As digitisation adoption in Malaysia continues to expand, Malaysians get to have various payment options when making a transaction regardless of being online or physical being in a shop.
This is especially evident during pandemic as Malaysians had been staying at home during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
It was during that time that many have learned how to shop online for daily essentials, groceries and seek services.
An electronic payment or e-payment is a digital transaction between two parties, with e-payment types including cards, bank transfers, digital wallets, mobile pay, and more.
According to reports from Fintech, bank transfer apps are currently the most popular payment option for online purchases.
The report noted that bank transfer represents nearly half (46 per cent) of Malaysians’ online purchases. It is followed by cards (32 per cent), and cash (11 per cent).
In Sarawak, aside from online transfer, the local e-wallet method, S-Pay is gaining momentum as the public is using it for paying groceries, parking, and others.
Durri, Owner of The Impian House by Idaman Dhoori
Restaurant owner, Durri has opened her business since 2017 selling various dishes but only started introducing e-payment to her customers since 2020.
“I started introducing digital payment for my business due to the demands I got from my customers,”
According to Durri, one of the most frequently asked questions she got from them (customers) is whether she provide e-payment method.
“For them, rather than carrying cash, my customers said it is easier for them to make payment using cashless method” said Durri adding that as a businessowner she must comply with customers’ demands and the latest trend to not risk getting left behind.
Among the e-payment method she uses in her restaurant are TouchnGo, online payment and S-Pay.
According to Durri, she also preferred cashless payment method as it is more effective and safer as she does not carry any cash in hand.
Ina Anak Sendar of Ina Sendar Creations
Hailed from Kapit, beads craftmaker, Ina Anak Sendar have lived in Kuching for about 25 years.
Before she became a full-time entrepreneur, she was a housewife and a kindergarten teacher in Matang, Kuhcing.
Having started her beading business since 2018, Ina said most of her customers are from outside of Kuching, hence prompting her to run her business online.
“I have customers from Miri, Bintulu, Sabah and Singapore. So, it is imperative that I use online payment as well to make it easier for my customers to purchase my products,” she said.
“Aside from that, the pandemic has really pushed me to completely run my business online including online marketing as well,” she said.
Among the e-payment methods use by Ina includes QR code and e-wallet, Boost.
Bashir Hj Mohd Shah and Ruainah Mohd Shah, pearl merchants from Sabah
Friendly husband and wife duo,Bashir Hj Mohd Shah and Ruainah Mohd Shah from Sabah has been in the business of selling pearl accessories for 20 years.
“This business actually belongs to my wife, where we have been selling pearl accessories in the handicraft market, the Filipino Market in Sabah,”
Having been attached under Kraftangan Malaysia for 20 years, Bashir Hj Mohd Shah said that they also sell their product online, MyCraftShoppe by Kraftangan Malaysia.
Aside from that, they would constantly participate in any festival and events around Malaysia.
“Typically, we only use e-payment method when we participate in craft bazaars and festival such as this (Sarawak regatta) as it is easier for customers to make purchase because some of them may not have any cash in hand,” he said.
Antonia Isabelle Anak Arthur Robert of Tonka Borneo
Antonia Isabelle Anak Arthur of Tonka Borneo has been running her jewellery business fully online since 2020. (Visit her website at: https://tonkaborneo.com/ )
Her products consist of beautifully made statement jewellery with vibrant colour and intricate details.
As she runs her business fully online, Antonia said she find the e-payment method to be more convenient as her customers can give the exact amount.
“So, let say if I do not have small change in hand, I do not have to worry about giving back any changes,”
“Aside from that, my customers also do not have to worry about payment when they do not have any cash in hand. They can just simply do online payment,” she said adding that among the e-payment method she has includes QR code and e-wallet, Boost.
