Alice Saai.
KUCHING: A growing number of consumers are turning to cashless payments such as credit or debit cards and internet banking in an effort to avoid crowded places and limit the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) especially during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Some shoppers interviewed by The Borneo Post are heeding the recommendation to avoid physical contact with others as much as possible while some are still opting for the conventional method of payment using cash.
Alice Saai, 50, who runs her own business, said that she opts for debit card payment when buying groceries at the supermarket while using cash at the wet market.
“During this time, I use my debit card if I go to the supermarket and cash if I go to the wet market while of course practising the highest hygiene level.
“I try not go to the ATM machine because the queue is very long and during this crucial time we have to be extra cautious because there are a lot of risks and bearing in mind that the ATM machine is not clean,” she said.
For businesswoman Hartanty Hardi, 42, she said that she has been using her debit card all along when it comes to purchasing items.
Hartanty Hadi.
“I have been using my cards all along, very seldom do I use cash unless I go to the market or buy items at the five foot way. Even if I buy local cakes from neighbours, or paying my staff salary (for now during MCO) I will do online transactions,” said Hartanty.
Insurance adjuster Stephen Ngui, 54, still opts to use cash most of the time and credit card where necessary.
Stephen Ngui.
“We use cash most of the time and credit cards as well at times. The contact is still there but we do notice that some cashiers are using gloves now, which is a good counter measure against the spread. As for e-wallets and cashless payments, I stopped using Boost and Sarawak Pay long ago as most sellers do not have them,” said Ngui.
Businessman Ruslan Bujang, 54, said he does not believe in online banking.
Ruslan Hadi and his wife Pearlycia Brooke.
“I still use the conventional method. During MCO, I let my wife do all the online transactions including buying groceries at the supermarket and she will make do with debit or credit cards,” he said.
Meanwhile, for home-maker Bong Mui Moi, 60, she still uses cash unless her daughter buys groceries or paying utilities bills.
Bong Mui Mo.
“I am still using cash because I do not know how to use modern technology. People say that using e-wallet is more convenient but I do not know how to use them unless my daughter buys groceries, pays bills or makes online purchases. Then she will use her card,” said Bong.