Agrobank Boosts Orang Asli Education with Tech Aid in Kampung Peta

Agrobank has extended its corporate social responsibility programme to the Orang Asli community in Kampung Peta, Endau, Mersing, focusing on financial well-being, takaful protection and educational support. The initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to advancing financial inclusion for communities that face barriers in accessing formal financial services.

Kampung Peta is a Jakun Orang Asli settlement with approximately 370 residents from 126 families. Its remote location makes travel to bank branches difficult and limits residents’ access to banking facilities. To address these challenges, Agrobank provided guidance on financial management and the use of digital banking services. The bank also facilitated on-site bank account opening so that residents did not need to travel to a branch.

As part of efforts to strengthen financial protection, Agrobank offered the Takaful Kasih Plus Personal Accident Protection Plan. The total coverage under the plan amounts to RM1.34 million. It covers accidental death and permanent disability, as well as funeral and medical expenses and hospital allowances.

Beyond financial services, the CSR programme placed strong emphasis on education. Agrobank contributed school enhancement materials and educational technology equipment to Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Peta. The support is intended to create a more comfortable and conducive learning environment for the pupils.

Agrobank group president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said efforts to promote financial inclusion must take into account the challenges faced by rural communities. These include geographical distance, limited access to facilities and varying levels of familiarity with financial services.

“Distance should never be a barrier to accessing financial knowledge and services. That is why it is important for us to engage directly with communities, understand their needs and provide appropriate support,” he said.

“Our aim goes beyond introducing financial products or opening bank accounts. We want to empower communities with the confidence to manage their finances, embrace digital financial services and recognise the value of financial protection. This is among the key roles that financial institutions must play to ensure that more people can participate in the formal financial system.”

Kampung Peta’s Tok Batin, Rampuyan Kantan, stressed the importance of developing good financial habits within the community. “Learning to manage our finances is important because it encourages us to save a little at a time and make saving a habit. If we do not take the first step, we will never learn how to manage our finances or deal with banks,” he said.

Rampuyan expressed gratitude to Agrobank for visiting the remote village. He noted that travelling to town for basic banking services, such as obtaining a bank card or opening an account, can be challenging. “One of the most meaningful aspects of today’s programme is that it has brought our community together,” he said, adding that villagers also attended talks on financial management and saving.

“We want our community to be more aware of financial matters, especially as financial scams become increasingly widespread. I hope programmes like this can reach more Orang Asli communities so that more people can benefit from the knowledge shared,” Rampuyan said.

He also highlighted the value of education for the children, observing that the knowledge and experience they gain will help them support their families in the future. He welcomed greater involvement from organisations, including banking institutions, in supporting Orang Asli communities and said such initiatives open more opportunities for residents to learn, grow and improve their prospects.

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Tuan Haji Abdul Kadir Ibrahim @ Yem, student affairs senior assistant at Sekolah Kebangsaan Peta, described Agrobank’s contribution as a meaningful boost to the school’s efforts to integrate technology into teaching and learning. “We are truly delighted and grateful for this contribution, which means a great deal to our school and pupils,” he said.

He explained that the equipment would support a more engaging learning experience. With internet connectivity in the area improving, teachers would be better able to utilise the equipment in classroom teaching. “It will help our pupils understand their lessons more easily and give them greater exposure to the world beyond their village.

The contribution will also help us maintain continuity in our pupils’ learning. Our children have already been introduced to computers and basic digital skills. With improved internet access, the digital interactive board will provide pupils with more advanced learning opportunities,” he said, noting that the equipment is easy to use and portable.

Abdul Kadir shared that the school previously had a smart television for teaching and learning, but it was destroyed during the major floods in 2023. Agrobank’s contribution is therefore particularly meaningful. He said external support plays an important role in helping the school overcome challenges arising from its remote location. “We hope that collaborations such as this will continue to create opportunities for the children of Kampung Peta to progress in their education and compete on an equal footing with pupils from other communities.”

Agrobank also organised a financial literacy programme for pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Peta as part of the outreach. The overall initiative combines practical financial access, protective coverage and educational resources to support both the present needs and future prospects of the Kampung Peta community.