens Kapit branch, now occupying new shoplot at Jalan Selirik
KAPIT: The reopening of a Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) branch here has brought relief to the local communities who are in need of more banking facilities in this central region of Sarawak.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat officiated at the ceremony yesterday at the newly-relocated branch, which now occupies a shoplot just opposite the district police headquarters (IPD) along Jalan Selirik here.
Jamit acknowledged that the BSN had to close down its Kapit branch a year ago upon the expiry of the rental contract for the previous shoplot at Jalan Tun Jugah in Kapit New Bazaar.
“Since then, it has been very inconvenient for the people in Kapit – the nearest branches are the one in Song Bazaar, 47km from town; and in Sibu Jaya (in Sibu), which is 156km away.
“So I am very happy now that BSN has returned to Kapit and reopen its branch here to cater to the local clients.
“For this, we thank the government for listening to the people’s needs,” said the assemblyman in a brief remark.
The significance of having a BSN branch here is because apart from regular banking services such as ATMs and those pertaining to savings and current accounts, BSN is also the transacting bank for many government schemes and programmes such as generation of personal identification numbers (PIN) for University Management Unit (UPU) relating to registration into institutions of higher learning, as well as the channelling of funds from Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS), Covid-19 Special Assistance, and Bantuan Prihatin Nasional.
Meanwhile, BSN Kapit manager Ruddy Penin said his branch has three counter clerks, a sales adviser, and an auxiliary police personnel for security.