Is WeChat Pay Available in Malaysia in 2026?

WeChat Pay closed its local e-wallet services in Malaysia in September 2024. However, China’s Weixin Pay still works at Malaysian merchants that accept it through DuitNow QR.

If you had money left in a WeChat Pay MY wallet, there’s a separate process to claim it. And if you’re a business paying suppliers in China, you’ll need another route. Here’s what to do in each case.

Key Takeaways

• WeChat Pay MY is no longer available in Malaysia. Its local e-wallet services were discontinued on 1 September 2024.
• Weixin Pay is different from WeChat Pay MY. Eligible Chinese visitors can use Weixin Pay to make payments at participating Malaysian merchants through supported DuitNow QR payments.
• Not every DuitNow QR merchant accepts Weixin Pay. Payment availability depends on merchant acceptance and the user’s account eligibility.
• Former WeChat Pay MY users should check the latest instructions for recovering their balance. If you have an outstanding balance, use verified official channels to confirm your eligibility and the current claim process.
• Malaysian businesses trading with China have other payment options. International transfers and eligible business payment services can help businesses pay suppliers and manage cross-border transactions.
• WorldFirst can support eligible business payments to China. Malaysian businesses can explore its supplier payment and foreign exchange solutions, subject to the available currencies, payment routes, and eligibility requirements.

Is WeChat Pay Still Available in Malaysia in 2026?

WeChat Pay MY discontinued its local e-wallet services in Malaysia on 1 September 2024. However, China’s Weixin Pay remains available for eligible cross-border payments at participating Malaysian merchants through supported DuitNow QR payments.

The distinction is important because the closure affected WeChat Pay MY’s local e-wallet service, not China’s Weixin Pay or the wider WeChat platform. Payment availability depends on the user’s Weixin Pay account eligibility and whether the merchant supports Weixin Pay through DuitNow QR. Not every merchant accepting DuitNow QR necessarily accepts Weixin Pay.

Why Did WeChat Pay Malaysia Discontinue Its E-Wallet Service?

WeChat Pay MY announced the discontinuation in August 2024 as part of a business strategy adjustment. The change ended its domestic e-wallet offering in Malaysia, while cross-border payment services remained a separate part of Tencent’s payment ecosystem.

The closure took place in stages. New user registrations stopped on 1 August 2024, followed by the discontinuation of local payment services on 1 September 2024. The original deadline for withdrawing existing wallet balances through the usual in-app process was 31 December 2024.

Former users with a balance should check the latest official instructions to recover eligible funds.

What Is the Difference Between WeChat Pay MY and Weixin Pay?

Although both are associated with the WeChat platform, WeChat Pay MY and Weixin Pay serve different payment purposes.

How Can Chinese Visitors Pay in Malaysia Using Weixin Pay?

Chinese visitors with an eligible Weixin Pay account can pay at participating Malaysian merchants by scanning a supported DuitNow QR code.

The typical process involves:

• Open the Weixin app and access Weixin Pay.
• Scan the merchant’s DuitNow QR code using the supported payment feature.
• Check the payment amount and any displayed currency conversion details.
• Authorise the payment and confirm that the transaction is successful.

Before confirming payment, check the displayed amount, applicable currency conversion, and any fees. Payment availability may depend on account eligibility and the merchant’s payment arrangements.

How Does Weixin Pay Work with DuitNow QR?

DuitNow QR is Malaysia’s standardised QR payment network. Integrating it with Weixin Pay lets eligible Chinese visitors use their existing payment app at participating Malaysian merchants, without requiring merchants to run a separate Weixin Pay QR system.

When a customer scans a supported QR code, the participating payment networks process the payment. Currency conversion and settlement are handled according to the relevant payment and merchant arrangements.

For Malaysian businesses, this integration provides another way to accept payments from eligible Chinese visitors through existing QR payment infrastructure.

Where Can You Use Weixin Pay in Malaysia?

Participating merchants accept Weixin Pay in sectors such as retail, dining, and transportation. Tourism Malaysia has highlighted examples such as KLIA Ekspres and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur as part of its broader Weixin initiatives.

Acceptance varies by outlet and payment provider. Before making a purchase, check whether the merchant supports Weixin Pay through DuitNow QR rather than assuming that every DuitNow QR code will work.

Malaysian users should also note that this cross-border arrangement does not restore the discontinued WeChat Pay MY e-wallet or automatically make a Chinese Weixin Pay account available to them.

How to Claim Your Remaining WeChat Pay Malaysia Balance in 2026

The original withdrawal deadline for WeChat Pay MY balances was 31 August 2026. If you didn’t withdraw your funds by then, check the latest official instructions to see how outstanding balances are being handled and whether you’re eligible to claim.

Steps to Make a Claim

1. Check your account records. Keep your registered mobile number, account details, and available transaction or balance records ready to help establish ownership of the funds.
2. Find the official claim channel. Review official notices about the WeChat Pay MY closure or contact the service provider through its verified support channels for instructions on outstanding balances.
3. Verify your eligibility. Confirm whether your balance qualifies for a claim and which process applies to your circumstances.
4. Submit the required documents. Follow the official instructions and provide only the documents requested through the authorised channel.
5. Keep your claim reference. Save your submission confirmation and reference number so you can follow up if necessary.

If the relevant authority confirms that your funds have been transferred to Malaysia’s Accountant General’s Department (AGD), check whether you can claim them through the official eGUMIS portal. Don’tassume the AGD holds all outstanding WeChat Pay MY balances without confirmation.

Important: Be cautious of unsolicited messages or third parties promising to recover your balance for a fee. Use verified official channels and never share identity documents or account credentials with unverified contacts.

Doing Business with China? What Are Your Payment Options?

Malaysian businesses trading with China may need to pay suppliers, manage foreign exchange, and reach Chinese customers. Although WeChat Pay MY’s local e-wallet service has ended, businesses can explore other payment options for eligible transactions with Chinese suppliers.

• When a Chinese supplier requests WeChat Pay: Before sending money to a personal WeChat wallet, confirm who will receive the payment and how it relates to your supplier’s business. Ask whether the supplier can accept payment through a business account or another agreed payment route, and keep the invoice and payment records for your records.
• Making cross-border business payments to China: Malaysian businesses can use international bank transfers and eligible business payment services to pay Chinese suppliers. The right option depends on the supplier’s accepted payment methods, available currencies, exchange rates, fees, and processing times.
• Selling to Chinese customers through WeChat: Malaysian businesses can use WeChat to reach Chinese consumers. The approach depends on the business model, target audience, and available selling arrangements.

Learn more: How to Sell on WeChat from Malaysia.

How Can WorldFirst Help Malaysian Businesses Trading with China?

As part of Ant International, WorldFirst pays into China through the same network that powers Alipay. From a World Account, you can:

• Pay Chinese suppliers directly: Send payments to Chinese suppliers‘ bank accounts in USD or CNH, or in CNY to eligible mainland Chinese bank accounts or Alipay, depending on the payment route and recipient requirements.
• Make global business payments: Send payments in USD, CNH, and MYR through local payment networks or SWIFT. 95% of payments sent through WorldFirst arrive the same day. Actual processing times depend on the currency, destination, recipient’s bank, and transaction details.
• Manage foreign exchange: Use spot contracts to convert currencies at live market rates, or firm orders to target a preferred exchange rate for supplier payments.
• Pay 1688.com suppliers directly: World Pay enables eligible Malaysian businesses to connect their World Account to their 1688.com account and pay suppliers directly in CNH. The service offers competitive exchange rates and does not require a Chinese bank account.
• Track and manage business payments: WorldFirst provides payment tracking and supports features such as scheduled payments and batch payments, helping businesses organise supplier transactions.

Available currencies, payment routes, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements vary by service. Check WorldFirst’s current Malaysia-specific product details before initiating a payment.

Open a World Account to simplify supplier payments and cross-border transactions for your Malaysian business.

What Are the Alternatives to WeChat Pay Malaysia?

The right alternative depends on whether you need to make everyday purchases in Malaysia or transfer money to China. Local e-wallets support domestic transactions, while international payment services cater to cross-border payments.

Which Local E-Wallets Can You Use for Everyday Payments?

Malaysian consumers can consider local e-wallets such as Touch ‘n Go eWallet, Boost, and GrabPay for everyday purchases at participating merchants. Features, eligibility requirements, and merchant acceptance vary by provider.

These services can replace some everyday payment functions of WeChat Pay MY, but they don’t offer all the same features as China’s Weixin Pay.

What Payment Options Are Available for Transfers to China?

International bank transfers and eligible business payment services may suit transfers to China, depending on the recipient and transaction requirements.

For businesses, the available options depend on the supplier’s accepted payment methods, supported currencies, fees, and processing arrangements. WorldFirst is one service Malaysian businesses can explore for eligible supplier payments, as described above.

Open a World Account to simplify cross-border supplier payments and manage international transactions for your Malaysian business.

FAQs

1. Is WeChat Pay available in Malaysia in 2026?

WeChat Pay MY discontinued its local e-wallet services on 1 September 2024. However, China’s Weixin Pay remains available for eligible cross-border payments at participating Malaysian merchants through supported DuitNow QR payments.

2. Can Malaysians still use WeChat Pay?

Malaysians can still use the WeChat app, but the discontinued WeChat Pay MY e-wallet is no longer available for local payments. Access to Weixin Pay depends on account eligibility and the service’s requirements.

3. Can Chinese tourists use Weixin Pay in Malaysia?

Yes. Eligible Chinese visitors can use Weixin Pay at participating Malaysian merchants that support payments through DuitNow QR. Acceptance varies by merchant, so visitors should confirm their payment method is supported before purchasing.

4. How can I claim my remaining WeChat Pay Malaysia balance?

Former users should check official notices from WeChat Pay MY or its authorised representatives for the latest claim process, eligibility requirements, and deadlines. Use verified channels, and don’t assume the Accountant General’s Department holds outstanding balances unless officially confirmed.

5. How can Malaysian businesses pay suppliers in China without WeChat Pay?

Malaysian businesses can explore international bank transfers and eligible business payment services, depending on their suppliers’ requirements. WorldFirst offers business payment solutions for eligible transactions with Chinese suppliers, along with foreign exchange tools. Available currencies, payment routes, fees, and eligibility requirements vary.

Sources:

1. https://cs.help.wechat.com/hc/en-us/articles/14420750223887-Cessation-of-WeChat-Pay-Malaysia-s-e-Wallet-Service
2. https://pay.wechat.com/en_my/service_unavailable_notice.html
3. https://www.tourism.gov.my/index.php/media/view/tourism-malaysia-and-weixin-pay-formalise-strategic-collaboration-to-enhance-experience-and-strengthen-tourism-promotion-in-the-china-market
4. https://www.worldfirst.com/my/solution/pay-into-china/