IT is ridiculous to impose surcharge on those using Touch ‘N Go (T&G) or debit cards to pay for parking when consumers have no other option to turn to.
“It’s simply not fair. We’re already paying upfront via topping up the T&G card, but we’re still forced to pay a surcharge fee at a time when many buildings have switched to cashless transactions for parking.
“We have filed complaints with the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) in the past. In other countries, those who use cashless transactions get a discount unlike here,” Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) CEO Paul Selvaraj told FocusM.
Several FocusM readers have complained on why certain parking areas, especially in shopping malls, are still imposing a surcharge fee for using T&G and debit cards to make payments.
Some premises have eliminated cash transactions entirely for parking, leaving consumers with no choice but to use cashless system despite being imposed the surcharge fee.
Consumers have said the surcharge fee was going against the Government’s policy of encouraging the populace to use cashless payment system in their daily transactions.
The surcharge fee can range from 5% to 10%, depending on the premise management. Sources have told FocusM that several building managements impose the fee as the electronic payment system provider often delays their reimbursement.
However, Selvaraj was unimpressed by the argument, adding the Government should relook into the system to protect consumers, especially during tough economic times.
“I’m sure they have a lot excuses but as far as Fomca is concerned, it is not right for them to pass the burden to consumers,” he said.
Elaborating on T&G, Selvaraj said the company has a monopoly on the cashless transaction system and MyCC should investigate the matter.
“We need more competition while allowing more companies to offer such services. We have received a lot of complaints against T&G.
“As far as the conflict between the electronic payment system provider and the building managements is concerned, I am of the view that consumers should not be bearing the brunt of it,” he added.
It’s profiteering, Gov’t should Act
Consumers Association of Subang & Shah Alam, Selangor (Cassa) president Datuk Jacob George echoed Selvaraj’s sentiments, saying the Finance Ministry and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) should probe the matter.
“It’s basically profiteering and unnecessary. Consumers should get vocal about it and lodge complaints with the relevant authorities,” he said.
George said that his association had approached the BNM early this year to highlight the matter, adding that the Government should decide whether it was serious about its commitment to promote cashless transactions.
“Sometimes, regulators think these things only affect middle- and upper-income people which is untrue.
“People are already struggling due to the economic downturn. If you want to promote cashless transactions, then why are consumers still being told to pay surcharge fee for it?
“I appeal to the Finance Ministry and BNM to put a stop to this,” he remarked.
On T&G, George concurred that it was a monopoly and called for more players to be allowed to operate electronic payment system.
“It’s absurd that we have laws and a commission against monopolistic practices but nothing is done about this.
“We’re a nation of hypocrites. We’re just creating a situation to allow profiteering to flourish,” he added. – Dec 24, 2020.
