During recent protests, numerous ATM machines operated by the Bank of China and HSBC were vandalised, causing inconvenience to ordinary citizens (“ HSBC, Hang Seng keep nearly a dozen outlets closed after vandalism ”, January 2). While the Hong Kong Monetary Authority has closely monitored the situation over the past few months, in response to queries, they said they were aware only that “at one point of time, the number of vandalised ATMs reported by banks exceeded 200.” They, however, had no information about the exact number of ATM machines vandalised and their locations. Nor did they have any idea of when the banks planned to repair the machines. To protect the public interest, the HKMA should work more closely with the banks to ensure the damaged ATM machines resume operations as soon as possible. While members of the public can withdraw up to HK$500 when shopping at convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, the affected banks should partner with more shops to allow the withdrawal of cash without purchases and to increase the withdrawal limit. The HKMA should also expand the cash withdrawal services currently available for the elderly at Hongkong Post branches and Circle K convenience stores, so they can help younger citizens in Hong Kong in these troubled times. Simon Wang, Kowloon Tong
