Traders concerned over looming charges for DuitNow QR use

Small traders have voiced concern about the move to begin charging for transactions via the DuitNow QR application, saying they may have to shift to other modes of payment once the policy takes effect in November. 

Nurmizza Asmidar A Rahman, who runs a cake and dessert business in Johor Bahru, said traders were still grappling with the price hikes for basic goods. 

"To one extent or another, we will be affected even though they say that the amount charged is not much. 

"Maybe those who are not traders will not be affected because they do not need to think about capital, overhead costs, utilities or advertising. 

"Our sales fluctuate: sometimes they go down and sometimes they go up," she told MalaysiaNow. 

MalaysiaNow recently reported that traders would be charged for transactions through the DuitNow QR application from Nov 1 onwards. 

A total of 0.25% will be charged to the merchant's account if payment is made from a current or savings account, while 0.50% will be charged for credit card transfers.  

MalaysiaNow had cited an email from RHB Reflex informing customers of the matter, as well as confirmation from Maybank's customer service department. 

Former transport minister Wee Ka Siong was among those who had reacted to the news, saying the charge would place a burden on traders. 

The Ayer Hitam MP also said that it was more than the charge imposed for the use of Visa or Mastercard debit cards. 

Nurmizza, who has run her business in Johor since 2012, said she learnt how to use the DuitNow QR application last year, adding that it was important for physical sales. 

"If I open a booth for an event, I always use DuitNow," she said. "Many customers use DuitNow as well." 

Syefry Moniz, who sells ice-cream, said the charge was unfair towards traders. 

"I have been using this mode since the onset of Covid-19 in the country," he said.

"Before Covid, not many people paid through QR code. But it makes things easier for us because the money goes straight into the account." 

He said it was also convenient as not all customers had small change with them. 

"Sometimes they want to buy an ice-cream that costs RM2 but they only have a RM50 bill on them," he said. 

"How would we give them all change?"

He also questioned the basis for deciding to impose the charge. Unlike ATM machines that require maintenance and electricity, he said, the QR provider company can generate QR scans for free. 

"We use our own data, and our own phones as well," he said.