THE Penang government will implement the Penang Government Agencies Cashless Day Campaign 2024 for three months, every Friday, from Aug 1 to Oct 31 this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said those who wish to make payments at government office counters on Fridays must do so via e-payment methods such as e-wallets, QR codes, online banking, or debit/credit card terminals.
“Additionally, payments can be made at smart kiosks and online through government portals like e-Bayar, Aspire, MBSPPay, Cyber Counter, and others,” he said.
In a statement, Chow also announced that Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) would fund RM500,000 for promotions and cash prizes for the Penang Government Agencies Cashless Day Campaign 2024 competition.
A total of RM200,000 will be allocated as cash prizes to winning departments in three categories as follows:
Category A: Departments that achieved more than 30,000 e-payment transactions in 2023.
Category B: Departments that achieved between 1,000 and 30,000 e-payment transactions in 2023.
Category C: Departments that achieved less than 1,000 e-payment transactions in 2023.
“As you all know, the cash rewards for the winners are substantial. Therefore, it is hoped that all departments and agencies will promote and succeed in the campaign to use e-payment services in their respective departments to win these cash prizes,” he said.
He added that to advance the digital transformation agenda, the Penang Government Agencies Cashless Day Campaign 2024 would focus on assisting small traders and micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their transition to e-payment systems.
“Implementing e-payment services will also boost the state government’s revenue collection, catalysing Penang’s overall economic development,” he explained.
During his speech at the launching ceremony of the campaign at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today, Chow was also delighted to announce that Penang received recognition as a cashless state this year (2024) following its achievement in digital transaction rate exceeding 95% from January to May 2024.
“According to the standards agreed upon by the Finance Ministry and PayNet, a state must achieve a 95% digital transaction rate to be recognised as a cashless state.
“I am pleased to announce that Penang is the only state consistently meeting this standard, with over 95% of transactions being cashless.
“The state government hopes that the implementation of this campaign will help increase state revenue, foster awareness, and encourage the habit of e-payments or cashless payments among the people of Penang, establishing it as the primary payment method in the state,” he said.
Chow said from Jan 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024, all state revenue-collecting departments and agencies successfully recorded 5,490,371 transactions, representing 95.31% of the total transactions.
“The revenue collected amounted to RM516,062,766.73, which is 65.07% of the total revenue.
“Consequently, the Penang government aims to achieve 97% cashless payments by 2030,” he emphasised.
He also commended Digital Penang for promoting digital economy processes among traders and society, besides bridging the digital divide for the communities in Penang for adults and senior citizens.
Chow expressed his appreciation to the Penang State Secretary and the Local Government Division for their efforts in continuing the implementation of cashless transactions in the state. He also thanked the local authorities, as well as state departments and agencies that constantly support the Penang2030 vision which is the primary direction of the Penang government at the grassroots level.
“I also extend my appreciation to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and PayNet for their collaboration with the Penang government through the State Secretary’s Office to raise awareness about the e-payment system and to assist state departments and revenue-collecting agencies in the digital transformation of public service delivery,” Chow said.
Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye said the Penang Government Agencies Cashless Day Campaign 2024 would encourage the people to adapt to the new norm by using digital technology.
“The campaign aligns with the Penang government’s aspiration to develop Penang into a smart and sustainable state through smart governance and various initiatives that support this transformation.
“It will also enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, and meet the people’s expectations while achieving efficient, accountable, and transparent governance,” he said.
As for the Penang Government Agencies Cashless Day Campaign 2024 competition, H’ng said 23 government departments and agencies were eligible.
Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Rosli Isa, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Seberang Perai City Council mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, Local Government Division secretary Muhamad Husni Mahmud, and PayNet director Firdaus Ghani.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis