logo
Merchantrade Asia aiming for digital payroll disbursements of RM5 billion in 2025

Merchantrade Asia aiming for digital payroll disbursements of RM5 billion in 2025

The Sun8 hours ago

PETALING JAYA: Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd's digital payroll solution surpassed RM3.6 billion in salary disbursements to foreign worker e-wallet accounts in 2024, highlighting the company's continued leadership in digitising and transforming payroll processes while advancing financial inclusion for underserved communities.
Maintaining this momentum, Merchantrade Asia is aiming to achieve an ambitious payroll volume target of RM5 billion by the end of 2025.
Founder and managing director Ramasamy K Veeran said the RM3.6 billion disbursed in 2024 not only demonstrates the impact of the company's solution but also reflects a clear shift among Malaysian employers towards digital wage solutions that enhance productivity, transparency and employee well-being.
'We are focused on building on this growth to reach RM5 billion in 2025 by deepening our partnerships, strengthening our onboarding capabilities, and continuously innovating to meet employer and worker needs,' he said in a statement.
The company has positioned itself as a trusted enabler of digital wage disbursement solutions for Malaysian businesses, from large corporations to SMEs across sectors including plantation, manufacturing, construction, and services.
More than 40 public-listed companies now rely on the solution for secure, efficient, and transparent salary payments to their migrant workforce.
Merchantrade Asia's digital payroll offering was strengthened following its recognition as an approved issuer of a designated payment instrument under the Employment Order 2024 by the Ministry of Human Resources.
Designed for convenience and scale, Merchantrade Asia's digital payroll system includes mass onboarding at the employer's premises, an easy-to-use portal, training, and access to 97 branches and 450 agent locations nationwide that act as service centres.
With comprehensive support for employers from onboarding to after-sales service, the solution is a more sought-after choice compared to traditional banks, particularly for the foreign worker segment.
For foreign workers, salaries are credited directly into the Merchantrade Money e-wallet, enabling access to a suite of digital financial services. This includes international remittances, mobile top-ups, micro-insurance, bill payments, and retail and online payments with the Visa prepaid card.
One of the key features of Merchantrade Asia's payroll service is its capability to facilitate Social Security Organisation payments directly into Merchantrade Money accounts. This integration simplifies the claims process for eligible foreign workers and supports employers in managing their social protection obligations.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Merchantrade Asia aiming for digital payroll disbursements of RM5 billion in 2025
Merchantrade Asia aiming for digital payroll disbursements of RM5 billion in 2025

The Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Sun

Merchantrade Asia aiming for digital payroll disbursements of RM5 billion in 2025

PETALING JAYA: Merchantrade Asia Sdn Bhd's digital payroll solution surpassed RM3.6 billion in salary disbursements to foreign worker e-wallet accounts in 2024, highlighting the company's continued leadership in digitising and transforming payroll processes while advancing financial inclusion for underserved communities. Maintaining this momentum, Merchantrade Asia is aiming to achieve an ambitious payroll volume target of RM5 billion by the end of 2025. Founder and managing director Ramasamy K Veeran said the RM3.6 billion disbursed in 2024 not only demonstrates the impact of the company's solution but also reflects a clear shift among Malaysian employers towards digital wage solutions that enhance productivity, transparency and employee well-being. 'We are focused on building on this growth to reach RM5 billion in 2025 by deepening our partnerships, strengthening our onboarding capabilities, and continuously innovating to meet employer and worker needs,' he said in a statement. The company has positioned itself as a trusted enabler of digital wage disbursement solutions for Malaysian businesses, from large corporations to SMEs across sectors including plantation, manufacturing, construction, and services. More than 40 public-listed companies now rely on the solution for secure, efficient, and transparent salary payments to their migrant workforce. Merchantrade Asia's digital payroll offering was strengthened following its recognition as an approved issuer of a designated payment instrument under the Employment Order 2024 by the Ministry of Human Resources. Designed for convenience and scale, Merchantrade Asia's digital payroll system includes mass onboarding at the employer's premises, an easy-to-use portal, training, and access to 97 branches and 450 agent locations nationwide that act as service centres. With comprehensive support for employers from onboarding to after-sales service, the solution is a more sought-after choice compared to traditional banks, particularly for the foreign worker segment. For foreign workers, salaries are credited directly into the Merchantrade Money e-wallet, enabling access to a suite of digital financial services. This includes international remittances, mobile top-ups, micro-insurance, bill payments, and retail and online payments with the Visa prepaid card. One of the key features of Merchantrade Asia's payroll service is its capability to facilitate Social Security Organisation payments directly into Merchantrade Money accounts. This integration simplifies the claims process for eligible foreign workers and supports employers in managing their social protection obligations.

Arisprop aims to bring Aris Burger to China by 2027
Arisprop aims to bring Aris Burger to China by 2027

The Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Sun

Arisprop aims to bring Aris Burger to China by 2027

KUALA LUMPUR: Frozen food manufacturer Arisprop Capital Bhd is planning to introduce its Aris Burger brand to the Chinese market by 2027, as part of the company's global expansion strategy. Its managing director, Datuk Haris Embong, said the company is currently focused on strengthening its domestic business foundations, including supply chain optimisation, product quality and operational processes, before venturing internationally. 'We want to export our products overseas, possibly to China by 2027 or even earlier. But first, I want to reinforce our domestic foundation, as demand is high,' he said during Bernama TV's Bual Bisnes programme on Saturday. The company is also planning a business visit to China as an initial step towards establishing export partnerships to support market expansion into the country. In addition to China, Malaysian halal products are attracting strong interest from other countries, including Japan and Indonesia, and the Middle East, Haris said. To strengthen its product line-up, the company is in the final stages of developing a ready-to-eat burger, which is expected to be the first of its kind in Malaysia. 'This ready-to-eat burger is the result of Arisprop's research and innovation, and we anticipate strong demand in the local market,' Haris said. All Aris Burger products have received the necessary certifications and approvals from agencies such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, the Ministry of Health Malaysia, and the Department of Veterinary Services, positioning the company to compete on a global scale. – Bernama

FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness
FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness

The Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Sun

FMM strongly objects to Port Klang's tariff hike, warns of hit to export competitiveness

PETALING JAYA: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) has expressed its strong objection to the impending tariff increase at Port Klang, which was approved by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and officially gazetted on Friday. The association said these cost increases come at a time when industries are already under immense pressure from global trade disruptions and significant domestic policy shifts. It noted that the new tariff increase place a severe burden on Malaysian manufacturers and further weaken the nation's export competitiveness while eroding Malaysia's position as a preferred regional trade and logistics hub. To note, the overall tariff revision at Port Klang, amounting to a 30% increase, will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase taking effect on July 1. Among the key changes that will heavily impact importers and exporters are a 30% hike in container handling charges and a steep escalation in container storage charges, which are set to rise by between 197% and 243%. FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said while the association notes MoT's decision to stagger the port tariff increase over three phases following engagement with FMM and the Malaysian National Shippers' Council, FMM maintains that the timing remains deeply concerning. 'The sharp initial escalation beginning July 1, 2025 poses immediate and damaging consequences to the cost structures of exporters and importers alike. 'This comes at a time when industries are already contending with unresolved external shocks, including the ongoing US tariff threats on Malaysian exports, the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), and a scheduled restructuring of electricity tariffs. 'The convergence of these cost pressures will deliver a heavy blow to manufacturers and exporters at a critical juncture in Malaysia's economic recovery, further eroding the country's export competitiveness,' Soh said in a statement. Under the newly gazetted tariff structure by the Port Klang Authority, container handling charges for a 20-foot container will increase by 30% in total, implemented over three phases. The current rate of RM300 will eventually rise to RM390, with an estimated RM90 added per container upon full implementation. Given that Port Klang handles about 12.5 million TEUs annually, the full increase could translate to an additional RM1.125 billion in annual costs to industry once all phases are in effect. Soh noted that Malaysian ports have traditionally enjoyed a competitive edge due to reasonable cost structures. 'However, with the new rates, container handling fees will approach US$120–130 (RM509-552) per TEU, similar to rates in Singapore and Hong Kong, but well above Asean neighbours such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. 'This will erode Malaysia's value proposition and increase the risk of cargo diversion to competing regional ports. 'Furthermore, Malaysia's drop to 34th in the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking and its current standing at 26th in the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index highlight the urgency of containing cost escalations. 'This tariff hike sends the wrong signal to investors and could significantly disrupt trade flow and business planning at a time when manufacturers are already struggling with margin pressures, high logistics costs, and global uncertainty,' Soh said. FMM said the government must take a holistic view of the cascading cost impacts on Malaysian businesses and consumers. 'Port tariffs, SST expansion, electricity hikes and international trade headwinds must be evaluated together. No single ministry or agency can make isolated decisions without assessing the full burden being placed on industry,' Soh said. FMM called for an immediate pause in the implementation of the port tariff increase, electricity base tariff revision and expanded SST scope. 'We urge the government to reconvene with industry stakeholders to reassess the economic and operational consequences and align all measures under a coordinated national cost impact strategy. If these measures proceed as scheduled, July 1, 2025 will mark a critical inflection point for Malaysian industry. 'A combination of port tariff hikes, new SST taxes, electricity cost increases, and global tariff threats will crash down on businesses, overwhelming their ability to remain competitive and sustainable. These cost increases will eventually translate into higher prices for consumers and a slowdown in manufacturing investment and job creation,' Soh said. FMM stands ready to work with the government to realign policy implementation timelines, ensure transparency in cost justifications, and develop a coordinated national strategy to support industry growth and protect the welfare of consumers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store