GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government plans to implement cashless transaction systems at all public markets in the state by the middle of the year.
State Local Government, Housing Development and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said that Taman Tun Sardon in Gelugor here has been chosen as the site for a pilot project, beginning today.
He added that 56 markets in the state will soon transition to the cashless payment method.
"This helps us to ensure no contact (between buyers and sellers), and this is a safety measure we can take during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Penang already had plans to become a cashless state well before the pandemic, but now, it is high time to expedite the effort. (Cashless payments) are easier and safer," he said at a press conference today.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
For Taman Tun Sardon market, three main e-wallet system providers have collaborated for the pilot project – Maybank QRPay, GrabPay and Boost.
Apart from Taman Tun Sardon market, Bandar Tasek Mutiara market on the mainland has also adopted the cashless payment method.
Bank Negara Malaysia Penang office head Hasjun Hashim said that the success of the pilot project will be an example and benchmark for other markets to follow.
"It will be an easier way. We will show the results of the pilot project to the respective market associations for them to evaluate.
"This is the way forward," she added.
The Penang government hopes that other private supermarkets will also implement a full cashless system in the near future.