A viral poster claiming that QR payments will attract a service charge from 1 November 2026 is false, Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance (MOF) has clarified.
The ministry issued its denial on 18 October, saying it had made no official announcement about the QR service charges alleged in the poster. The clarification was reported by Bernama and RTM.
MOF urges the public not to share the poster
The claim had circulated on Facebook and Threads, prompting questions about whether scanning a QR code at checkout would soon cost extra.
MOF advised the public against believing or spreading the false poster. It also urged people to check the ministry’s official channels before passing on information that could mislead others.
DuitNow QR: consumer payments and merchant fees are different
There is a separate distinction worth understanding. PayNet’s official fee guidance states that DuitNow QR payments are free for consumers.
Merchants, however, may pay a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). This is calculated as a percentage of the amount paid by a customer, with rates set by the merchant’s acquirer. A merchant’s cost of accepting payments should therefore not be confused with a new service fee charged to consumers for scanning a QR code.
| Issue | What is confirmed |
|---|---|
| Viral claim of QR service charges from 1 November 2026 | MOF says the poster is false and no such announcement was made. |
| Consumers paying with DuitNow QR | PayNet says payments are free for consumers. |
| Merchants accepting DuitNow QR | MDR may apply, based on the acquirer’s rates. |
The denial addresses the specific November claim. It should not be read as a blanket waiver of every charge associated with all payment services or merchant arrangements.
Check the source before forwarding
If a message announces a new fee, look for the original notice, its publication date and who the charge applies to. Consumers can verify claims through MOF, PayNet or their bank or e-wallet provider. Merchants should check their own provider’s fee schedule and notices for their acceptance costs.
Also reported by Mdroid. Featured image is illustrative.
