MOST people often get caught in situations where they don't have enough change during their shopping, or it is hard to make payments because they don’t have the exact amount, or it becomes tedious to hold a stack of cash around, or it is not safe to hold cash around the area.
Hence, cashless has become the buzzword especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cashless transactions have revolutionised the financial outlook in countries worldwide. In Malaysia, this practice has also been adopted by the government for various dealings due to its convenience and security.
Malaysia is gearing towards becoming a country that is digitally-driven and various organisations and outlets have been encouraging cashless transactions among the public, who will be able to enjoy benefits such as:
> Convenient, simple and easy transactions – anytime, anywhere from mobile phone, tablet or computer.
> Personal safety - users need not carry cash and can maintain better hygiene with contactless.
> Reduced time and costs – real time payments and no more long queues.
> Periodic promotions - offered as value-added.
There are various types of e-payments introduced to enable everyone to enjoy the efficiency and convenience of e-payments, which include e-wallet, internet and mobile banking, debit cards and QR payments. This will enable users to choose a cashless payment method based on their need and preference.
As the national provider of financial market utilities, Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) is collaborating with Penang state government to support a weekly Cashless Day initiative for Penangites at its state government agencies.
The Cashless Day campaign in Penang started in December 2022, at 23 participating agencies in the state. Under this campaign, every Friday will be dedicated as “cashless day” and only e-payments are accepted as the mode of payment.
It is indisputable that e-payment transactions are safer due to it being performed using trusted and verified payment platforms. Payments executed through digital banking are secured by banks or financial institutions. Besides this, e-payment transactions are recorded for easy reference by its users at anytime, anywhere.
How to make cashless payments at government agencies?
There are several options available for Penangites to make their payments.
Options include DuitNow QR and MyDebit ATM card for over-the-counter transactors, while FPX and JomPAY platforms for online transactions.
DuitNow QR: It is a service that enables customers to make payments using any participating bank or ewallet app by scanning only one compliant QR code (DuitNow QR).
MyDebit: Using your MyDebit card, or more commonly known as ATM card, you can make retail purchases swiftly and securely by tapping your card or entering ATM personal identification number (PIN) at the retailers' point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The purchase amount is debited from your bank account. There is no need to fiddle with cash and change.
FPX: It is an online payment solution that lets customers make payments to merchants for their purchases online or via mobile banking, using funds from their savings and current account.
JomPAY: This service allows customers to pay any bill to participating billers through the internet or mobile banking service using funds from their savings, current or credit card account.
Participating Penang government agencies
There are 23 participating agencies:
1. Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP)
2. Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai (MBSP)
3. Pejabat Tanah & Galian
4. Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Timur Laut
5. Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Barat Daya
6. Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Seberang Perai Tengah
7. Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Seberang Perai Utara
8. Pejabat Daerah & Tanah Seberang Perai Selatan
9. Majlis Agama Islam
10. Zakat Pulau Pinang
11. PLANMalaysia@Pulau Pinang (JPBD)
12. Jabatan Kerja Raya
13. Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah
14. Jabatan Taman Botani
15. Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama Islam
16. Jabatan Pengairan & Saliran
17. Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri
18. Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar
19. Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam
20. Lembaga Muzium
21. Bahagian Khidmat Pengurusan, PSUKPP
22. Unit Perbadanan Ketua Menteri (CMI)
23. Lembaga Perumahan Negeri Pulau Pinang
For further information,visit https://www.penang.gov.my or https://paynet.my
