E-wallet users to get RM30

M’sians earning under RM100k can claim from Jan 1

PETALING JAYA: There’s another push for Malaysia’s digital development with the government dangling a carrot to promote e-wallets.

Malaysians aged 18 years and above and earning RM100,000 and below a year will be entitled to a one-off payment of RM30 that can be claimed from Jan 1 to Feb 29 next year.

The RM450mil allocation will benefit 15 million Malaysians. To receive the payment, users will need a verified account with selected e-wallet operators.

“The e-wallet stimulus initiative will drive the adoption of e-wallets as a convenient method of payment for consumers,” said Boost CEO Mohd Khairil Abdullah.

Many e-wallet users lauded the allocation.

“I hate using cash. I use e-wallet to pay toll, utilities and more,” said student Nur Izzaty Shaifullizan, 23.

V. Kavitha, 38, said she might give e-wallet a try, as “it could get you a lot of things even at pasar malam”.

Grab Malaysia country head Sean Goh believed a progressive, cashless economy would help micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs grow without the cost, burden and safety concerns that comes with managing cash.

“Since the launch of e-wallet, we have introduced features to help cultivate a more affordable cashless habit to serve the daily needs of our consumers,” he said.

Other e-wallet operators are also happy with the government’s move to push for the adoption of digital payment system among Malaysians.

“This will help shift consumer behaviour and impact traditional payments, driving the way for a cashless society,” said Razer Fintech chief executive officer Jasmine Ng.

Fave co-founder Joel Neoh said that there was only growth from here onwards.

“Digital transformation is sweeping through the service sectors, specifically in food and beverage, wellness centres and retailers.

“We are excited to see how we can work with the government to encourage SMEs to adopt more digital solutions for their businesses with the allocation of 50% of matching grant of up to RM5,000,” he said.

According to a study by Nielsen, 8% of Malaysians currently use e-wallets for their daily transactions.