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SARAWAK DAP took Affin Bank to task and urged the bank to issue an apology and correction for allegedly using the wrong hornbill species on a debit card designed exclusively for Sarawakians.
Calling it a ‘cultural misrepresentation’, Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong claimed that the hornbill species on the card was a 'Great Hornbill' which is not native to Sarawak.
"The species in Sarawak is the 'Rhinoceros Hornbill' also known locally as 'Burung Kenyalang' which has a black neck, while the one used on the debit card has a white neck.
"This confirms that it is the wrong species," she said, adding that it was disappointing considering the state government owned a 31.25 per cent stake in Affin Bank.
Affin Bank launched the Affin Kenyalang Savings Account-i last month, which is exclusively for Sarawak, and any new account can only be opened by Sarawakians who have the letter ‘K’ on their MyKad.
"The rhinoceros hornbill, or burung kenyalang, is deeply significant to Sarawakians and even appears on our RM5 banknote," said Yong.
The Rhinoceros hornbill and Great hornbill can be distinguished by several key features.
The Rhinoceros hornbill has a black neck and wings, a protruding tusk, and a casque that is a mixture of red, orange, and yellow. In contrast, the Great hornbill has a whitish yellow neck and wings, and its casque is almost entirely yellow. – May 17, 2025