KUALA LUMPUR: The value of QR payment transactions by foreign tourists through the Alipay+ ecosystem in Malaysia recorded a significant increase of 89.6 per cent to RM824 million in 2025 compared with RM435 million in the previous year.
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) reported that the total number of transactions also recorded an increase of 60.4 per cent to 10.5 million transactions for the same period, compared with 6.6 million transactions in 2024.
According to the ministry, the growth momentum continued in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q2026) with the transaction value reaching RM255 million, up from RM173 million recorded in 1Q2025.
The number of transactions for 1Q2026 was 3.5 million compared with 2.2 million for the same period last year.
“This development shows how the digitisation of payment systems supports the growth of tourism and trade activities, helping to drive the country’s economy,” according to the ministry in a written response published on the Parliament website today.
The MOF was answering a question from Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (WARISAN-Semporna) regarding the extent to which the ministry monitors the cost of fund outflows and the projected spending statistics of foreign tourists through the Alipay+ ecosystem.
Further commenting, the MOF explained that the collaboration between PayNet and Alipay+, introduced in 2024 through the integration of DuitNow QR, has made it easier for tourists, especially from China, to make payments using their home country’s payment applications at local premises.
“The smooth and secure payment facilities expand access for local traders, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to the purchasing power of international tourists,” the MOF said.
Regarding the monitoring and intervention measures to curb tax leakage and capital outflows, the ministry noted that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that cross-border payment access and speed remain safe and affordable.
“This effort will also support regional economic integration by facilitating cross-border transactions by individuals, businesses and travellers,” the ministry said.
The measure also aims to ensure that the cross-border digital payment ecosystem remains competitive without neglecting financial security and domestic economic stability, it added.
— BERNAMA
