A Proton dealer in Selangor has found himself in hot water after braving cryptocurrency as an accepted form of payment for vehicles. Proton Holdings has issued a public statement saying that the form of payment will not be accepted by them for their vehicles.
However, Anjur Kayangan Auto Sdn Bhd owner Tony is standing his ground, saying that the move has been a sound one, with at least 10 to 20 walk-in customer enquiries asking about the service.
Well, it seems that Malaysians are more finance-forward than previously thought. Perhaps 2018 is the year when we can finally use our debit cards between midnight and 2:00am on a Friday?
Although the banner advertising bitcoin as a mode of payment went up Thursday, it was quickly taken down. Speaking to The Malay Mail, Tony refused to comment whether the move had anything to do with the condemnation of the national car manufacturer. He added that while the sign was not up, bitcoin service was still available.
Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer currency that has no intrinsic value, intermediary government, nor a central bank regulator. Its value leverages on public confidence, and the currency’s acceptance.
Worth only US$23 in 2013, its value surged to US$20,000 (RM80,000) but the end of last year. The incredibly speculative and volatile nature of the currency led Bank Negara to make it illegal tender in Malaysia.
However, the move has not stopped private business owners in using the mode of payment to attract customers.
Last year, two food stalls in deepest, darkest, and apparently #woke, Bandar Puchong Utama began to accept the payment for their curry mee and fish head noodles. In Kota Baru, Kelantan, a nasi kerabu seller also allows customers to pay with bitcoin.
Recently, a Facebook post indicated that a clinic in Klang is also accepting bitcoin.
Meanwhile, our enterprising car dealer Tony has added that the move for him is a must, as Protons were falling out of favor.
In the long run, we’re not sure that the cross-section of bitcoin barons and Proton lovers will necessarily intersect, but we applaud your gumption, sir.
