MALAYSIA’S Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) is intensifying efforts to digitise the country’s retail sector through its Retail Digitalisation Initiative (ReDI), with particular focus on expanding the cashless economy into rural and underserved areas.
The initiative’s latest outreach effort, the Kembara ReDI Borneo 2025 tour, began on 26 June in Sematan, Sarawak, and is scheduled to conclude on 5 July in Tawau, Sabah. The 10-day journey aims to equip rural traders with essential digital tools, especially the use of e-wallets, to enhance business operations and foster greater financial inclusion.
“This is a proactive step in supporting the shift towards cashless transactions and equipping small traders, especially those in remote communities, with the tools they need to thrive in a digital economy,” said Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
The ReDI programme introduces mobile payment solutions and digital platforms to small-scale merchants, enabling more effective inventory management, diversified payment options and improved financial oversight.
The initiative is supported by strategic partners including Bank Negara Malaysia, Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet), and several licensed e-wallet providers such as Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GrabPay, ShopeePay, MAE by Maybank, Boost, and SPay Global.
Since its launch on 27 August 2022, ReDI has facilitated the registration of 22,368 traders on e-wallet platforms nationwide — well beyond its 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12) target of 15,000 by the year 2025.
From January to May 2025, a further 3,229 traders joined the programme, with 1,120 in Sabah and 1,799 in Sarawak. Within just five days of the current Borneo tour, the cumulative number of newly registered traders in both states has risen to 3,708.
“This reflects the strong interest and readiness among rural entrepreneurs to embrace digital solutions,” said the Minister. “We are committed to ensuring they are not left behind in Malaysia’s digital transition.”
The ReDI initiative remains a key pillar of KPDN’s long-term strategy to modernise the retail sector and ensure digital inclusion for all Malaysians, regardless of geography. - July 1, 2025
