KUCHING: Standard Chartered Malaysia and Standard Chartered Saadiq will provide financial assistance to individual and small and medium enterprise (SME) clients affected by the floods across East Malaysia.
In a statement, it said that under these measures, clients can apply for deferment of their repayments, waiver of fees and charges, and other assistance.
It explained that clients facing financial difficulties may seek a deferment of their loan or financing repayments to help alleviate their burden.
“This includes the Repayment Assistance Programme, which offers a temporary deferment or suspension of loan or financing payment obligations, covering both principal and interest or profit, for a period of three or six months.
“However, interest or profit will continue to accrue on deferred payments and will be capitalised into the principal amount once the deferment period ends. Additionally, the Interest Only Programme provides clients with the option to pay only the interest portion of their monthly instalments for six months.
“For credit card holders, an Automatic Balance Conversion is available, allowing outstanding balances to be converted at a rate of 13 per cent over a 36-month period. Furthermore, the measures include a waiver of fees and charges for the replacement of lost or damaged bank documents and cards,” it said.
It further said that clients who wish to learn more or apply for financial assistance can reach out to their dedicated Relationship Managers or contact the Bank through various channels.
“They may log in to the SC Mobile App or Online Banking to submit a self-service request, send an email to Malaysia.Feedback@sc.com, or call the Client Care Centre at 1300 888 888 if within Malaysia, or +603 7711 8888 if calling from outside the country.
“Additionally, clients can visit the nearest branch for further assistance. A notice regarding affected branches will be posted on the Bank’s website at sc.com/my, providing information on the nearest alternative branches available to meet clients’ banking needs,” it said.
Commenting on the recent flood impacting the Borneo states, Standard Chartered Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Mak Joon Nien said that in times of crisis, it is a collective responsibility to stand together and support those affected.
“The recent floods in Sarawak have devastated communities, and as a Bank, we are committed to providing relief and long-term assistance to help rebuild lives.
“Our hearts go out to all those impacted, and we will continue to work alongside local organisations and authorities to ensure aid reaches those who need it most,” he said.
In further supporting the East Malaysia community, the Bank is working closely with The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) to assess the damage done in schools within the affected areas and aims to mobilise assistance through volunteer clean-up programmes.
“Clients are reminded to be vigilant against scammers and to apply for financial assistance only through official Bank channels.
“It is important not to engage with third parties claiming to represent the Bank in matters relating to flood relief assistance.”
