Introduction: The Showdown for Malaysian Entrepreneurs
If you’re planning to launch an online business in Malaysia, chances are you’ve heard of WordPress and Shopify — two of the most popular platforms for building websites and online stores.
But which one is the better choice for your business here in Malaysia?
Let’s compare them side by side — from pricing and flexibility to payment gateways and scalability — so you can make an informed decision without the tech headache.
⚔️ WordPress vs Shopify: Quick Overview
| Feature | WordPress (WooCommerce) | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Open-source (self-hosted) | Fully hosted (SaaS) |
| Customization | Unlimited with plugins/themes | Limited to Shopify ecosystem |
| Payment Gateways | Billplz, eGHL, Stripe, FPX | Shopify Payments, iPay88, PayPal |
| Monthly Cost | From RM20+ (hosting) | RM105/mo and above |
| Transaction Fees | None (except gateway fees) | 1–2% extra on top of gateway fees (unless using Shopify Payments) |
| Local Compliance | Easily customizable | More rigid, less localized |
| Ownership & Control | Full control | Shopify owns the stack |
💡 When WordPress (WooCommerce) Makes More Sense
✅ 1. You Want Full Control
You own everything — your domain, your content, your data. Want to customize how your checkout works or integrate a local system? No problem.
✅ 2. You Want Lower Long-Term Costs
Hosting + plugins may seem like a setup, but over time, you pay less compared to Shopify’s recurring monthly fees + hidden transaction fees.
✅ 3. You Want Local Payment Gateway Integration
WordPress supports Billplz, iPay88, ToyyibPay, FPX, and even eWallets. Shopify has limited local options unless you use expensive workarounds.
✅ 4. You Want SEO Power & Blogging
WordPress dominates SEO. Period. If content marketing, organic traffic, or blogging is your strategy — WordPress wins hands down.
🛍️ When Shopify Might Be Better
🔒 1. You Want a Fully Managed Experience
Shopify handles all the tech — updates, hosting, speed, security. You just build your store and start selling.
🏃♂️ 2. You Need to Launch Fast
With its plug-and-play setup, Shopify is ideal for beginners who want to launch in a few hours without touching code.
🧰 3. You Prefer Simplicity Over Flexibility
Shopify limits deep customization, but for many small stores, that’s not a dealbreaker. The built-in UI is clean and easy to manage.
💸 Pricing Breakdown (2025, in RM)
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Transaction Fees | Local Gateway Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| WordPress | From RM20+ | Gateway-only | ✅ Yes (Billplz, iPay88, etc.) |
| Shopify Basic | RM105 | 1–2% + gateway | ⚠️ Limited |
🌏 Local Considerations for Malaysian Businesses
✅ FPX & DuitNow Integration
Only WordPress (via plugins like WooCommerce Billplz or eGHL) allows smooth FPX/DuitNow integration — Shopify does not support them natively.
📈 Scaling with Custom Systems
Need to integrate your accounting software, inventory system, or HRMS? WordPress gives you more freedom to scale your ecosystem.
🛂 Bilingual Sites (BM + ENG)
Multilingual plugins like WPML or TranslatePress make WordPress a better choice for dual-language setups, which is common in Malaysia.
🧠 Final Verdict: So Which One Should You Choose?
| YOU ARE… | GO WITH… |
|---|---|
| A first-time seller with no tech skills | Shopify |
| A business that needs full flexibility | WordPress |
| Looking to integrate local payment systems | WordPress |
| Starting fast with dropshipping products | Shopify |
| Planning to scale & customize deeply | WordPress |
🎯 Our Professional Opinion (From Kyogo.my)
“For Malaysian SMEs, especially those selling physical products, digital services, or managing bilingual content — WordPress with WooCommerce gives you more power, flexibility, and control. Shopify is excellent for fast starts, but its recurring costs and limited local features can add up quickly.”
👇 What’s Next?
Still unsure? Let us help.
We’ve built and optimized both WordPress & Shopify sites for Malaysian businesses. We’ll help you decide based on your actual needs — not hype.
👉 Book a Free Platform Consultation
📘 Learn More About Our WordPress Services