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The Star
6 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Navigating hybrid payment future
IS technology a boon or bane? Which is king now – cash or cashless payments? Many of us are now used to paying online for products and services. While we were previously used to some form of online transactions such as those needed for booking hotel accommodation, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift of many transactions and payments online. The catalyst was due in part to the fear of contagion from handling cash, and movement restrictions that resulted in online shopping being vital, besides the availability of more digital services. Once people experienced the convenience and efficiency of online transactions and digital payments, many continued to use them even after movement restrictions were lifted. In addition, the pandemic sped up the adoption and expansion of digital transactions in numerous areas such as food and grocery deliveries, virtual classrooms, telemedicine, virtual events and online applications for government services. Some people can now confidently step out of the house with just a smartphone to pay for everything they need. In this day and age, a person is more likely to make a U-turn if they accidentally leave their mobile phone, rather than their wallet, at home. A colleague shared that she had once wanted to buy lunch at a fast-food restaurant but then discovered she had left her wallet at home. Luckily she had her smartphone on her, and was able to pay for food using her digital wallet. Having cash alongside cashless payment methods is still necessary due to a weak Internet signal in some areas. — Filepic Personally, I still carry both my smartphone and wallet with cash whenever I step out of the house, as I find that having cash as backup is necessary. Several times, the Internet signal was so weak at the shop I was in that I had to resort to paying by cash. Another personal preference is to view physical copies of restaurant menus rather than the online versions that can be accessed through QR codes or web links. Online food menus are ideal for clarity and transparency, since the prices are listed and any form of personalisation (such as add-ons or omissions of certain ingredients) can be clearly stated. However, physical menus allow me to get a better understanding of the dishes, make side-by-side comparisons or even ask for recommendations from service staff. During my post-pandemic trips to London and Beijing, I appreciated how convenient it was to travel using the two cities' rail transport networks and pay via digital methods. The London rail network offers several convenient payment methods, including debit, credit and prepaid cards, and mobile devices. I was also impressed to see commuters simply tapping their smartwatches at platform gates to get in and out of the station – something not widely available in the Klang Valley. Using the same card or device to tap in and out for every journey within a day, or week, also allows the user to benefit from amount capping. This ensures they never pay more than a certain amount for their travel within that period. In Beijing, QR codes through WeChat or Alipay app is the de facto form of payment for its rail transit system. However, I read that Beijing's urban rail transit system completed its full network coverage as of mid-June this year. It now accepts contactless 'tap-and-go' payments from overseas-issued cards from the five major international card schemes including Mastercard, Visa and American Express. Ultimately, the debate between cash and cashless payments is not simply about choosing one over the other. Instead, it is about finding a balance that suits individual preferences, lifestyles and needs. While digital payments have brought convenience and efficiency, cash still holds value as a backup and in situations where technology falls short. As technology continues to evolve and redefine the way we conduct transactions, it is crucial to stay adaptable and mindful of both the pros and cons of each payment method. In the end, the 'king' of payments may not be one or the other, but a harmonious blend of both cash and cashless methods.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Kajang, Putrajaya get five new on-demand service zones
Rapid KL's On-Demand service is introducing five new zones in Kajang and Putrajaya. — Filepic RAPID Bus Sdn Bhd has introduced five new zones under its Rapid KL On-Demand service, serving as feeder routes to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines in Kajang and Putrajaya. Prasarana Malaysia Bhd group chief operating officer (operations) Amir Hamdan said the latest zone expansion targeted densely populated and rapidly developing urban areas. 'This is part of Rapid Bus' efforts to provide more flexible and convenient first-mile, last-mile travel solutions. 'In line with our commitment to sustainable mobility and promoting greater public transport usage, we will continue working to ensure the Rapid KL On-Demand service is more efficient and responsive to passenger demand,' he said in a statement, reported by Bernama. The zones available for booking via the Rapid On-Demand app include MRT Kwasa Sentral to Subang Bestari and Subang Skypark Terminal served by four vans, and MRT Semantan to Menara DBKL served by two vans. The MRT Metro Prima to Taman Beringin route will have three vans, while MRT Putrajaya Sentral to Precinct 1 has three and MRT Cyberjaya City Centre to the Cyberjaya area has five. According to the statement, this expansion brings the total number of On-Demand zones along the Kajang and Putrajaya lines to 16, with 46 vans in operation. Across the Klang Valley, the service now operates in 60 zones using 162 vans. The service offers guaranteed seating and is available for booking daily from 6am to 11.30pm via the Rapid On-Demand app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The promotional fare of RM1 per ride remains in place. Accepted payment methods include debit or credit, Touch 'n Go and Kad Konsesi MyRapid cards, as well as OKU Smile and unlimited travel passes like My50, MyCity, MyTourist and Family Pass. For details, go to Rapid KL's official social media platforms or
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
‘Johor needs higher growth to achieve 2030 vision'
The RTS Link, a rail service between Johor Baru and Singapore, is expected to start on Jan 1, 2027. — Filepic JOHOR must achieve an average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 8.36% to reach its target of becoming a developed state by 2030. State investment, trade, consumer affairs and human resources committee chairman Lee Ting Han said Johor's GDP in 2023 was RM148bil. He said it needed to grow to RM260bil within the next seven years to meet the Maju Johor 2030 agenda. 'This means Johor cannot afford to continue with a business-as-usual approach. 'We need a bold paradigm shift,' he said in his winding up speech during the state assembly sitting at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Kota Iskandar. He said this was why the state government had set up the Johor Economic Transformation Programme (JETP), Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and Forest City Special Financial Zone. 'JETP is a medium and long-term transformation plan to ensure Johor's economic development remains sustainable and inclusive by the year 2030. 'It is a component of the Maju Johor 2030 vision and is aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan that will be tabled by the Federal Government,' he added. Lee pointed out how JETP supported efforts such as JS-SEZ, thereby forming a strong framework to ensure Johor remained globally competitive. He said a master plan was being developed with the Federal Government to ensure the zone delivered long-term higher value economic activities, local SME participation and talent development. 'We are committed to ensuring that Johor does not end up as a low-cost satellite for foreign firms. Value must be created here,' he stressed. Lee also said that JS-SEZ-linked projects included the Elevated Automated Rapid Transit as a feeder to the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link that is expected to begin operations on Jan 1, 2027. He revealed that Johor was working with the Federal Government on a regulatory sandbox model to test new policies in a controlled environment to speed up project implementation. On global trade risks, Lee warned of the negative effects of tariffs: 'The proposed US tariffs could directly impact Johor-made electronics, semiconductors and furniture. 'These sectors are closely tied to global demand, and any disruption will hit us hard. 'The tariffs could raise production costs, reduce export volumes and shrink profit margins.' He said Malaysia could end up receiving too many imported goods, especially because global trade routes and suppliers are changing due to factors like trade wars, sanctions and geopolitical shifts. 'We welcome the Federal Government's support to help cushion the impact of global uncertainties. 'From loan guarantees to anti-dumping measures, these steps will protect our industries and SMEs,' said Lee. Among the steps are RM1bil in loan guarantees under the Business Financing Guarantee Scheme, RM500mil in SME financing support, anti-dumping actions against unfair imports, and tighter control over Certificates of Origin for US-bound goods. Lee revealed that Johor was rapidly rising as a data centre hub, with 42 projects in various stages and 13 already operational. He also highlighted the Johor Talent Development Council's Job Fair X MyFutureJobs Johor 2025 held at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn in Batu Pahat for jobseekers. 'With a holistic strategy combining infrastructure development, technological innovation and market diversification, Johor is committed to long-term sustainable growth,' he said.
The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Vaccinations for the elderly: why it matters
In the elderly, vaccines provide a boost to help the body fight off infections more effectively. — Filepic Fifteen percent of Malaysia's population will be aged 60 and above by 2030 – and that's only five years from now! As our country moves towards becoming an ageing society, protecting the health of older adults is more critical than ever. 'One of the most effective tools for preventing serious illnesses and hospitalisation in this growing demographic is vaccination. 'Yet, the awareness about elderly immunisation remains low and misinformation continue to deter many seniors and their caregivers from taking advantage of recommended vaccines,' says consultant geriatrician Dr Chin Ai-Vyrn. He dispels the following myths: Myth 1: Vaccines are only for children Fact: While childhood vaccination is crucial, immunity can diminish with age, and the elderly face unique risks from infectious diseases. Vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Covid-19 are specifically recommended for older adults because they help reduce the risk and severity of these diseases. Myth 2: Vaccines burden your natural immune system Fact: Vaccines do not overwhelm or weaken the immune system. In fact, they strengthen it by training it to recognise and fight specific pathogens. The immune system is capable of handling thousands of foreign substances at once, and the small number of antigens in vaccines is negligible compared to what we encounter daily. For older adults, whose immune responses decline with age, vaccines provide a crucial boost to help the body respond more effectively to real infections. Myth 3: Vaccines cause serious side effects in older adults Fact: Most vaccines recommended for seniors have been extensively tested for safety. The majority of side effects are mild and temporary – such as soreness at the injection site or low-grade fever. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. The protection vaccines offer against serious illness is far greater than the small chance of side effects. However, if you are allergic to components of a vaccine, discuss this with your doctor before getting vaccinated. Myth 4: I had the vaccine before – so I'm still protected Fact: Some vaccines require boosters over time because immunity can wane. For example, annual influenza vaccines are needed due to changing virus strains. Staying up to date with vaccinations is essential to ensure continued protection. Myth 5: Vaccines might interact negatively with certain medications Fact: It's understandable for elderly patients – many of whom take multiple medications – to be concerned about potential interactions. However, vaccines are rigorously tested and monitored for safety in populations that include older adults with common chronic conditions. In general, vaccines do not interfere with most medications, including those for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. Healthcare providers carefully assess a patient's medical history before administering vaccines to ensure safety. Consult your doctor before getting vaccinated if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system. 'Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in Malaysia, surpassing even cardiovascular diseases. 'It can often be triggered by infections such as influenza – showing just how important it is to take simple preventive steps – like getting vaccinated. 'Vaccines act like insurance for your future health, helping your natural immune system stay alert and prepared to fight off serious infections,' says Dr Chin. But vaccination is just one part of staying healthy as we age. He adds: 'A well-rounded lifestyle – including regular exercise, a balanced diet, quality sleep, stress management, avoiding smoking, limiting or avoiding alcohol, practicing good personal hygiene and reducing exposure to infections – also plays a critical role in maintaining our immune system while reducing reducing morbidity and mortality.'
The Star
08-06-2025
- General
- The Star
‘Screen doors at platforms will enhance rail safety'
More measures, such as increasing patrols and better passenger flow management at platforms, are needed to improve safety at train stations. — Filepic Experts also call for reserve buses, better communication during service disruptions PUBLIC transport experts have welcomed the directive by Transport Minister Anthony Loke for screen doors to be installed at all train station platforms. They also made suggestions to improve service based on their expertise and experience travelling in foreign countries. The directive came following the death of a foreign national who fell onto the train tracks at the Pusat Bandar Puchong LRT station on June 3. A visually impaired man suffered the same fate after falling onto railway tracks and was struck by a train at the Titiwangsa LRT station in Kuala Lumpur in February this year. Kuala Lumpur-based transport consultant Ernest Wong, who uses the LRT service daily for work, told StarMetro that platform screen doors would not only ensure commuters' safety but also minimise train disruptions by preventing intrusions onto the tracks. 'More auxiliary police officers and station staff should also patrol the platforms to help deter commuters from stepping beyond the safety line drawn on the floor,' he said. Wong also suggested that authorities employ laser intrusion detection systems on train platforms such as the one used at the Millennium Line in Vancouver, Canada. The system, he said, could detect intruders on platforms and foreign objects or debris on the tracks. 'However, one possible downside of this technology is that false alarms could be triggered quite often,' added Wong. Rail architect Ken Chin called for the placement of emergency stop buttons on rail platforms to halt approaching trains in the event obstructions are found on the tracks. 'Passenger flow management on the platforms, especially during peak hours where they could be very crowded, should also be improved,' he added. The June 3 tragedy caused disruption to the LRT services between the Bandar Puteri, Taman Perindustrian Puchong, Pusat Bandar Puchong and IOI Puchong Jaya stations for over two hours. Rapid KL had offered bus bridging services for commuters during the disruption period. However, some netizens claimed they waited two hours for the buses, but none came. Wong urged rail service operators to ensure that they have sufficient reserve buses to be deployed to the stations during such disruptions. 'The Transport Ministry should also establish an enforcement mechanism to keep operators accountable for disruptions caused by non-performance so that people will have more confidence in using public transport,' he added. Chin said train service operators should communicate clearly with commuters on service disruptions to alleviate their concerns. 'Important information such as the estimated delay period and availability of alternative routes should be promptly communicated to passengers,' he said.
