Malaysia leans into cashless travel with Weixin Pay partnership

Table of Content

Tourism Malaysia and Weixin Pay have formalized a Memorandum of Collaboration focused on accelerating the tourism sector’s digital shift and improving the travel flow for Chinese visitors. The agreement targets integrated marketing, technology adoption and on-the-ground payment interoperability. It arrives during a period of steady tourism recovery and rising cashless use across key touchpoints in Malaysia. The partners position the move as part of preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, aiming for more seamless planning, payments and engagement throughout the visitor journey.

What the MoC covers

The collaboration sets out a joint agenda to expand Malaysia’s visibility in the China market and improve practical tools for travelers and merchants. The focus is on measurable integration rather than promotional pushes.

• Joint digital marketing – coordinated campaigns to reach Chinese travelers across Weixin’s ecosystem.
• Technology adoption – enabling cashless, interoperable payments and smoother in-destination experiences.
• Merchant enablement – support for Malaysian businesses to use Weixin Pay’s toolset for seamless, convenient, cashless transactions.

Where Weixin Pay is already in play

Weixin Pay usage has expanded across transportation, dining and retail, with notable coverage at major traveler touchpoints. Integration with Malaysia’s national payments infrastructure continues to deepen.

• Transport and retail – adoption at KLIA Ekspres and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, among other venues.
• PayNet interoperability – growing acceptance via DuitNow QR, allowing Chinese visitors to pay with their preferred method.

By the numbers – adoption and travel momentum

Official data underscores sustained growth in both tourism arrivals and digital transactions. The figures below reflect the period highlighted in the announcement and point to a broader cashless shift that aligns with cross-border travel recovery.

Since July 2025, a mutual visa‑free policy between Malaysia and China has been in place, supporting robust cross‑border travel growth.

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What officials say

Tourism Malaysia and Weixin Pay framed the agreement around digital readiness and traveler familiarity, with an eye on the China market and VM2026 momentum.

“China remains one of Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets,” said Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. “Today’s Chinese travellers expect seamless digital integration throughout their journey, from trip planning to payment solutions. This strategic collaboration with Weixin Pay represents an important step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the China market, enhances engagement with visitors, and provides strong momentum for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.”

Mr. Ben Yang, Weixin Pay’s Managing Director for Southeast Asia and North America, said “Weixin Pay is committed to strengthening its presence in Malaysia and across the region by working closely with local partners to deliver smooth cross-border payment experiences. This collaboration will enable our users to fully explore Malaysia’s unique attractions and vibrant culture, offering an experience that feels both exciting and reassuringly familiar.”

What’s next for Visit Malaysia 2026

The signing underscores a shared commitment to position Malaysia as a digitally enabled, visitor‑ready destination ahead of VM2026. With arrivals trending upward and interoperable payments expanding via PayNet and DuitNow QR, the groundwork is being laid for more consistent, cashless travel flows.

Bottom line – a practical step toward frictionless travel: For travelers, this means more familiar payment options and fewer hurdles in transit, retail and dining. For local merchants, it translates into broader access to Chinese customers using a system they already trust.