The rise of cashless payments and cross-border transactions is transforming the way Malaysian businesses engage with international travelers. Thanks to the powerful partnership between Payments Network Malaysia (PayNrt) and Ant International, Alipay+ has emerged as a game-changer, driving over 80% of inbound DuitNow QR payments and unlocking new revenue streams for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
With 6x revenue growth for Malaysian merchants in December 2024, this partnership is proving to be a catalyst for economic expansion, positioning Malaysia as a leading shopping and travel destination for global tourists.
Seamless Payments: A Gateway for Global Tourists in Malaysia
Since Alipay+ integrated with DuitNow QR in October 2023, the number of Alipay+ payment partners has more than doubled, now including 15 international e-wallets from key markets such as:
- China: Alipay, AlipayHK, MPay
- Thailand: TrueMoney, KBank
- Singapore: Changi Pay, BigPay
- Philippines: HelloMoney, GCash
- South Korea: Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss
- Italy: Tinaba
- Kazakhstan: Kaspi
- Mongolia: HiPay
This means that travelers from 10+ countries can now pay seamlessly at 2.5 million DuitNow QR touchpoints across Malaysia, from shopping malls to kopitiams, wellness centers to cultural attractions
Insight: Businesses should highlight QR payment acceptance, optimize for international tourists, and integrate Alipay+ to enhance customer convenience.
Alipay+ Drives Unprecedented Growth for Malaysian SMEs
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50% Growth in Transactions Every Quarter: Alipay+ is now the #1 contributor to cross-border QR payments in Malaysia.
Increased Spending Power: International tourists are spending more, fuelling growth across retail, food & beverage, tourism, and wellness industries.
Empowering SMEs: DuitNow QR adoption allows local businesses to compete globally, enhancing their visibility to high-spending international customers.
Most Visited Cities by International Travellers:
- Kuala Lumpur
- Malacca
- Penang
- Johor Bahru
- Kota Kinabalu
According to Tourism Malaysia, over 25 million visitors arrived in 2024, with a goal of 35.6 million for Visit Malaysia 2026.
Insight: Tourism-based businesses should leverage Alipay+ integration and target international tourists through localized promotions and digital marketing strategies.
Shopping, Food & Culture: What Tourists Love to Spend On
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Malaysia is known for its rich cultural heritage and incredible food scene. Based on Alipay+ transaction data, here’s where international visitors are spending the most:
- Food & Beverage: Kopitiams, bakeries, satay stalls, and famous bak kut teh spots rank among the most popular.
- Retail & Shopping: Tourists are flocking to malls, convenience stores, pharmacies, and even vending machines for everyday needs.
- Culture & Museums: Baba & Nonya Heritage Museum and Sun Yat Sen Museum rank as top attractions among international visitors.
- Wellness & Outdoor Activities: Spas, beauty salons, diving centers, fishing spots, and fitness hubs are becoming increasingly popular.
Insight: Businesses in F&B, retail, and tourism should optimize cashless payment solutions and promote their offerings to international tourists through digital campaigns.
What This Means for Malaysian Businesses
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- Boosting Sales: Accepting Alipay+ via DuitNow QR increases foot traffic and sales from international tourists.
- Seamless Transactions: Tourists can now pay like a locals, removing friction and enhancing customer experience.
- Early Adoption = Competitive Advantage: SMEs that embrace cashless payment solutions will gain an edge in the evolving travel market.
- Supporting Malaysia’s Tourism Growth: With Visit Malaysia 2026 targeting 35.6 million visitors, businesses need to prepare for a cashless, digital-first economy.
Insight: SMEs should promote “We Accept Alipay+” messaging, optimize their Google My Business listing, and offer special deals for cashless customers.
The Future of Cross-Border Payments in Malaysia
The PayNet and Ant International collaboration is just getting started. In 2025 and beyond, expect more merchant integrations, expanded payment options, and enhanced digital marketing initiatives to drive even greater growth for Malaysian SMEs.
Want to attract more global customers? Now is the time for Malaysian businesses to embrace QR payments, optimize for digital consumers, and ride the wave of cross-border e-wallet adoption.
Ready to grow your business with Alipay+ and DuitNow QR? Start accepting cashless payments today and tap into the global market!
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