Jabi Rep Nebeng Or Not Rural Folk Deserve Some Fanfare Even For Atm

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An elected representative has defended Besut MP Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh after netizens criticised him for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to launch the first ATM for a small town in Terengganu.
Jabi assemblyperson Azman Ibrahim recalled attending a similar event in 2019 and considered if the fanfare would be regarded as "nebeng" - which means overboard in Terengganu parlance - but argued that it was a historical event.
"When the bank asked us (to participate) in the event (in 2019), I thought of whether this had been done before. I was worried that people would call us nebeng. Then again, this is historical for Jabi folk and we could use the event to promote the facilities.
"We could also have a jamuan (small party) to strengthen ties (among the community)... Moreover, Agrobank added a zakat distribution ceremony for the poor.
"Thus, I agreed to participate. If you want to make fun of Jabi, go ahead," Azman (above, second left) said in a statement today.
A video of Che Mohamad launching the Agrobank ATM in Bukit Payung last Friday was widely shared online.
Besut MP Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh officiating an ATM in Bukit Payung, Marang, TerengganuThe ATM located at a petrol station was meant to serve Hulu Besut. The nearest ATM would otherwise be in Jerteh, a 40-minute drive away.
More ATMs followed
Although ATM and e-wallet use are commonplace in urban areas, such facilities are rare for many rural residents nationwide.
Azman said within the first six months of setting up an ATM for Jabi in June 2019, there were 33,000 transactions.
This led to two more ATMs in the town.
"Turns out Jabi folk are rich... While some may initially not be convinced, once the data came in, other banks opened their eyes," he added.
Agrobank comes under the purview of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and is owned by Minister of Finance Inc. - Mkini

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