KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 18): Public Bank Bhd (PBB) has launched PBe QR — powered by Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd's (PayNet) DuitNow QR — to make it easier for merchants to get payments from their customers.

The bank said the public can make payments from any participating banks or e-wallet mobile applications, while merchants would only need to display the DuitNow QR without having to display multiple proprietary QR codes at payment counters.

"PBe QR is a game changer as it enables businesses of all categories to accept payments easily at no cost. For a limited period, PBe QR will be offered to registered merchants at zero fees.

"PBe QR is open for registration at Public Bank's official website," said PBB in a statement.

The bank said the usage of QR codes will reduce cash usage and increase digital financial inclusion for all Malaysians, adding that the technology removes the need for customers and merchants to carry cash.

Despite the launch of PBe QR, the bank has emerged as the biggest winner of the Malaysian e-Payments Excellence Awards (MEEA) 2020 by clinching eight awards for its outstanding contributions to the growth of Malaysia's e-payment ecosystem.

"The eight awards that PBB won were: Best e-Payment Bank, Best IBG Bank, Best Customer Experience (FPX), Best JomPAY Bank, Best MyDebit Bank, Top JomPAY Acquirer, Top MyDebit Acquirer and Outstanding Contribution to MyDebit," said the bank.

It said the awards recognise the group's efforts in propelling e-payments in the country to greater heights, including usage, acceptance, growth, reliability, customer engagement and experience.

"PBB is committed and focused in driving e-payments by providing customers and the public with alternative channels to transact more reliably, securely and efficiently at their convenience as a new norm for the nation to curb the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the physical contact between buyers and traders," said PBB.

Furthermore, it said that it will continue to provide full support to boost the country's migration to e-payments by launching more e-payment initiatives and will continuously enhance its digital banking platform to make e-payments seamless for everyone.

At the 3.30pm break, shares in PBB were 36 sen or 2.18% lower at RM16.14, bringing the market value of the group to RM63.2 billion. Some 1.25 million shares changed hands.