By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 13: Metrocity N6 Youth Night Market or Metrocity Uptown located in Matang here is now the first largest cashless night market in Sarawak.
In announcing this, Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof commended N6 Tupong Youth and Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) for their initiative to introduce cashless transaction concept in the market, which would accelerate the adoption of electronic payments (e-payment) in the State.
“If we go to China, our banknotes are not favourable there. We have to go cashless or e-payment for transaction (to make purchase) in the whole of China.
“This is one of the initiatives currently being undertaken by both the Federal and State government as well as supported by the banking society worldwide.
“Thus, I congratulate Tupong Youth for introducing cashless at the Metrocity Uptown and with the support of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), I believe this system should be extended to other places in Sarawak,” he said when officiating the E-duit and Cashless Night Market Programme at the site last night (Jan 12).
Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP, underscored the potential benefits of a cashless society, especially in preventing theft associated with cash transactions as well as reducing both the motive and opportunity to commit the crime.
“From a legal perspective, a cashless society will facilitate in tracking cash flow and thus minimising illicit transaction. That is why I believe this is a really good initiative,” he added.
Out of about 280 vendors operating at Metrocity Uptown, an impressive 85 per cent have already embraced cashless payment system.
The initiative aligns with the strategic goals outlined in the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 and complements BNM’s “e-Duit! Selamat, Senang, Segera” campaign.
Also present were Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Metrocity N6 Youth Night Market chairman Khairuzie Bolhassan, PayNet commercial chief officer Gary Yeoh and BNM Kuching branch chief Mohammad Irman Mohammad Din. — DayakDaily
