PETALING JAYA: Better communication and training on the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) system are needed to increase wider adoption of it among traders, says the Malaysian Federation of Hawkers and Traders Association.
Its president, Datuk Seri Rosli Sulaiman, said that while the Sara programme has brought benefits to both traders and consumers since its implementation, there is still a lack of awareness among traders, resulting in low registration.
“About 80% of my members are not registered with the programme. They do not seem to know the benefits they will gain from it.
“There is no doubt the programme has increased sales for traders, but many are not getting enough exposure, particularly older-generation traders,” Rosli said.
He suggested that training be provided in phases for senior traders, as many are wary of scams and are unsure of how to use the scanning machines properly.
“Sara should be taught to them step by step.
“Those who have only just started using QR codes cannot immediately move on to Sara.
“It needs to be properly taught in stages,” he said when contacted.
Rosli also proposed that the relevant ministries work together to raise awareness of Sara among traders, including collaborating with associations to train members on its use.
Meanwhile, a sundry shop owner from Petaling Jaya who only wanted to be known as Ram, 68, admitted he found the process of Sara payments difficult to navigate.
“Many customers, even regular ones, have asked me to install it and said it’s convenient for them.
“I know about it, but I am not very well versed like other bigger chain stores,” said Ram, who has been a trader for more than 40 years.
He acknowledged that his sales would increase by between 5% and 10% with Sara, as his shop had most of the items offered under the programme.
“If I had help in applying for it, then I would consider it.
“As for now, I am the only person operating the shop.
Chaang Tuck Cheong, a grocer from Cheras, said he encountered problems when he was applying for Sara, as he did not know how to go about it.
“I reached out to a business federation for help and was shown that the requirements were quite simple, as all that was needed was a copy of my MyKad and a completed application form,” he said, adding that he was later supplied with a scanning terminal and given training on its use.
