KUCHING: S Pay Global has partnered with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) to link DuitNow QR in the state owned eWallet, making fund transfer services available 24/7 with funds credited instantly to the recipient.
This new integration enables Sarawakians to enjoy seamless, fast, and secure cashless transactions at over 2 million DuitNow QR touchpoints nationwide, reinforcing the state’s commitment towards digital transformation through financial inclusion and a cashless economy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that in the near future, S Pay Global will also be equipped with ‘cross border QR’ where tourists from Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Cambodia will make payment with their mobile banking applications and eWallets by simply scanning the DuitNow QR code when visiting Malaysia.
“This is a very good initiative for the economy of the Sarawak region because of the status of economic development in the Borneo Island, especially with the transfer of the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to Nusantara,” he said.
He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the launching of 2024 Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) Karnival Celik Kewangan (KCK) at Vivacity Megamall here Saturday.
He stated that the state government is aware that the provision of 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.
Therefore, the state government is grateful to BNM, a financial institution and strategic partner, which has not only spearheaded the initiative to provide inclusive financial services but also the initiative to improve financial literacy among the Sarawak community.
“For example, Pasar Serikin is now the first cashless border market in Malaysia through the BNM initiative with PayNet, financial institutions and the Bau District Office.
“Since its launch in September 2023, this market has recorded more than RM1 million worth of transactions.
“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,” he lauded.
Abang Johari said 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 Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex which is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2025.
“The e-Duit Desa campaign which is also implemented in other areas in Sarawak such as Marudi, Batu Niah, Daro and Kabong has helped the people to be more prepared in the transition towards the digital economy and increase competitiveness to grow their businesses,” he said.
On the programme, he said financial literacy programmes are important to empower the people with knowledge in making the right financial decisions to be free from financial management mistakes.
Having said that he emphasised that the responsibility to realise the vision of empowering the people with knowledge in making the right financial decisions does not rest with the Sarawak government alone.
“It is a joint effort between the government, the private sector and the people of Sarawak in general. Financially literate communities can certainly play an important role in contributing to the state’s economic growth.
“Therefore, I call on everyone here to take the opportunity to get as much information about financial management during the KCK programme here.
“This programme is a very good initiative to increase the public’s access to information related to financial management and further foster positive financial management habits among the people,” he said.
