Hawkers now have more time to benefit from government subsidies to implement digital payment systems.
Hawkers who have yet to adopt cashless payment systems now have until December 31, 2024 to benefit from government subsidies. The Hawkers Go Digital initiative, which aims to encourage more food stallholders to digitalise, extends the 0.5% transaction fee waiver on digital payments made through the Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR) platform.
The scheme has been extended twice, with the latest deadline set for 2024. It initially supported hawkers during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been helping stallholders to adopt digital payment solutions. Since the initiative’s launch in 2018, over 11,000 stallholders have signed up, and the goal is to onboard as many as 18,000 stallholders by the end of next year.
The government has also implemented safeguards against QR code scams, such as a system notifying stallholders when a payment is received. Ambassadors have been dispatched to guide stallholders and patrons on best practices.
Despite challenges, including reluctance from some hawkers, such as Nazeerkhan Abdulwahab, who serves mostly elderly customers, digital payment adoption has been growing. 80% of stallholders at Bedok Food Centre have signed up for SGQR services, and many have found it convenient.
