WhatsApp connects businesses, consumers as most Malaysians prefer messaging - Meta

According to Kantar's 2024 Business Messaging Usage Research, seven in 10 people in Malaysia preferred to message a business over calling or emailing.

The study, which Meta commissioned, further revealed that nearly eight out of 10 people in Malaysia message a business at least once a week.

Meta Malaysia country director Nicole Tan highlighted the importance of messaging for Malaysian businesses and the need to embrace it now.

"Messaging is an integral part of our lives in Malaysia. So, it is no surprise that 70 per cent of Malaysians are more likely to do business with a company they can contact via messaging.

"We're investing in new capabilities that help businesses build their presence on WhatsApp and better connect with customers," she said in the keynote address at the WhatsApp Sessions: Grow Your Business event, Meta's first business messaging event in Malaysia.

Tan said 76 per cent of online adults in Malaysia would directly message a business immediately after clicking a social media advertisement for that business.

"This is how big WhatsApp is right now for businesses in Malaysia," she added.

Meta product marketing manager for Southeast Asia, Enea Minuti, said that Meta Verified is now available to all eligible small businesses in Malaysia using the WhatsApp Business app.

He said Meta Verified makes it easier for businesses to establish a presence on WhatsApp, build credibility with customers, and grow their brand so people would be more confident in reaching out.

"Eligible businesses interested in becoming Meta Verified and passing our verification checks will get a verified badge, impersonation protection, account support, and multi-device access for their employees.

"The same badge will appear on their WhatsApp Channels and Business pages, making it easy to share on social media and websites," he said.

-- BERNAMA