International visitors spent more than RM1 billion through TNG eWallet in the first half of Visit Malaysia 2026.
This accounts for close to half of the RM2.58 billion in tourist spending recorded through the app since the service was introduced in April 2025.
Travellers from Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, China, Thailand and Australia were among the largest visitor markets during the period.
International visitors can register for TNG eWallet using an overseas mobile number and make payments through Malaysia’s DuitNow QR network.
Around 76% of tourist transactions took place at physical merchant locations rather than online.
Retail businesses received 43% of the transaction value, while food and restaurant merchants accounted for another 40%.
This means more than eight in every RM10 spent through the app went to retail and food and beverage businesses.
TNG Digital Chief Executive Officer Alan Ni said,
“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.”
TNG eWallet also provides a Travel hub covering attractions, public transport and other travel services.
Its Near Me feature highlights nearby food options and local deals.
TNG Digital plans to bring more merchants onto the service and improve the payment experience as the tourism campaign continues.
Watch TNG Digital CEO Alan Ni discuss the future of borderless payments in our latest Fintech Fireside Asia webinar.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by vicnt via Magnific
