By Danial Dzulkifly
PETALING JAYA, March 15 – Embracing digital solutions, all 18 Ramadan bazaars under the purview of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), totalling 1,432 sales booths, have implemented cashless transactions for its customers.
Newly-minted Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the transition has been successful as the council made it mandatory for vendors participating in this year’s bazaars to opt for cashless payment methods.
The move aligns with the state’s vision of becoming a Smart State by 2025.
“The significance of this initiative by MBPJ is that once other local councils see our implementation, they are likely to follow suit, and we then can collectively contribute to achieving Selangor’s vision of becoming a Smart State by 2025,” he said.
Zahri was speaking during a press conference at the SS6/1 Kelana Jaya Ramadan bazaar today, where he also conducted a walkabout at the kilometre-long bazaar as part of MBPJ’s Digital and Clean Ramadan Bazaar campaign.
The campaign aims to ensure all vendors comply with hygiene and cleanliness standards and provide cashless payment options for patrons.
During the event, Platform Selangor (PLATS) distributed around 500 digital Rahmah coupons, which offer a one-time RM20 voucher for each individual to spend at the bazaar.
The new initiative, dubbed ‘PLATS Masuk Bazaar’, is a continuation of their ‘PLATS Masuk Pasar’ initiative last year.
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) corporate social responsibility and corporate communications head Ahmad Azri Zainal Nor said this year, the state has prepared 3,000 digital Rahmah coupons worth RM10 at eight different Ramadan bazaar locations.
“This year, we are increasing the coupon value to RM10 due to the month of Ramadan, up from RM5 from our previous initiative, with a total of 3,000 coupons at eight different locations.
“However, today is a bit special as MBPJ also joined in the initiative, and we are distributing 500 coupons worth RM20 each.
“Overall, the effort aims to encourage cashless payments while helping to boost trade activities at these bazaars,” he said.
Other notable attendees include Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung and Selangor Health Department director Dr Ummi Khalthom.
