The government has limited the operating hours of automated teller machines (ATMs) from 8am to 8pm daily until the end of the movement control order (MCO) period. This includes 24-hour ATMs as well. Announced by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the move is intended to facilitate better enforcement of the MCO.

“We’ve been notified that due to these ATM machines being operational 24 hours, many are going out at night on the pretext of an emergency. These people are breaking the MCO rules so the government has decided to only allow ATMs to operate from 8am to 8pm,” said the senior minister, who is also the Defence Minister.

When the MCO first started, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) had assured the Malaysian public that self-service terminals, such as ATMs, will be fully operational in accessible locations. During this earlier period, people were allowed to use the ATM from 7am to 10pm.

Banks are also waiving the RM1 MEPS fee for interbank withdrawals until the end of MCO so as to encourage people to move only within nearby areas. With the fee removed, bank customers will be free to conduct their withdrawals at the ATMs of any banks closest to their homes instead of having to travel further to use the ATM of a specific bank.

Malaysia’s ongoing MCO, which began on 18 March 2020, has seen two extensions thus far, and is slated to end on 28 April 2020.

(Source: Malay Mail)

• TAGS:
• ATMs
• Automated Teller Machines
• Bank Negara Malaysia
• BNM
• Covid-19
• Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob
• Movement Control Order