KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is stepping up efforts to advance the nation’s digital agenda by expanding its Cashless Society initiative to Melaka, the Federal Territories and Johor to strengthen digital trust and empower communities in a cashless economy.
The move was discussed during a recent roundtable session themed “Digital Trust and Community Empowerment”, which brought together representatives from federal and state agencies, industry players and community groups in Cyberjaya.
In a statement today, MCMC said the session served as a strategic platform to refine priorities within the digital ecosystem, including cybersecurity, digital literacy, consumer protection and strengthening public confidence in cashless transactions.
“Attended by 70 representatives from various organisations, the session is expected to enhance digital literacy and trust, build public confidence and enable rural and remote communities to navigate the digital environment safely,” it said.
The discussion also aligned the objectives and direction of the Cashless Society Initiative Phase 4 for 2026 with managers of the National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) and other stakeholders.
The Cashless Society initiative was first launched in 2023 across 28 NADI centres to accelerate the adoption of digital technology at the grassroots level. By 2025, the programme had expanded to 174 locations nationwide, reflecting MCMC’s continued commitment to empowering digital communities.
The initiative has also been strengthened with internet safety elements in line with the Safe Internet Campaign, alongside community capacity-building through Train-the-Trainer programmes among NADI managers.
MCMC said that the initiative also raises awareness of online risks and scams in line with the implementation of the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA).
“By using cashless payments as an entry point to digital services, MCMC is leveraging expanded coverage and improved internet quality under the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA) to ensure communities can access and fully benefit from technology,” it said.
Between 2023 and 2025, the Cashless Society initiative attracted 62,574 visitors, recorded 26,022 cashless transactions and involved 4,572 new digital merchants at digital premises, while conducting 1,348 awareness activities based on the programme’s four main pillars. – March 6, 2026