The increase usage will enable the nation to become the regional leader in the digital economy and achieve socioeconomic development

by S BIRRUNTHA / Pic by BLOOMBERG

THE goal of using cashless payments (e-payment) in government agencies and ministries is to further accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation, Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah said.

Mohd Shahar, who is also Paya Besar MP, said this was also aimed to make Malaysia becoming the regional leader in the digital economy and achieve socioeconomic development that is inclusive, responsible and sustainable.

“This is included in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint which was launched in February 2021.  Among the targets outlined in the action plan is to provide e-payment options in all ministries and agencies by 2022.  

“Various other initiatives are also implemented by the government to encourage the wider use of e-wallets,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Raub MP Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji who asked about the measures by the government to encourage people to use cashless transactions and e-banking, as well as what are the Acts that can guarantee the safety of e-banking transactions.

Mohd Shahar noted that the implementation of the e-Pemula programme was made under Budget 2021 and Budget 2022.  

He said this was supported by efforts to increase user awareness and understanding of e-payment and its benefits.  

“For example, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has collaborated with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry through the Retail Sector Digitalisation Initiative Programme to expand the usage of e-payment among micro and small enterprises in locations such as Kuala Berang in Terengganu and Kapit in Sarawak.

“At the same time, BNM also cooperated with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority to register 500 traders at the Urban Transformation Centre Kelantan to accept e-payment,” he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy minister also said joint ventures with various agencies in the Siti Khadijah Market Digital Transformation Programme helped over 320 targeted merchants to switch to e-payments, namely DuitNow QR.

He noted that for the purpose of monitoring BNM’s payment services are provided under the Financial Services Act 2013 and Islamic Financial Services Act 2013.

He added that BNM always conducts surveillance activities on the risks of payment services, such as cyber resilience, user data protection, critical service providers, money laundering and terrorism financing, as well as payment fraud.