CASHLESS PAYMENTS: SAFE, CONVENIENT, AND TIME-SAVING

PORT DICKSON, June 30 (Bernama) -- The adoption of cashless payment methods is increasingly becoming a part of the modern lifestyle due to its convenience, safety, and speed for daily transactions, including business dealings.

Housewife Noradila Ahmad, 45, said that nearly 80 per cent of her daily transactions were cashless, including banking, which saved time and allowed her to track all expenses and transactions.

"I rarely carry cash now; I handle everything online because it's easier, and I don't need to queue at the bank to withdraw money. Nowadays, even food vendors use this system (accepting cashless payments), which also helps prevent crimes.

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"The government has been organising programmes to raise awareness about the importance of cashless payments, like the Cashless Society programme held today, which also educates the elderly about this initiative," she told Bernama.

Noradila was met after attending the Negeri Sembilan state-level Cahsless Society programme held at the National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi) in Kampung Si Rusa, officiated by State Heritage, Technology, Innovation and Digital Action Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Faizal Ramli today.

Also present were the state Economic Planning Unit director Datuk Muhammad Nahar Mohd Sidek, state Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Coordination Division chief Bukhari Yahya, and state MCMC director Md Tahir Musa.

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Massyazwina Irdina Mohd Maskhalil, 19, said that for students like her, cashless payments were the best method as it is easier and saves time.

"It's much easier to use a card or top-up a Touch and Go card. Cash can be a hassle, especially for students who have to go to the bank, and sometimes we don't have the time. This method is better; anyone can use it as long as they have a phone and Internet," she said.

Disabled entrepreneur Rozaidah Ab Rahman, 49, who also participated in the programme, said cashless payments had significantly streamlined her business operations and offered customers more flexible transaction options.

"Everything is now at our fingertips; we must keep up with the mainstream. As entrepreneurs, we need to strengthen ourselves and participate in programmes like this (Cashless Society) to gain more exposure. It might be unfamiliar at first, but it becomes easier over time.

"This method (of payment) is essential because it's safer. Even for transactions as low as RM1, we can use a QR code, which is easy and secure. It's especially helpful for disabled individuals like me, who may not be able to defend themselves in an unwanted situation," said the food stall trader.

Meanwhile, Mohd Faizal said the Cashless Society programme was an initiative by MCMC in collaboration with the state government, financial service providers, and banks to raise awareness and build confidence among the people in using cashless payments.

He said the initiative was aligned with the state government's vision through the Negeri Sembilan Digital Economy Plan 2027 (PEDNS 2027) to drive digital adoption.

The programme in Negeri Sembilan is being implemented in 13 locations, including Nadi Kampung Si Rusa here, focusing primarily on encouraging micro-entrepreneurs to adopt cashless payment methods.

As of June 23, 1,477 visitors had attended the Cashless@Nadi programme, involving 33 traders with 911 cashless transactions recorded.

The Cashless Society programme is a high-impact initiative by the Federal government to drive the growth of the national digital economy, in line with the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026, which aims for an average of 400 digital transactions per individual by 2026.

-- BERNAMA