S Pay Global to introduce Cross-Border QR payments for tourists, boosting Sarawak’s digital economy

KUCHING (Nov 16): Sarawak’s homegrown financial technology platform, S Pay Global, is set to introduce a ‘Cross Border QR’ feature to facilitate seamless payment for tourists and visitors from participating countries, including Indonesia.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who announced the initiative today, said tourists will soon be able to make payments in Malaysia by simply scanning the DuitNow QR code using their mobile banking apps or e-wallets.

“This is a very good initiative for the economy of the Sarawak region due to the status of economic development in Borneo especially with the relocation of the capital of Indonesia from Jakarta to Nusantara in Kalimantan,” he said at the Financial Literacy Carnival organised by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) at VivaCity Megamall here.

His text-speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Abang Johari highlighted that S Pay Global, formerly known as SarawakPay, has recorded transactions worth RM4.2 billion to date, with 770,000 users and 91,000 registered merchants.

“I am pleased to announce that S Pay Global has taken a bigger step by providing an ‘Interoperable QR’ facility under the DuitNow platform by PayNet where funds transfer services are available 24-7 with funds credited instantly to the recipient,” he said.

Abang Johari also noted that Serikin, a border market near Serian, has become Malaysia’s first cashless border market through a collaboration between BNM, PayNet, financial institutions, and the Bau District Office.

He added that since its launch in September 2023, the initiative has facilitated transactions worth over RM1 million.

“This initiative not only improves the economy of the local community but also helps increase the level of financial literacy among rural communities in Serikin and their availability towards the digital economy.

“In addition, the use of e-Money in cross-border business transactions makes it easier for traders to further expand their business, especially with the new potential that will be created by the construction of the Serikin Immigration, Customs and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex which is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.

Abang Johari also revealed that the e-Duit Desa campaign, launched in areas like Marudi, Batu Niah, Daro, and Kabong, has helped rural communities transition toward a digital economy while improving their competitiveness.

To ensure that no one is left behind in the digital economy and financial agenda, he highlighted the state government’s partnership with BNM and financial institutions to launch mobile banking services in 2021, specifically to serve residents in rural areas.

This collaboration has also seen the installation of Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and Cash Recycling Machines (CRM) in district and sub-district offices across Sarawak, aimed to bridge the financial access gap in underserved rural areas.

“So far, 12 district and sub-district offices in Sarawak have been equipped with ATM or CRM machines using funds contributed by the Sarawak government.

“The Sarawak government is aware that providing financial access needs to go hand in hand with strengthening the level of financial literacy among the people in order to foster responsible habits and attitudes in financial management among the people of Sarawak,” he said.