smartphone while Batu Kitang Assemblyman, Lo Khere Chiang (second right) and others look on during its introduction at 3rd Mile Market in Kuching
yesterday.
KUCHING: The 3rd Mile Market under the jurisdiction of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) yesterday became the first wet market in the state to implement Maybank QRPay. Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the QRPay by Maybank was similar to AliPay which was very popular in China.
By using this form of cashless transaction, everyone can basically leave home with nothing but their smart phones, he added. “We are very pleased that our Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg is talking about digital economy that includes QRPay at the ground level such as the market,” he told a press conference after launching the Maybank QRPay at the 3rd Mile Market here yesterday.
According to Sim, there are enormous advantages of having QRPay application for everyone. “For the sellers, they don’t have to worry about scavenging for small change for the customers or receiving fake money. For the buyers, they will have the records of the transactions so that they can keep track of their spending.” Sim added that the initiative could reduce the cost of replacing torn bank notes. “I am happy that the hawkers are very proactive and keen to learn although it takes time to learn.
“We currently have three sellers in the market for a start. In the future, I do hope more sellers will use this application as it is in line with the state government’s emphasis on digital economy,” said the Minister. According to Maybank Regional Director, Nasir Khan, Maybank is aggressively going around markets and small shops to promote QRPay and so far, the response has been fantastic.
”Maybank QRPay is a new digital initiative by the bank which allows merchants and customers to benefit from cashless transactions just by scanning a QR code on their mobile devices. He said any merchant could apply to use the service by registering for Maybank QRPay via the Maybank QRPay merchant App and indicating their own bank account numbers for payments to be channelled to.
“Money is credited in real-time to the merchant account, making the whole process seamless and merchant-friendly,” Sim explained, adding that merchants would also be able to view up to 90 days of transaction history.
