Stall traders find receiving payments through e-wallet more convenient

SEREMBAN, Feb 12 -- Cashless payment is becoming an option not only for consumers, but also stall traders with more of them finding it more convenient  to use the digital payment method as the country moves towards becoming a cashless society.

Trader Muhshien Mohd Kamil, 38, despite operating a food stall business, said he did not want to miss out on technology in running his business and had activated the Touch 'n Go e-wallet system for the purpose.

“The technology today is fast moving. As a trader, I also  need to keep abreast with the change, where I find the Touch 'n Go e-wallet system as definitely practical for my business because I don't have to prepare small change as balance payment since my customers can pay directly to me for the specified amount.

“The transaction is also very effective because the payments are transferred directly into my account,” he said when met by Bernama here recently.

He said most of his customers who preferred to make electronic payment were mostly teenagers and the middle-aged.

Another stall trader, Muhd Ammar Wan Mohd Saidi, 25, said the use of e-wallet has become widespread and the use of the electronic payments could avoid him from having to deal with counterfeit money, which he sometimes received from his customers.

“Many of my customers have resorted to make cashless payments,” he said and acknowledged the benefits of the electronic payment, both for consumers and traders.

Meanwhile, a customer, Syafiqah Khairudin, 34, said she used the cashless payment method when she had not enough cash with her.

“I like the e-wallet method of payment because it can also be used at stalls, unlike credit card or debit card, where I have to go to supermarkets or restaurants to use,’ she added.

Meanwhile, at 24-hour convenience stores, the use of e-wallet is regarded safer and can help to reduce incidence of crime, like theft or robbery.

“As the shop opens 24 hours, it does raise concern if we have too much money at the (cashier) counter,  but with e-wallet, safety is assured because employees do not have to watch over a large amount of money, especially at night,”said an assistant manager of a 7-Eleven outlet, Muhammad Amir Ahmad Kushairi, 22.

A cashier at a Korean food restaurant, Nur Juliyana Mohd Nor, 25, said the use of e-wallet made payment easy and a solution to having to queue to make cash payment.

“All they need to do is scan their handphones, no need to carry a lot of cash,” she added.

An employee at a shop selling refreshments, Naim Danial Ridzuan, 18, said the use of e-wallet not only made payment transactions easier for consumers and merchants, but consumers could also benefit from promotions  offered to e-wallet users.

 "These promotions are valid up to certain dates and e-wallet users will benefit from the discount price, which is lower than paying at the counter,” he added.

-- BERNAMA