Transformation of Wilayah Agrobank Pulau Sri Tanjung Empowers Economic Growth for Local Merchants
Agrobank today officially declared Pulau Sri Tanjung, Tumpat, Kelantan as its first designated “Agrobank Territory” (Wilayah Agrobank), a strategic move aimed at transforming the local merchant ecosystem through full adoption of digital payments. As part of this initiative, all merchants on the island have been onboarded to use Agrobank’s DuitNow QR code as the primary and standard cashless payment method. This effort is expected to drive economic empowerment, enhance financial inclusion, and position Pulau Sri Tanjung as a digitally ready ecotourism hub ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
According to Group President/CEO of Agrobank, Dato’ Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin, “The economy of Pulau Sri Tanjung is dominated by businesses focusing on selling food products via floating boats. Additionally, the island is a popular ecotourism destination offering exciting activities for visitors. With 2,000 to 3,000 daily visitors, this area holds significant potential to further boost the local economy.”
He added, “Recognising the need to modernise these traditional businesses for sustainable growth, the use of Agrobank’s DuitNow QR code as the primary cashless payment method ensures inclusive participation of rural areas in the digital economy. This initiative supports economic development by enabling local merchants to accept digital payments seamlessly, connecting remote island communities to mainstream financial services while reducing risks
associated with cash handling.”
“We aim to assist all entrepreneurs at Pulau Sri Tanjung, which includes 60 merchants, in opening Agrobank accounts. Furthermore, this initiative will also benefit 450 fishermen in the coastal areas, providing them with the convenience of digital banking transactions. The electronic payment service will also facilitate 1,000 residents of Teluk Renjuna, covering 12 islands in the Tumpat district of Kelantan. Besides opening bank accounts, Agrobank offers financing facilities such as Ar-Rahnu, Hartani-i, AgroCash-i, Takaful Kasih, and microfinancing.”
“To ensure the development of Pulau Sri Tanjung, Agrobank will implement several continuous initiatives including identifying and appointing local banking agents to facilitate access to financial services for local residents. Additionally, Agrobank will also provide comprehensive financial advisory services to fishermen, particularly regarding financing solutions tailored to their needs. As part of efforts to empower the community, Agrobank will also organise special sessions with schools around the island to promote banking products and services.”
The use of Agrobank’s DuitNow QR code aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s agenda through the e-Duit Desa initiative. The collaboration between Agrobank, as a financial service provider, and Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet), the national payments infrastructure provider and operator of the DuitNow QR platform, reflects a shared commitment to expanding financial inclusion in underserved areas.
According to PayNet’s Senior Director of Commercial, Azrul Fakhzan Mainor, “PayNet’s partnership with Agrobank brings seamless digital payment services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the rural heartland. With DuitNow QR, merchants, residents, and tourists from China, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia are now part of the same cashless ecosystem powering cities across Malaysia. It’s a timely step as Pulau Sri Tanjung readies for an anticipated influx of tourists for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. As the national payments network, PayNet has a duty to ensure communities like Pulau Sri Tanjung are not just included but enabled for what’s ahead.”
The launch of the Wilayah Agrobank Pulau Sri Tanjung reflects Agrobank’s commitment to empowering local merchants through the adoption of digital financial technology. With the support of inclusive banking infrastructure and services, Agrobank remains dedicated to driving rural economic development and ensuring that no community is left behind in the nation’s progress, particularly in digitalisation.
