Say Goodbye to Cash Payroll: A Smarter Way to Pay Foreign Workers with Merchantrade Money
Many Malaysian SMEs still rely on cash to pay their foreign workers. Not only is this method inefficient, it is also risky and difficult to audit. From theft and miscalculations to compliance issues, handling cash wages creates unnecessary burdens for employers and insecurity for employees.
Merchantrade Money’s Digital Wage Payment solution offers a smarter alternative. Fully approved by the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) as a Designated Payment Instrument (DPI) since August 2024, it is now also officially recognised by Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sabah (JTK Sabah), effective 1 December 2025. This solution is designed to help employers in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah to digitise payroll for unbanked, migrant workers safely and in full compliance with labour regulations.
What Makes Merchantrade Money Different?
Wages are credited directly into each worker’s Merchantrade Money eWallet, which comes paired with a Visa prepaid card. Employers manage payroll through a secure online portal, supporting both individual and bulk disbursements. Payments are fast and traceable, reducing paperwork, administrative errors, and stress.
Key Employer Benefits
- Save Time & Streamline Processes
Forget cash distribution headaches. Merchantrade’s digital system automates payroll, freeing up valuable hours for business-critical tasks. Employers can pay salaries using the portal or DuitNow. - Eliminate Cash Risks
Reduce exposure to theft, misplacement, or payroll fraud. Digital transfers are secure and logged in real-time, providing peace of mind for both parties. - Ensure Compliance with Ease
The platform offers a clear audit trail, making it easier to demonstrate compliance during inspections and audits. - Cut Costs
Handling physical cash has hidden costs—security, transport, and admin time. Digital payments reduce these expenses. - Seamless PERKESO Payouts
Government benefit claims (like PERKESO) can be credited directly into workers’ eWallets, improving accessibility during times of need.
Empowering Workers Financially
Workers get more than just a salary—they gain financial access and control. Their Merchantrade Money eWallet and Visa card allow them to:
- Spend securely online or in stores
- Withdraw cash from Merchantrade and Safeguards ATMs nationwide, including Visa ATMs worldwide
- Remit money home to over 15 countries
- Top up mobile credit and pay bills
- Buy micro-insurance in the app
- Access features in multiple languages
- Get support 24/7 through customer service
- No opening of bank account needed
Trusted by Malaysian SMEs
Merchantrade Money is already trusted by hundreds of businesses in construction, manufacturing, plantations, and more with over RM3.6 billion in salaries and serves over 300,000 workers.
With Merchantrade’s extensive ecosystem with 500+ physical support locations, strong digital infrastructure, and Visa network access, this solution is built for Malaysia’s modern workforce needs.
Make Payroll Smarter, Safer, and More Compliant
Say goodbye to the risks and inefficiencies of cash. Merchantrade Money helps SMEs stay compliant, reduce costs, and offer meaningful financial tools to their workforce.
👉 Get a personalised demo today
Start paying your foreign workers the smarter way.