SEREMBAN, 28 April 2020:
The implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the Covid-19 infection, since March 18, has affected people‘s daily routines in every aspect of life – including shopping transactions.
The movement restriction has forced the public to practise the cashless transaction method and as time goes by, they are getting familiar with it.
Hence the MCO, which has been extended until May 12, is seen as the best time to achieve the government’s intention to create a cashless society.
Although some people prefer to make payment in cash, many are getting familiar with e-payments for all sort of things such as paying for utility bills, food, insurance renewals and so on.
A senior lecturer at Faculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Puncak Perdana campus in Shah Alam, Selangor Dr Mohd Nizam Yunus said online purchasing was currently on its peak as the public was concerned about the possibility of banknotes being contaminated with the Covid-19 virus as well as to comply with MCO guidelines by staying at home.
“I do agree that MCO is the best time to educate the public on the benefits of online payments. I think one of the new normal resulted from this pandemic is doing things online particularly financial transactions.
“We could also see a trend of home-based traders receiving payments via Internet banking transactions, This has shown us that there is a strong trust between buyers and sellers during this MCO period.”
However, he also highlighted that to achieve the cashless society goal, it had to be supported by stable Internet connectivity.
Another senior lecturer from the same faculty, Dr Muhamad Khairulnizam Zaini said online purchasing and e-payments have forged a positive trend that will lead to the evolution of a cashless society in shaping a modern and more efficient country.
“Cashless transaction is a common practice in many developed countries. Hence, following the trend is a good start for Malaysia in our pursuit to become a developed and competitive country.
“For the time being, I believe that the people are familiarising themselves with cashless transactions in their daily activities.”
Meanwhile, A&J Burger Grill and Western restaurant owner Mohd Johar M. Jaffar, 37, said throughout MCO, he had been utilising online payment transaction but still accepting cash payments.
“Most customers are using the online transaction to pay for their order… some still prefer cash payment, which involves about 30-40% of customers.”
– Bernama