KUALA LUMPUR: The government should ensure that the cashless payment mode is convenient and accessible to those in the B40 group.
Several people said the best way for the poor in urban areas to receive aid from the Strategic Programme to Empower the People and Economy (Pemerkasa) was through existing methods, such as Bantuan Prihatin Nasional, where funds were deposited into recipients' accounts.
They said some in the B40 group lacked access to technology, despite living in urban areas, and might face difficulty in getting the aid via the cashless mode of payment.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced Pemerkasa, which included an allocation of RM100 million for more than 300,000 households, particularly the poor in urban areas, to buy basic food items.
The aid would be channelled to them using the cashless payment mode.
Afin Nia Zulaikha Ahmad Kamaruzaman, 23, who just started her roti bakar business in Sungai Penchala here, said not everyone had the awareness nor access to cashless payment, especially the elderly.
"I understand the concept and have used it myself. But the person who is in charge of buying groceries is my mother and I do not think she understands how it works.
"Digital transactions are confusing for the elderly and it may lead them to being victims of scammers. It will be easier if the government uses existing methods, like Bantuan Prihatin Nasional, where people, especially the elderly, understand it."
Echoing Afin's sentiments is accounting executive Nabilah Ishak, 28, who said the elderly would be harder to convince to switch to digital transactions.
"Not all have the awareness about digital transactions. For my parents, I can help them if they need help, but what about those who are staying alone?"
Executive Amirah Hamlan, 31, while agreeing that the government had been helpful, was concerned about how cashless payments would be made.
"There was no trouble with Bantuan Prihatin. I had to submit the application only once.
"I am concerned about those who need the aid more but receive it later because they have no access to the Internet.
"Not everyone has access to continuous Internet data. My sibling relies on prepaid top-up. Perhaps the government can clarify the method for the cashless payment."
Self-employed Saifuddin Harith Isman, 31, said he hoped the government would come up with a way to ensure that everyone was included in the cashless payment mode.
"There is no clear implementation yet, but I'm sure the government would have thought of a way to distribute the funds via digital transaction.
"Previously, the government introduced the e-wallet transaction for the public to spend RM30 using three smartphone applications but it was a hassle for some people.
"Hopefully, this time, there is a clearer method that is accessible to all, especially senior citizens."
Wan Muhammad Nazmi Wan Mustafa Kamal, 25, welcomed the allocation, but wondered if it would be possible for a direct debit for cashless payment.
Wan Muhammad Nazmi, who works in courier services, said that by using direct debit, the aid could be deposited into the bank accounts of those eligible.
"I often use direct debit and QR code payment, which is a form of cashless payment, so it is something that I welcome.
"The government can avoid third-party mobile applications, so there won't be any headache for those who do not understand the method."
Zareq Akhtar Zulkepli, 36, who runs a car-detailing business, said households should spend the aid carefully.
"Recipients should not solely rely on it. Instead, they should make use of the money to generate other sources of income.
"I hope this initiative will also include M40 families, as they are also struggling to manage their expenses."
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