Sabah State Approves Merchantrade for Digital Wage Payment Services

Merchantrade Asia Sdn. Bhd. has achieved a major milestone with its official recognition as an Approved Issuer of a Designated Payment Instrument (DPI) for the state of Sabah. This approval, granted under the Labour Ordinance of Sabah by the Minister of Human Resources, builds on Merchantrade’s existing authorization in Peninsular Malaysia since August 2024 and is effective from 1 December 2025. The new mandate enables employers in Sabah to utilize Merchantrade’s digital solutions, including its payroll portal and Merchantrade Money e-wallet, to manage wage payments for foreign employees in full compliance with Malaysian labour laws. Given Sabah’s vast geography of 7.4 million hectares and the reliance on cash for payroll in plantation-heavy areas, this digital solution addresses both logistical and security challenges, allowing employees to receive wages directly, access cash via VISA-enabled ATMs, and conduct everyday transactions safely. Founder and Managing Director Ramasamy K. Veeran highlighted that this authorization strengthens Merchantrade’s position as a leader in the digital wage ecosystem, providing inclusive, seamless solutions supported by a network of physical touchpoints across Sabah. Beyond payroll, the Merchantrade Money e-wallet offers a comprehensive suite of services, including remittances, mobile top-ups, micro-insurance, and QR payments, catering to the unbanked and migrant worker communities, while promoting transparency, efficiency, and financial inclusion in wage disbursement and social security contributions.