Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing new growth opportunities as Alipay+ cements itself as the leading enabler of cross-border QR payments via DuitNow, contributing more than 80 per cent of inbound transactions.
The partnership between Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) and Ant International, which launched in October 2023, has significantly expanded cross-border digital payment acceptance. In December 2024, peak travel season saw a sixfold increase in revenue for Malaysian merchants compared to the same period in 2023.
Alipay+, a cross-border payment and digitisation service under Ant International, has facilitated seamless transactions for international travellers by integrating with Malaysia’s DuitNow QR system. Since its launch, the number of Alipay+ payment partners using DuitNow QR has more than doubled to 15, including Alipay (China), GCash (Philippines), Kakao Pay (South Korea), and BigPay (Singapore, Thailand), among others.
“With Alipay+ as a key driver, DuitNow QR is empowering SMEs to compete on an international scale, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a premier travel and shopping destination,” said Gary Yeoh, chief marketing officer of PayNet.
In 2024, Malaysia recorded more than 25 million international visitors, with an aim to attract 35.6 million for Visit Malaysia 2026. Enabled by Alipay+, tourists from 10 countries and regions can now make payments via their home apps at over 2.5 million DuitNow QR touchpoints nationwide. Transaction volumes have surged, with Alipay+ payments growing by an average of 50 per cent quarter-on-quarter.
Edward Yue, general manager for South East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand at Ant International, highlighted the broader impact. He said, “With Alipay+, we offer local businesses a gateway to global customers, driving more inclusive growth in local communities. PayNet has built the infrastructure to enable this, and we’re proud to collaborate in positioning Malaysia as a global tourism hub.”
The data reveals Malaysia’s appeal as a food and cultural hub. Popular transactions among tourists include local kopitiams (coffee shops), bakeries, and traditional cuisine outlets. Museums such as the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum and Sun Yat Sen Museum remain top attractions, while demand for wellness and outdoor activities—such as diving, fitness centres, and spas—has also increased.
Beyond leisure, tourists use DuitNow QR for everyday transactions at convenience stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies, underscoring Malaysia’s reputation as a digitally connected destination.
Looking ahead, PayNet and Ant International plan to enhance merchant connectivity and digital adoption through marketing and educational initiatives. Their collaboration aims to empower more SMEs, ensuring Malaysian businesses continue benefiting from the rise in international digital payments.
As Malaysia prepares for its next tourism milestone, digital payment integration via Alipay+ and DuitNow QR is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s economic landscape. 
