KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians can now use supported local mobile banking apps to make QR payments at participating merchants in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Philippines and Laos following a new cross-border payment link between Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) and Ant International’s Alipay+.

The service allows users to scan merchant QR codes displaying the Alipay+ logo through their existing banking apps, without downloading another app or creating an Alipay+ account.

Maybank, CIMB and Hong Leong Bank are the first three participating banks, with Bank Islam expected to join soon. More banks, e-wallets and markets will be added progressively.

In a statement, PayNet chief executive officer Praveen Rajan said the initiative would make overseas payments more convenient while extending Malaysia’s national payment infrastructure beyond its borders.

“Cross-border payments should feel as familiar as paying at home,” he said, adding that stronger payment connectivity could facilitate cross-border spending and deepen Malaysia’s economic links with the region.

The launch builds on the existing PayNet-Alipay+ partnership, which has enabled users of supported international payment wallets to pay at DuitNow QR merchants in Malaysia since November 2023. The latest development extends this connectivity overseas for Malaysian banking app users.

PayNet recorded nearly 30 million cross-border transactions in 2025, approximately 150% more than in 2024, with transactions linked to China accounting for much of the growth.

Ant International’s Alipay+ global growth centre general manager Danny Chung said the partnership would strengthen cross-border payment connectivity, support travel and commerce, and create opportunities for consumers and businesses.

Alipay+ connects more than two billion user accounts across over 50 international payment partners and more than 150 million merchants in over 210 markets, according to the company.

The new service is open to other PayNet-participating banks and e-wallets. PayNet will continue working with financial institutions and regional partners to expand access and add more destinations.

DuitNow QR is already interoperable with domestic payment schemes in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia, facilitating cross-border transactions between participating markets.