KUANTAN: CIMB Bank Bhd has been urged to reconsider its decision to close the branch in Muadzam Shah, Rompin as its services are needed by the locals.
Expressing his disappointment, Rompin member of Parliament Datuk Hasan Arifin said the branch at Jalan Medan Mewah had provided customers including those from rural areas used its banking services.
He said the bank's management should not only look at profit but also from a bigger perspective such as helping to provide a conducive economic environment for the community and businesses.
"It should not be viewed only in terms of profitability but on the basis of an efficient economic management," he said in a statement yesterday.
It is learnt that the branch will cease operations from Aug 5, and customers will have to travel about an hour away to the nearest branch in Pekan.
Hasan said he hoped that Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob would intervene to ensure CIMB Bank continued to operate in Muadzam Shah.
On the theft attempt using home-made explosives at the branch on Monday, Hasan said police should look into various aspects when carrying out their investigations.
The 5.30am incident damaged some part of the premises but the thieves fled without taking any money.
Meanwhile, state Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Raja Shaharom Raja Abdullah brushed aside claims that the bank's imminent closure had caused certain people to express their frustration by damaging it.
He said the incident had nothing to do with the plan to close the branch, which was formerly known as Bank Bumiputera Malaysia Bhd for 40 years.
"We are convinced that it was an attempted theft and has nothing to do with the plan (to close the outlet)," he said.
Two other CIMB bank outlets in Kerayong and Triang, both in Bera, will also cease operations on Aug 5.
Seberang Guai Village Development and Security Committee chief Safiei Yahya said people would have to travel some distance away to the nearest branch in Mentakab, Temerloh.
He said although the closure decision was from the bank's management, many locals were puzzled on the move to close both branches simultaneously.