All public markets in Penang are expected to fully adopt the e-wallet transaction system by June 2020, said the Penang state government. This would include 26 public markets under the Penang City Council (MBPP), and another 30 public markets under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).

This comes as the State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman, Jagdeep Singh Deo, commented that public market traders have responded positively regarding the use of e-wallets.

“I have directed the Penang City Council and Seberang Perai City Council to implement this system in all public markets in Penang,” said Jagdeep, who is also the state assemblyman for Datuk Keramat.

Jagdeep’s directive will also go hand in hand with the Penang state government’s decision to help its hawkers and small traders to digitalise their businesses. This is especially the case for Penang’s street food industry, which is deeply impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the Bukit Mertajam MP, Steven Sim Chee Keong, there are 14,000 licenced standalone hawkers and small traders, and likely a similar number of operators in kopitiams and food courts. This makes for a huge opportunity for the state’s digital economy.

The Penang state government had previously announced its intention to fully adapt and enable e-wallet transactions throughout the state by March 2020.

(Sources: Bernama, The Sun Daily)

• TAGS:
• Cashless Payments
• Jagdeep Singh Deo
• MBPP
• MBSP
• Penang
• Penang City Council
• Public Markets
• Seberang Perai City Council
• Steven Sim Chee Keong