This rise in digital activity underscores the region’s wider shift, with e-commerce, digital payments, and data-driven services driving an economy expected to surpass US$2 trillion (RM7.85 trillion) by 2030. Recent developments include the introduction of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) acceptance in Malaysia, which will enable Indian travellers to make seamless payments as though they were back home. With direct methods like UPI, merchants can reduce international transaction fees by more than 50%, significantly lowering the cost of accepting cross-border payments. To move beyond these well-known challenges, we must implement practical solutions that meet rural businesses where they are. Lastly, many rural businesses have a fear of data breaches.

Source: The Edge Markets March 11, 2026 08:01 UTC