Miri: Grocery traders selected to participate in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid program are urged to own more Electronic Data Capture (EDC) terminals and barcode scanners as backup in case of equipment failure.
EDC terminals are devices used to process electronic payments.
In the context of Sabah and Sarawak, having a backup EDC terminal is particularly important for grocery stores operating in rural areas.
However, DAP Sarawak Secretary Alan Ling described the current requirements for obtaining a backup EDC terminal as illogical and unreasonable.
“I was informed that only traders who conduct more than 120 transactions per day are eligible to apply for a second terminal. I find this condition to be illogical.
“It’s absurd. We’re trying to make life easier for the people, not make them queue in long lines at the counter,” he said in a statement.
Ling said he has already contacted the MyKASIH Foundation regarding this request and explained that the federal government has entrusted the MyKASIH Foundation to manage the distribution of SARA aid, allowing purchases of essential goods at selected grocery stores using MyKad.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a one-off RM100 SARA cash aid for all Malaysian adults aged 18 and above.
This marks the first time a nationwide cash aid initiative is distributed directly via MyKad to every eligible adult citizen.
According to Ling, some traders have only been provided with one terminal, which is insufficient to handle payment processes during peak hours.
“That’s why I contacted them (myKASIH Foundation) over the issue of limited terminals.
I asked whether we could at least request one backup terminal, because traders have been told that in the event of technical issues, the equipment must be sent to Kuala Lumpur for repairs – this takes time and causes inconvenience to both the traders and customers.”
Therefore, to meet the specific needs of Sabah and Sarawak, Ling suggested that an agency or non-governmental organisation (NGO) be appointed to manage the distribution of EDC terminals and barcode scanners under the SARA program.
This would ensure a better understanding of local needs and issues, and provide more responsive technical support in the event of malfunctions. It would also strengthen the federal government’s initiative by involving local entities.
“This is a request from the people and traders. For the benefit of all, we need to ensure there are enough terminals and accessible technical support, especially considering the geographical scale and distribution of Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.
