Category: Malaysian Economy

  • Kerangka Dasar Kerajaan bagi Akta Pekerja Gig 2025

    Gabungan pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang mewakili pelbagai kumpulan dalam ekosistem ekonomi gig, termasuk pekerja dan pengguna, telah mengeluarkan kenyataan media bersama bagi menggesa kerajaan mempertimbangkan penangguhan pelaksanaan Akta Pekerja Gig 2025 (Akta 872). Walaupun langkah kerajaan memperkenalkan rangka perundangan khusus bagi sektor ini dilihat sebagai sesuatu yang positif, gabungan tersebut berpendapat bahawa masih terdapat beberapa aspek penting yang perlu dikaji dan diperhalusi sebelum akta ini dilaksanakan secara menyeluruh.

    Antara isu utama yang dibangkitkan ialah takrifan pekerja gig yang dilihat terlalu luas, sekali gus berpotensi mewujudkan persaingan yang tidak seimbang, terutamanya kepada pekerja tempatan. Selain itu, cadangan penubuhan Tribunal Pekerja Gig dan Majlis Perundingan Gig turut menimbulkan persoalan berkaitan keberkesanan, ketelusan serta bidang kuasa, khususnya jika ia bertindih dengan sistem sedia ada tanpa memberikan impak yang jelas.

    Selain itu, prosedur penyahaktifan akaun juga dilihat kurang sesuai dengan sifat industri gig yang memerlukan tindakan segera dan responsif. Dalam masa yang sama, peruntukan berkaitan hak berpersatuan dianggap tidak cukup kukuh kerana tidak menyediakan kuasa rundingan kolektif seperti yang dimiliki oleh kesatuan sekerja. Dari sudut ekonomi pula, pengiktirafan formal pekerja gig boleh menyebabkan mereka terdedah kepada kewajipan cukai tanpa disertai jaminan perlindungan pendapatan yang mencukupi.

    Gabungan NGO turut menyuarakan kebimbangan terhadap proses libat urus yang dianggap tidak menyeluruh dan kurang telus. Terdapat persepsi bahawa dasar ini dirangka secara tergesa-gesa tanpa penglibatan sebenar semua pihak berkepentingan, sekali gus berisiko menjadikan pekerja gig sebagai “ujian dasar”. Di samping itu, peningkatan premium insurans juga memberi tekanan tambahan kepada pekerja gig dan berkemungkinan memberi kesan kepada pengguna melalui kenaikan kos perkhidmatan.

    Secara keseluruhannya, gabungan ini menegaskan bahawa cadangan moratorium bukan bertujuan menolak usaha kerajaan, tetapi untuk memastikan akta ini dibangunkan dengan lebih menyeluruh, praktikal dan selari dengan keadaan sebenar industri. Dengan pendekatan yang lebih telus dan inklusif, akta ini berpotensi menjadi satu dasar yang benar-benar melindungi serta memperkasakan pekerja gig di Malaysia.

  • Merchantrade Expands into ATM Services through Visa Partnership and Brown Label Model, Introducing Over 1,000 New Cash Access Points.

    Merchantrade Expands into ATM Services through Visa Partnership and Brown Label Model, Introducing Over 1,000 New Cash Access Points.

    Merchantrade Asia Sdn. Bhd., a leading provider of money services and digital financial solutions, has officially announced its entry into the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) business following regulatory approval to operate as an ATM acquirer. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the company as it embarks on a mission to enhance financial inclusion by enabling over 1,000 new cash access points across Malaysia. The initiative is powered by Merchantrade’s long-standing partnership with Visa and security services provider Safeguards Corporation.

    The venture is designed to bridge financial accessibility gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas where conventional banking services remain limited. Through this expansion, millions of individuals — including migrant workers, small traders, and local communities — will gain improved access to essential financial services such as cash withdrawals and deposits.

    Merchantrade’s ATM rollout is built on a two-pronged strategy. The first component involves the Visa Sponsor BIN model, where Merchantrade sponsors more than 1,000 Safeguards-operated ATMs nationwide to accept Visa-enabled cards. This instantly allows Visa customers — including credit, debit, and prepaid cardholders — to perform secure and convenient cash withdrawals.

    The second component introduces the Brown Label ATM Model, a pioneering approach that makes Merchantrade the first operator in Malaysia to adopt such a system. This model leverages Safeguards’ existing ATM infrastructure, including MEPS functionality, and integrates it with Merchantrade’s branding and Visa’s payment platform. Currently, over 12 Merchantrade-branded ATMs have been deployed at its branches, with a target to roll out more than 200 units nationwide.

    Merchantrade’s branded ATMs offer both cash withdrawal and deposit features — a service not commonly available at non-bank ATMs. They accept all Visa-enabled cards, including Merchantrade’s flagship Merchantrade Money prepaid Visa card, providing a practical solution for individuals and businesses that handle frequent cash transactions. These ATMs are strategically placed in accessible locations such as grocery stores, factory compounds, and community hubs to better serve local needs.

    Ramasamy K. Veeran, Founder and Managing Director of Merchantrade Asia, emphasized the broader impact of the rollout, stating, “By embracing this two-pronged strategy, we are not just installing machines; we are expanding the financial landscape. This makes it easier for individuals, like foreign workers and small businesses, to access funds, deposit cash securely, and manage their finances where they live, work, and do business.”

    Visa Malaysia Country Manager, Previn Pillay, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how ATMs remain a vital entry point to financial services. “While digital payments are growing, ATMs often represent a first touchpoint with digital payments for many consumers — particularly in rural and underserved areas. By making cash withdrawals more accessible, we’re supporting financial inclusion and ensuring that everyone has reliable access to their funds on the strength of the Visa network,” he said.

    Darmendran Kunaretnam, Group CEO of Safeguards Corporation, added that the collaboration with Merchantrade is instrumental in reaching underserved communities. “Merchantrade’s strong brand recognition among migrant workers and local communities allows us to extend our presence as a leading non-bank ATM operator.”

    With this bold move, Merchantrade solidifies its position as a key non-bank player in Malaysia’s financial ecosystem — reaffirming its commitment to making cash access, digital payments, and inclusive financial services more readily available to all.

    MerchantradeAsia

    FintechMalaysia

    BrownLabelATM

    VisaNetwork