KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — It starts with a small, forgettable purchase. The first time Syarlina Zakaria used a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) service, she barely remembered what she bought. It was just a minor transaction around 2019, notable only for how seamlessly it integrated into her daily spending.
But what began as a convenience soon spiraled. Syarlina, now 28, told Malay Mail that she accumulated RM30,000 in BNPL debt across multiple platforms by 2024. 'I kept thinking, 'It's just RM30, I can pay later,' but those small amounts added up,' she said. She missed payments on several occasions, which she later learned damaged her credit score with the Credit Reporting Agency (CRA).
Another Malaysian, Ahmad Faiz, 25, shared a similar experience. He used BNPL for electronics and clothing, totaling RM8,000 in debt by early 2025. 'The interest rates were hidden in the fine print. I thought it was interest-free, but late fees piled up,' he said. Ahmad now works extra shifts to repay the debt, which he expects to clear by mid-2027.
Bank Negara Malaysia has not issued specific BNPL regulations as of May 2026, but consumer groups urge caution. The Malaysian Financial Planning Council advises users to limit BNPL to essential purchases and set repayment reminders. Syarlina has since stopped using BNPL and is paying off her remaining RM5,000 balance through a debt management program.
