SHAH ALAM, Oct 11 — Consumers increasingly reliant on digital payments may find it difficult to make purchases at premises that accept cash only, forcing them to seek alternatives or carry cash in case of payment system disruptions.
Laode Mior Mohammad Al-Jazam Edi, 25, said he prefers using digital payments and is even willing to look for a different store if digital payment facilities are unavailable.
However, he acknowledged encountering difficulties when trying to top up his Touch ‘n Go account as the app was experiencing service disruptions, while the shop he visited accepted only cash payments.
“I didn't have any cash with me at the time. There were people queuing behind me, and I ended up inconveniencing them while trying to complete the transaction,” he told Media Selangor.
Muhamad Nur Hazril Kamaruddin, 32, said he had faced a similar situation when visiting shops that did not offer digital payments facilities.
He noted that although digital transactions are considered safer and more convenient, consumers still need to carry cash as a backup for emergencies.
“I’ve shopped at places that didn't accept digital payments, so it is indeed necessary to carry cash for emergencies. There are also merchants, particularly the elderly and those less tech-savvy, who are more comfortable handling cash transactions.”
For Singh Saam, 31, the widespread adoption of digital payments means he sometimes goes shopping without carrying any cash.
Nevertheless, he still chooses to keep some physical cash on hand in case he encounters a shop that does not offer digital payments options.
Meanwhile, retiree Mohd Isa Sarip, 68, said he uses both payment methods depending on the situation, as there are still transactions that are more easily handled with cash.
He noted that digital payments are used more frequently at shopping malls, whereas cash is his preferred choice when buying items at retail shops.
“Digital payment is certainly convenient, but one still needs to have cash on hand. It is necessary to keep at least RM50 available for any dealings that require a cash transaction.”
Previously, Media Selangor quoted the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA) as urging for clearer regulations to prevent businesses and service providers from removing cash as a payment option, amid the growing adoption of cashless payment.
It said the convenience of digital technology should not lead traders or service providers to accept only one payment method, leaving consumers who prefer or need to pay in cash with no alternative.
