SEAToday.com, Penang - Sunway Medical Centre Penang has become the first leading hospital in Penang, Malaysia, to accept Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) as a payment transaction method. Indonesian citizens receiving treatment at Sunway Medical Centre Penang no longer need to exchange Indonesian rupiah for local currency at a money changer.

Payments can now be made cashlessly by simply scanning the hospital’s provided DuitNow QR code using their own payment apps linked to rupiah accounts.

The implementation of QRIS as a payment method was marked by a Launching Ceremony attended by the Indonesian Consul General in Penang, Wanton Saragih, along with Sunway Medical Centre Penang representatives led by Dato' Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, and Dr. Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director of Sunway Healthcare Group, on Sunday (11/10).

This launch of QRIS reflects a positive response from Sunway Medical Centre Penang’s management to the efforts of the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Penang, which has been advocating for the adoption of QRIS as a payment method for Indonesians in Penang. KJRI Penang is working to encourage stakeholders such as hospitals, pharmacies, shopping centers, tourist spots, and other businesses to implement QRIS to facilitate payments for Indonesian citizens.

Wanton Saragih stated that this initiative also follows an agreement between the central banks of Indonesia and Malaysia regarding local currency transactions (LCT) signed in 2018.

“The adoption of QRIS is expected to simplify payment transactions and enhance public services for Indonesians in our jurisdiction,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Khoo Chow Huat explained that Sunway Medical Centre Penang continuously to increase its competitive advantage by implementing QRIS as an alternative payment method. He stated that QRIS will help the hospital enhance patient satisfaction, in line with Sunway Medical Centre Penang's mission.

“In addition to providing excellent medical services, we want to ensure our international patients experience convenience and comfort in transactions,” he added.

According to data from the Penang Centre of Medical Tourism (PMED), over 350,000 Indonesians sought medical treatment in Penang in 2023. From January to September 2024, more than 4,500 Indonesians have received treatment at Sunway Medical Centre Penang.