Malaysian Mastercard holders spend US$2.03 B in "sale carnival"

Malaysian MasterCard cardholders spent US$2.03 billion with 22.7 million transactions during the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival from June 15-Sept 4, 2011, reports Bernama.

MasterCard said overseas cardholders spent US$221 million registering 1.2 million in transactions during 1MMSC, to register overall spending of US$2.25 billion.

The company said the total number of transactions made by its cardholders during 1MMSC 2011 rose by 50 per cent to 23.9 million from 15.9 million during Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival from July 24-Sept 16, 2010.

It said Singapore, Australia, US, Indonesia and UK MasterCard cardholders were the top five spenders during the 1MMSC.

"Compared to 2010, Singapore MasterCard cardholders have taken the top spot from Australia, spending US$37.6 million.

"Australian MasterCard cardholders spent a total of US$33.3 million this year in comparison to last year's US$27.3 million," it said.

MasterCard said American shoppers remained in third place, putting US$30 million on their MasterCard cards during the sale.

"Indonesia and UK swapped fourth and fifth places from 2010, recording US$15.7 million and US$14.8 million in spending respectively throughout the sale period," it said.

MasterCard Worldwide vice president and senior country manager, Malaysia and Brunei, Jim Cheah, said MasterCard would continue to find ways to create value for foreign and local MasterCard cardholders as evident through the 1MMSC collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.

"We hope the strong showing for 1MMSC will be echoed throughout our coming initiatives like the Year-End Sale, as we continue to bring MasterCard cardholders exciting privileges and benefits," he said.