CASH transactions are still popular among consumers despite the availability of numerous e-wallet options.

Those who spoke to The Malaysian Insight said they still carry cash and only use e-wallets for certain transactions.

Most keep track of their e-wallet spending by limiting how much money is available in the e-wallet account while others use spreadsheets to track their spending.

Jean Lim, 44, a medical professional, said she uses her credit card and GrabPay most often.

“I use my credit card a lot because I can collect points,” she said.

“I only use an e-wallet because I use Grab to travel around and buy food.”

Lim, who is based in Negri Sembilan, said she still carries cash around because most small sundry shops will not accept cards or e-wallet transactions where she lives.

“I’m from a small town where cash is still necessary. But most sundry shops now have the option of using Touch ‘n Go e-wallet as well as QR pay.”

Lim said she keeps track of her spending by checking her credit card statements and keeping all her receipts.

“For e-wallet it’s harder to keep track, but it is convenient and I don’t find myself spending more than usual.”

Similarly, Hor Wei Vern, 33, an engineer, said she still uses her credit card to pay for most things because she can collect points.

“I only use Grab and Touch ‘n Go e-wallets when I have no other choice,” she said.

Hor also still carries cash around although she rarely uses it.

“I use cash when necessary. Even in food courts you can now pay using e-wallets, credit and debit cards.”

Hor also keeps all her receipts and checks her credit card statement weekly to track her spending.

“I do spend more when using e-wallets because I top up a certain amount, but I don’t always keep track. So I only know how much I spend when I check (the transactions).”

Nicholas Get, 44, a marketing manager, said he prefers using cash to pay for large ticket items.

“For sums above RM300, I prefer paying by cash because I don’t trust cashless payment systems,” he said.

“If something goes wrong while you are paying by card, you might lose the money or it might end up in the wrong account.”

A majority of Get’s transactions are still cashless.

“I would say about 60% of my spending is cashless. I use the Boost e-wallet and I will usually top up around RM200 to RM300 monthly to pay my bills.

“Boost also allows me to collect points, which can then be converted to cash,” Get said.

Get has a spreadsheet where he tracks all his spending.

“I input all my spending, be it on food, grocery, retail or bills.”

Mohd Edrus Ismail, 44, a computer programmer, said even when he uses a card to pay for his purchases, he doesn’t trust the pay-wave function.

“I always insist on keying in my pin because I don’t trust the pay-wave function when paying by credit or debit card.

“In terms of e-wallet, I only have Touch ‘n Go, which I use to pay for tolls. I don’t use it for anything else.” – April 22, 2022.