TNG Digital Sdn. Bhd. (“TNG Digital”), the operator of Malaysia’s leading digital financial services and lifestyle app, TNG eWallet, today announced that international visitors spent over RM1 billion through the app in the first six months of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), as more international visitors used Malaysia’s domestic QR payment ecosystem to spend seamlessly across businesses throughout the country.

The amount accounts for close to half of the RM2.58 billion in inbound tourist spending recorded through TNG eWallet since the service was introduced in April 2025, a sign of how quickly adoption has picked up during the country’s flagship tourism campaign. Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, China, Thailand and Australia were among the largest visitor markets during the period, with travellers from each tapping into Malaysia’s domestic QR payment ecosystem, as well as the same secure and regulated payment ecosystem trusted by millions of Malaysians.

While international visitors increasingly expect cashless payment experiences, many small, micro and informal businesses have historically been unable to accept card payments due to the costs of card acceptance infrastructure. As a result, a significant portion of tourist spending has historically been concentrated among larger merchants that readily accept foreign cards.

By allowing international visitors to register using an overseas mobile number and pay through Malaysia’s nationwide DuitNow QR network, TNG eWallet helps bridge this gap, enabling visitors to spend seamlessly across businesses of all sizes, from neighbourhood eateries and family-run shops to retail outlets, attractions and transportation services.

The impact was reflected in where visitors chose to spend. Approximately 76% of transactions took place at physical merchant locations rather than online, demonstrating that spending was taking place across Malaysia’s physical merchant ecosystem. Retail accounted for 43% of inbound transaction value, while food and restaurant merchants contributed a further 40%, highlighting how digital payments are helping tourism spending reach everyday Malaysian businesses.

Alan Ni, Chief Executive Officer of TNG Digital, said, “The success of Visit Malaysia 2026 will not be measured solely by the number of visitors Malaysia attracts, but by how widely the economic benefits of tourism are shared. Every visitor should be able to spend easily, and every Malaysian business should have the opportunity to benefit from that spending.

“Many small businesses, hawkers and night market stalls, have traditionally been excluded from international tourist spending because accepting card payments can be costly and operationally challenging. By extending Malaysia’s QR payment ecosystem to international visitors, we are helping connect tourists directly with businesses of every size across Malaysia.”

Beyond payments, TNG eWallet also helps visitors discover and experience more of Malaysia through its Travel hub, which brings together nearby attractions, transport and travel services within a single platform. International visitors have been actively using the app to explore attractions and access public transport, while the Near Me feature further enhances their journey by highlighting nearby food options and local deals.

As Visit Malaysia 2026 continues, TNG Digital will continue our work in widening merchant participation and enhancing the payment experience for international visitors, supporting Malaysia’s efforts to ensure tourism growth delivers broad-based economic benefits for businesses and communities across Malaysia.

For more information about TNG eWallet Travel hub and the travel offerings within, visit https://www.tngdigital.com.my/gotravel/