Going the e-way is not favourable for everybody

BANKS, utility companies and other service providers these days have switched, or are switching, to the electronic system in billing and providing statements to cut cost.

Yes, it will certainly cut cost, but only for these entities – and at the expense of consumers too.

Costs for postage and paper would certainly be reduced if these companies don’t have to send printed bills or statements to their customers.

But what about the cost of paper for customers? We still need the printed version of utility bills if we pay them manually at the post office or Bank Simpanan Nasional.

The way I see it, these establishments have pushed the cost to their customers.

Furthermore, where e-billing is concerned, does everyone, especially senior citizens, know how to use the Internet or own computers? For the elderly with dementia or hand-to-eye coordination problems, they might forget their password or add/miss out the required digits. These senior citizens would have to depend on others to get their e-bills if there are no family members around.

Wouldn’t they be easy prey to scammers?

The Government should consider these matters before allowing utility companies to impose e-billing on their citizens. Remember, all of us will grow old and may not be able to remember our password, or our fingers could lock up, leaving us unable to use the keyboard. The population is not made up solely of generations X, Y and Z. There are also illiterates, people with special needs and the elderly who will feel lost if this e-technology is imposed on them.