KUALA LUMPUR: Banks are not obliged to deploy security guards round the clock to enhance the safety of the automated teller machine (ATM) from robberies.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Chua Tee Yong said so far it was up to the banks to implement such safety measures.

“Between 2011 and May this year, 68 robberies at the ATM were reported throughout the country,” he said when replying to Senator Khairiah Mohamed at the Dewan Negara sitting here Tuesday.

He said Bank Negara Malaysia, the financial institutions, the Association of Banks in Malaysia and the police continue to cooperate in improving ATM surveillance and security systems to ensure the safety and comfort of the customers are always guaranteed.

This also includes the exchange of information about the locations of ATMs that are high risk, latest data and statistics, technique or modus operandi of criminals and action taken by the authorities.

Meanwhile when replying to another question, Chua told the Dewan Negara that so far 268 companies and websites suspected of conducting illegal schemes have been listed in the website of Bank Negara and Securities Commission Malaysia for general reference.

The move was part of efforts to curb the public from being victims of illegal businesses such as quick rich scheme, foreign exchange currency, MLM business companies and gold investment that were not approved by the government, he said.

He also advised the public to check on the background of such companies before joining them.

-Bernama-