Smart payment system at Tanjung Bungah market helps traders, visitors settle assessment tax and council charges with ease
Edward Emuang, 71, and his wife Vivian Toh, 65, were at Tanjung Bungah Market and Food Complex on their usual Monday morning visit when they were greeted by a group of Penang Island City Council (MBPP) officials.
The Tanjung Bungah residents’ surprise soon turned to curiosity after learning that the officials were there to launch a 24-hour cashless, self-service payment kiosk for council bills.
“This will be really convenient for us.
“We usually pay our council bills at Komtar (in George Town)and at our age, it is not so convenient as we have to look for parking, pay high parking charges and sometimes even climb stairs,” said Edward.
Toh said the smart payment kiosk at the market was a better way for the public to pay bills without any hassle.
Jamilah Mat Junus, 56, said she previously had to go to the Esplanade to settle council payments such as licence renewal and rental.
“Now I can do everything just steps from my stall,” said the market trader who has been selling grated coconut and coconut milk at the site for the past 32 years.
Jamilah’s son Muhd Hafiz Ismail, 33, appreciated MBPP’s initiative to make it easier for traders and market visitors to settle their bills.
“I used to worry about my mother’s safety whenever she travelled to Komtar to make payments.
“Now she no longer has to,” he said.
The kiosk was launched by state infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari on Aug 3, and has been operating since July 3.
Zairil said the kiosk allowed the public to pay for MBPP-related services without having to visit the city council’s service counters or offices.
“It is aimed at making things easier for them. I would like to thank MBPP for introducing the system.”
Zairil said more than RM11,500 worth of transactions have been recorded as of July 31.
“However, many people are still unaware of the service. I hope more people will take the opportunity to use the facility,” he said, adding that the initiative was in line with the Penang2030 vision of a green and smart state.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said the city council has been operating as a fully cashless organisation since May 2024, with more than 90% of its services now available online.
“There are 16 payment kiosks at six locations: Komtar, Esplanade, SPICE Convention Centre, Sunshine Central, MBPP Revenue Office in Balik Pulau, and now at Tanjung Bungah Market and Food Complex.
“From July 3 to 23, a total of 55 transactions were recorded at the Tanjung Bungah kiosk.
“These kiosks help people save time and fuel, reducing unnecessary travel and carbon emissions,” added Rajendran.
Payments can be made via credit and debit cards as well as e-wallets.
The kiosk can be used to settle payments relating to assessment tax, parking and traffic compounds, rental and leases and business licence renewals, as well as other city council-related charges.
