How ewallets can prevents the spread of Covid-19
The outbreak of Covid-19 has threatened global public health. The spread of the disease that originated from China has skyrocketed to 68,020 Covid-19 cases in Malaysia (at the time of writing). We, Malaysians, have been advised over the course of 9 months to wear our masks, avoid large crowds, wash and sanitize our hands frequently to ensure we keep ourselves and the people around us safe. As the spread of the virus multiplies, we must be extra mindful in taking proper precautions in our daily lives to not further aggravate the situation. An effective way to combat Covid-19 is to switch to eWallets. Why? Because the transmission of the coronavirus can take place via coins and cash.
The virus can be present on solid surfaces such as coins up to 96 hours and physical cash for 3 hours. The severity of the issue is debatable as it is still an ongoing study but previous research has shown that several types of bacteria can survive on paper money. Previous research also showed that banknotes carried the virus of human influenza virus, rhinovirus, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus and norovirus. As such, we must not dismiss the possibility that coins and paper cash could put us at great risk. A rule of thumb would be to clean your hands and avoid touching your face after touching money, but the usage of eWallets (along with other recommendations by health experts) will lower your chances of falling prey to the virus.
You might be thinking that the use of a debit/credit card would be a safer alternative, which it is to a certain degree but it still commonly requires a pin number entry on devices that could be a potential point of infection. You might be thinking, “isn’t that a stretch?”. Yes, it might be a small window to the virus, but let’s be reminded that we are living through the second wave of the virus as the daily number of Covid-19 cases results in triple to quadruple digits. As the timeless saying goes, “It is better to be safe than sorry”. With that being said, contactless digital transactions are the best options under the jarring conditions that is now our reality.
eWallets act exactly like a real wallet (but better). You can transfer a sum of money from your bank account to your digital wallet through credit/debit cards or you can even reload at convenience stores that are merchants of notable eWallets such as 7-eleven, KK Mart or Mynews. This will allow you to make payments via QR codes, a machine-scannable image that can be instantly read through a smartphone camera. This method of payment will ensure minimal physical contact is made throughout your purchase. This practise is now widely accepted in retail outlets, F&B stores, fitness centres, convenient stores, supermarkets and other service industries throughout Malaysia. It also allows you to transfer money to people who use the same digital wallet as you, automating monthly payments such as water and phone bills. Let’s explore some of the most prominent eWallets in Malaysia!
Grabpay, one of the most recognised eWallets in Malaysia allows you to pay for cab fares , food deliveries, bills, prepaid reloads and more at the tip of your fingers! If a digital space for your money intimidates you because you are not tech savvy, the application of Grabpay is user-friendly and is connected to an efficient customer support line, which helps you combat issues such as payments that can’t be processed or overcharged payments. Every digital transaction you make with Grabpay comes with points and rewards that will provide you discounted rides and meals. Most people might be worried that all the incentives to spend money on Grabpay might lead to overspending, but the payment notifications and transaction history will help you track your expenses. Grabpay also earned the award-winning anti-fraud technology to ensure all Grabpay users' information stays secured.
Maybank users can Scan & Pay (formerly known as Maybank QRpay). A cashless payment method provided by Maybank’s Maybank2u mobile application. The application comes with a ‘Scan & Pay’ feature to scan your selected merchant’s QR code that will lead you to a page where you insert the amount due for payment then, ta-daa, that’s it! Payments will be directly taken from your bank account so you don’t have to go through the hassle of loading funds into your e-wallet. Scan & Pay comes with monthly cashback rewards for your enjoyment! You can also use Scan & Pay to register yourself at venues that require you to fill up SELangkah, a tracking system using QR codes that helps our nation track and contact individuals at risk of Covid-19. Now you do not need to download a separate app for contact tracing as Scan & Pay allows you to do that and make cashless payments!
Boost is one the most wanted eWallets by shopping enthusiasts as Boost provides generous cashbacks on shopping! Boost is powered by 146,000+ brands & partners which allows Boost to offer attractive deals on a regular basis! This allows people to shop without compromising their safety. Payments via Boost can be made through QR codes that will bring users to an interface where you must key in a 6 digit pin to make their transaction and it is available as a checkout option when you shop online! If you are a prepaid user, you can reload with Boost to avoid going to physical stores. You can enjoy rewards by literally shaking your mobile deceive after each top-up to earn some cashbacks! If that’s not cool enough, you can also send gifts to your loved ones with Boost via the app right after the use of each voucher and you can pay bills with Boost. This will save you from going out of your way to get a physical gift and minimize your contact with others during festive seasons!
Touch n’ Go eWallet (TnG eWallet) is best known for helping folks pass through tolls seamlessly but it also makes bills, parking and service payments easier too! Your purchases with TnG eWallet makes you entitled to vouchers and cashbacks. This year during Chinese New Year, TnG eWallet encouraged social distancing by providing users the option to send out e-ang paus! The app has also stretched their services to street stalls! Payments via TnG eWallet is available for use at pasar tani all the way in Gua Perahu up north! Talk about innovation!
In conclusion, eWallets not only only brings convenience and benefits into your everyday life, but it also serves as a shield for health hazards during Covid-19 as it gives people opportunities to shop, dine-in, send gifts and make necessary payments on a safer scale. Find out which eWallet matches your needs and lifestyle with this post.
References
ttps://pmj.bmj.com/content/96/1137/427
https://learnaboutcovid19.org/questions/can-covid-19-be-spread-through-money/