In a statement, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) also said banks should assist senior citizens when it comes to “complex” digital transactions, including the use of ATMs.

“Many senior citizens lack the confidence and skills to use ATM machines for withdrawals and transfers,” Fomca deputy president Paul Selva Raj said.

He was commenting on a report by The Star that conmen posing as Good Samaritans had stolen over RM100,000 from senior citizens who fumbled at the ATM when withdrawing money.

The “Good Samaritans” would offer to help elderly customers, only to switch their ATM cards with faulty ones after obtaining their victims’ cards and PIN numbers.

Paul said such situations could be prevented if banks allowed over-the-counter transactions.

He also criticised policymakers whom he said were pushing for digitalisation without considering the impact it would have on vulnerable groups.

“For them, the way forward is the digitalisation of finances and cashless transactions. If seniors or other vulnerable groups suffer because of their callous and insensitive attitudes, it is their problem.”

He said that at some retail outlets which refused cash payments, those who did not know how to use cashless transactions would be denied service.

“In our rush to become a cashless society, seniors and other vulnerable groups should not be left behind.”