CASHLESS transactions can help curb corruption, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today when launching new public transport passes that allows for unlimited rides.

He said the My100 and My50 initiative is one example of Malaysia striving towards a cashless society, where transactions are recorded and are more transparent.

“When we use cash, it can be used for bribery, but when we go cashless, there are records, then when there is no bribery, the cost of living will be reduced.” he said at the launch of the My100 and My50 passes in KL Sentral today. 

From January 1, the My100 pass allows unlimited travel per month on all LRT, MRT, Monorail, BRT and Rapid buses, while the My50 allows unlimited travel on Rapid bus services in the Klang Valley.

Dr Mahathir said the travel passes were part of the government’s efforts to fulfil its election manifesto of reducing the cost of living for the public.

But he said the government could not subsidise everything, as it would affect government finances.

“If the cost of living is (completely) borne by the government, then we do not save anything.

“The government’s money comes from tax collections, which comes from the people. When we use government money, we are using the people’s money,” he said. – December 1, 2018.