April 17, 2026
World
World
MANILA, April 17 — Philippine security forces killed 10 alleged Islamist militants today after they resisted arrest in a clash in the country’s south, police said.
GEORGE TOWN, April 17 — Penang’s cashless adoption rate has reached 97.92 per cent last year, placing the state among Malaysia’s top performers in digital payments as it moves towards becoming fully cashless by 2030.
State Local Government and Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the progress reflects the success of digitalisation efforts across local authority services, including tax payments, compounds, and business licences.
He said the high adoption rate shows strong public confidence in digital payment systems and supports the state’s goal of accelerating inclusiveness through wider cashless usage.
H’ng added that while Penang continues to push for a cashless future, the government remains focused on addressing challenges such as cybersecurity risks, online fraud, and ensuring no group is left behind in the digital shift.
He also said 24 departments and agencies were recognised for helping improve revenue collection efficiency, reduce cash handling, and speed up service delivery. — Bernama
