KUCHING: Affin Bank has been urged to expedite the establishment of a regional office in Sarawak with the authority to approve loans locally.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he had discussed the matter with Affin Bank’s top management.
He also called on Affin Bank to empower its Sarawak managers with loan approval authority to accelerate processes.
“We have the financial pillar, and with all these projects, I want us to strengthen our small and medium enterprises (SMEs). I hope Affin’s management will look into that.
“And once you have that level of approval with a certain amount and ceiling, the approval process will be faster.
“Then SMEs will benefit, especially those in the property sector,” he said.
He was speaking at the Affin Bank Chinese New Year (CNY) dinner at Sheraton Hotel here last night (Feb 17).
Additionally, Abang Johari shared an interesting observation on financial services available for overseas property purchases.
“Earlier, I saw that this bank provides financing to buy ships. There’s also financing available to buy houses overseas, including in London.
“But when it comes to buying houses —
not in London, but in Kuching — they should finance these people instead.
“The buyers may be from Indonesia, for all you know. They might have children studying at Swinburne, Curtin, or any of our universities. Maybe they want a second home here. So finance them, Affin, finance them,” he said.
The Premier stressed that such measures would benefit both property developers and the local economy.
“That should be our macroeconomic approach for Sarawak, and what’s important is unity — just like what was mentioned earlier, Madani stability.
“We have to maintain our stability, especially political stability in Sarawak. So far, so good.
“Once the whole ecosystem is in place, the economy will open up, and people will interact. And who profits? The bank also profits,” he added.
