KUANTAN: Cash payments over the counter at government agencies should not be scrapped to avoid inconveniencing customers.
Instead, such services (cash over counter) should be continued, along with the newly-introduced debit, credit cards, and self-service electronic kiosks which will allow people to choose their preferred payment channel.
Checks at the Pahang Urban Transformation Centre Immigration Office here yesterday sho-wed that many customers still chose to pay in cash despite the counter accepting debit card payments.
Many appeared unaware of the cashless payment system as they continued to count and hold on to cash in their hands while waiting for their number to be displayed on the electronic boards.
College student Edmond Lee, 24, who came to renew his international passport, agreed that although going cashless was easier, it might not be well received by the elderly or those without debit or credit cards.
“We talk about going cashless but people are still not prepared for it.
“I am sure when the plan is fully implemented, someone will still turn up with cash, so it’s best to provide various options and let the customers decide,” he said.
Meanwhile, an Immigration Department staff member said the department was expected to fully implement the cashless payment method in July this year, but she was unsure if it would be user-friendly, especially for senior citizens.
She said that at the moment, customers were still allowed to pay with cash.
To promote debit card payments, several banners have been put up to raise awareness and a special contest is being held until May this year.
“Those who pay using their debit cards are entitled to participate in the contest, but the uptake has been a little slow.
“People still feel comfortable making payments with cash,” she said.
At the National Registration Department office, payments are still done using cash as the officers claimed they have yet to receive any instructions on the move to go cashless.
Senior citizen Abdullah Ali, 77, said he was fine with using self-service electronic kiosks facilities, but not debit or credit cards.
“Maybe the young people prefer to go cashless or use online banking services but for people like me, we still prefer to go to the respective government agencies to make payments using cash. I feel more secure paying with notes as I can see the physical movement of cash,” he said.
Various government agencies nationwide have begun introducing cashless payment facilit-
ies, and the plan is in line with
the government’s vision to transform Malaysia into a cashless society.