IT’S OFFICIAL – Apple users in Malaysia can finally use the Apple Pay service after a number of local banks confirmed it is supporting the digital payment service.
In a statement today, Visa Inc said it has partnered with Ambank, Maybank and Standard Chartered Bank to bring Apple Pay to its cardholders in Malaysia.
The service kicks in today.
However, for Maybank users, only Maybank and Maybank Islamic MasterCard and Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders can use Apple Pay for now.
Those using Maybank American Express cards cannot use Apple Pay yet, Maybank said in a separate statement.
Eligible Visa cardholders from the three participating banks can simply hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless, secure payment.
Payments will only be made after authenticating with the Apple user’s Face ID, Touch ID, their’s device passcode or a one-time unique dynamic security code.
When customers use their payment card with Apple Pay, the actual card numbers are not stored on the device nor on Apple servers.
Instead, a unique device account number is assigned, encrypted and securely stored in the Apple user’s device’s secure element, an industry-standard certified chip designed to store payment information safely on the device.
Apple Pay is easy to set up. Simply open the Wallet app on your Apple device, tap “+” and follow the outlined steps to add the participating bank’s credit or debit cards.
Once a customer adds a card to their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac, they can start using Apple Pay on that device right away.
“Faster and more convenient”
Besides using Apple Pay for face-to-face transactions, Ambank, Maybank and Standard Chartered Bank cardholders can use Apple Pay on their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or online.
This is because they do not need to create accounts or repeatedly type in shipping and billing information, which can be seen as cumbersome for many.
Apple Pay also makes it easier to pay for online shopping, transportation, travel booking, ticketing and food and dining, among other things.
Apple Pay is accepted by merchants who accept contactless payments, which include restaurants, transportation services, supermarkets, convenience stores and retail shops.
Visa Malaysia country manager Ng Kong Boon said the group believes Apple Pay will be well-received in Malaysia due to its secure, private and easy PIN-less experience.
“The use of digital payments has accelerated over the past two years, fast-tracking Malaysia to becoming a cashless society.
“Visa is excited to support the introduction of Apple Pay in Malaysia, especially since the country is already well placed in terms of contactless payment acceptance and usage,” he said.
AmBank Group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Sulaiman Mohd Tahir said his bank is thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with Apple Pay to bring easy, secure and private payments to its customers.
Standard Chartered Malaysia managing director and consumer, private and business banking head Sammeer Sharma said Apple Pay gives the bank the opportunity to be at the forefront of the rapidly growing digital finance ecosystem.
Similarly, Maybank Group CEO (community financial services) Datuk Seri John Chong Eng Chuan said the Apple Pay move showcases the bank’s continued commitment to providing seamless digital payment methods for its Malaysian and Singaporean customers. – Aug 9, 2022
