KUALA LUMPUR (July 17): The value of QR payment transactions by foreign tourists through the Alipay+ ecosystem in Malaysia recorded a significant increase of 89.6% to RM824 million in 2025 compared with\u00a0RM435 million in the previous year.<\/p>\n
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) reported that the total number of transactions also recorded an increase of 60.4% to 10.5 million transactions for the same period, compared with\u00a06.6 million transactions in 2024.<\/p>\n
According to the ministry, the growth momentum continued in the first quarter of 2026 (1Q2026)\u00a0with the transaction value reaching RM255 million, up\u00a0from RM173 million recorded in 1Q2025.<\/p>\n
The number of transactions for 1Q2026 was 3.5 million compared with\u00a02.2 million for the same period last year.<\/p>\n
“This development shows how the digitisation of payment systems supports the growth of tourism and trade activities, helping to\u00a0drive the country’s economy,” according to the ministry in a written response published on the Parliament website on Friday.<\/p>\n
The MOF was answering a question from\u00a0Datuk 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The smooth and secure payment facilities expand access for local traders, especially micro, small\u00a0and medium enterprises, to the purchasing power of international tourists,” the MOF said.<\/p>\n
Regarding the monitoring and intervention measures to curb tax leakage and capital outflows, the ministry noted that Bank Negara Malaysia will continue to intensify efforts to ensure that cross-border payment access and speed remain safe and affordable.<\/p>\n
“This effort will also support regional economic integration by facilitating cross-border transactions by individuals, businesses\u00a0and travellers,” the ministry said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n