Going cashless comes at a price
Patrons at entertainment outlets in Malaysia are reporting that businesses are charging extra fees for cashless payments. Consumers are concerned about the lack of transparency, potential for illegal activity, and the unfair penalization of digital payment users.
Why it matters
The trend of surcharging digital payments highlights friction in the transition to a cashless economy and potential regulatory gaps.
Some entertainment outlets charging extra for non-cash payments, claim patrons
PETALING JAYA: Carrying cash has become a necessity rather than a preference for some patrons at entertainment outlets, who claim that certain places charge more for cashless payments.
Wishing only to be identified as Arvin, one patron said cash-paying customers were given a discount on their bills, while those who settled using bank cards or e-wallets were charged additional fees.
In some cases, he claimed, the difference was more than RM300.
“We are constantly encouraged to embrace online transactions, yet situations like this make us feel that we have no choice but to carry cash.
“Nobody wants to carry a large amount of money when going out at night,” he said.
Another customer, who wished to be known as Jason, shared his experience at a live band lounge in Kuala Lumpur.
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