Payment gateway Razorpay Curlec has partnered with NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) to introduce Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments in Malaysia, marking the first time the Indian instant payment system will be made available in the country.

The collaboration, signed during India’s Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai, will enable Malaysian merchants to receive instant payments in ringgit from Indian travellers using their preferred UPI apps. 

In 2024, Malaysia recorded one million visitors from India, who spent RM6.11 billion, representing a 71.7% increase compared to the previous year. 

With tourism numbers rising, the new payment solution aims to make it easier for Indian travellers to pay for goods and services in Malaysia, without relying on international cards or incurring currency exchange fees.

Through Razorpay Curlec’s platform, Malaysian businesses will now be able to accept payments directly in ringgit, with settlements completed instantly. 

The integration links India’s world-leading real-time payment infrastructure with Malaysia’s expanding digital economy, paving the way for faster, more secure and inclusive cross-border commerce.

Kevin Lee, country head and CEO of Razorpay Curlec, said the collaboration addresses long-standing pain points in international travel spending.

“Indian travellers represent one of the fastest-growing visitor groups to Malaysia, yet many still rely on cash or face high fees when using international cards. By enabling UPI payments, we will make it easier for them to spend and easier for Malaysian businesses to earn. It is a meaningful step toward frictionless payments and a stronger, digitally connected economy. Looking ahead, we are committed to driving continuous innovation that deepens financial inclusion and positions Malaysia as a leading hub for seamless cross-border commerce.”

UPI’s entry into Malaysia expands one of the world’s most successful payment systems, added Ritesh Shukla, managing director and CEO of NPCI International. 

“UPI has transformed the way India pays, setting a global benchmark for speed, security, and interoperability. Extending its reach to Malaysia through this partnership with Razorpay Curlec will allow millions of Indian travellers to pay with the same convenience they have at home, and enable Malaysian merchants to benefit from a trusted payments network. It is a win for both economies and a major stride in strengthening digital cooperation across Asia.

“This partnership exemplifies how cutting-edge payment technology can break down barriers and create truly seamless cross-border experiences. By integrating India’s UPI system with Malaysia’s digital economy, we’re driving innovation that empowers businesses and consumers alike with instant, secure, and cost-effective payments,” said Angad Dhindsa, executive director and head of Southeast Asia at Razorpay. 

UPI, India’s flagship real-time payment system, processes about 20 billion transactions monthly and enables instant, secure transfers between banks and digital wallets, much like Malaysia’s DuitNow network. 

The collaboration is also aligned with the Asena Summit 2025’s regional payment connectivity initiative, which aims to link national systems through common QR standards and Project Nexus.

In the media statement, Razorpay Curlec said the partnership would give Malaysian merchants access to a vast, digitally savvy Indian customer base, while maintaining local settlement and compliance.