ATMS placed at 24-hour outlets

I refer to the article “ A blast too big for robbers to steal money from an ATM” (The Star,July 30).

This is not the first time we hear of robbers using home-made bombs to blast Automated Teller Machines (ATM) located in banks in an attempt to grab cash during the long festive holidays.

Despite the increase in police patrol during the festive seasons, the thieves still find a way to strike. This time a bank at Bukit Beruntung in Hulu Selangor was bombed and this does not augur well for our nation’s security.

Thieves take the opportunity to strike when the banks are closed for several days.

In view of such incidents, perhaps financial institutions should consider placing ATMs only at public areas such as 24-hour petrol stations and 24-hour convenient stores in future. This is common in Japan and Taiwan, and Malaysia should follow suit.

There is an enhanced security for both ATM and the depositors by housing these ATMs in 24-hour petrol stations and convenient stores as there are usually a few workers and customers at these outlets.

PUBLISHED IN "THE STAR" dated 01/08/14