In this day and age, most young people don’t carry cash anymore.
Photo via New Straits Times
Whether you’re paying for food, shopping online or transferring money to a friend, it’s all done from your phone. For businesses, going cashless also has its perks. There is no need to store physical money, worry about theft, or make trips to the bank.
But what happens when it’s someone elderly who is unfamiliar with smartphones or e-wallet apps? Many older Malaysians still rely on cash. And since cash is still legal tender in the country, the topic continues to spark debate, especially when businesses choose to go fully digital.
Recently, a Malaysian cafe became the centre of an online discussion after revealing they had received a one-star review from a dissatisfied customer who was upset that the cafe only accepted cashless payments. The customer wrote, “Never again. The business is a cashless business. Cash is still legal tender in Malaysia, and you must accept it. I do not support cashless businesses.”
In response, the cafe took to Threads to explain their decision. “It’s sad to see a customer giving us a one-star review, not because the food wasn’t good or because the service was bad, but because of our cashless policy,” they wrote. “Yes, we are fully cashless for safety reasons, and there are fewer errors.”
They also asked the public for their opinion on cashless systems, opening up the floor to a wider conversation.
The same customer also claimed they had received the wrong bill, which the cafe responded to by saying they would have corrected the mistake immediately if it had been pointed out at the time.
The situation quickly caught the attention of social media users, and Malaysians found themselves split. Some felt that cash should always remain an option, especially for senior citizens or those without access to digital banking. Others supported the cafe’s approach, arguing that it is time to fully embrace cashless transactions.
One user even pointed out that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) had previously clarified that businesses are allowed to choose whether or not to accept cash.
So what is the right move for businesses?
Perhaps it is about finding a balance. Shops can encourage customers to use cards or e-payments for efficiency and safety, but they should not completely reject cash, at least not yet.
What do you guys think?
