Bank 'humanised'

Facilities installed to aid movement of disabled and elderly folk

RAM ANAND

Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 15:55:00

PETALING JAYA: Disabled and elderly-friendly facilities proved to be the main attractions as Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) launched its flagship branch at Sunway Giza in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, yesterday.

The branch also signifies Maybank’s new corporate identity, which, in the company's motto, attempts to "humanise financial services".

This was done by installing wheelchair ramps and automatic sliding doors, among others, at the branch, as part of Maybank's efforts to transform its consumer-based banking to be more community-based, thus reaffirming its position as a market leader.

"We have positioned our branches as one-stop centres that can meet all financial needs of the community," said Maybank chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar (pic).

The bank will also host a first-of-its-kind, self-service broker kiosk that allows customers to perform online stockbroking transactions, a helpline that is directly connected to the Maybank Group Customer Care as well as automated teller machines (ATMs) with lower panels.

"A total of 66 branches will be transformed to Maybank's new look during this financial year with five being rolled out next month," said Abdul Wahid.

Among the five would be those in SS2 Petaling Jaya and the City Complex in Jalan Klang Lama.

"Within the next five years, 150 branches will undergo this transformation along with 2,000 touch points," Abdul Wahid said.

Maybank deputy president and head for community financial services Lim Hong Tat said: "We started this transformation programme a year ago and we have trained our staff in that order.

"The intention is to make branches less cluttered, more comfortable and stress-free, coupled with greater service quality."

According to Lim, the renovation costs for each branch was between RM1.2 million and RM 1.8 million, with the whole corporate re-branding cost over the five years estimated to be nearly RM200 million.

Upon touring the new branch, The Malay Mail observed it also offers financial advisers' services with an increased number of counters offering banking advice.

Bank representatives estimate the branch transformations would result in increased revenue worth RM220 million.

Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan president V. Murugeswaran was among those who attended the event.