Malaysia

Malaysia new signature 50-ringgit note (B152c) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_50_ringgit_2009.07.15_B152c_P50_PD_8291312_fMalaysia_BNM_50_ringgit_2009.07.15_B152c_P50_PD_8291312_r
Like B152b, but new signature (Shamsiah). Prefix PD.

Courtesy of Jimmy Sum.

Malaysia's central bank governor resigns

On 6 June 2018, the Cabinet accepted Muhammad bin Ibrahim’s offer to step down as governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. Expect new signature varieties once a replacement is named.

Courtesy of Aidan Work and Liew Siang Ping.

Malaysia new sig 100-ringgit note (B153b) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_100_ringgit_2012.07.16_B153b_P56_BZ_7619137_fMalaysia_BNM_100_ringgit_2012.07.16_B153b_P56_BZ_7619137_r
Like B153a, but new signature. Prefix BZ.

Courtesy of Muhammad Ali Ibrahim.

Malaysia new signature 10-ringgit note (B151b) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_10_ringgit_2012.07.16_B151b_P53_EF_6138383_fMalaysia_BNM_10_ringgit_2012.07.16_B151b_P53_EF_6138383_r
Like B151a, but new signature. Prefix EF.

Courtesy of Sam Hong.

Malaysia new 60- and 600-ringgit numismatic products (BNP106, BNP107) reportedly introduced 05.01.2018

According to a 14 December 2017 press release, Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement.

Malaysia_BNM_60_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP106a_PNL_MRR_0051672_fMalaysia_BNM_60_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP106a_PNL_MRR_0051672_r

Malaysia_BNM_600_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP107a_PNL_MRR_0001245_f
Malaysia_BNM_600_ringgit_2017.00.00_BNP107a_PNL_MRR_0001245_r
The 600-ringgit note is larger than the Philippines 1998 100,000-peso note measuring 355 x 215 mm, which the Guinness Book of World Records heretofore considered to be the physically largest legal tender note ever issued.

60,000 60-ringgit notes were packaged in folders and sold for 120 ringgit each, with a limit of five per buyer.
6,000 uncut sheets of three 60-ringgit notes were also sold for 500 ringgit each, with a limit of one per buyer.
6,000 600-ringgit notes were packaged in folders and sold for 1,700 ringgit each, with a limit of one per buyer.

The public can place their orders online from 5 January 2018. In the event of oversubscription, balloting will take place. Banknotes with special serial numbers will be sold via public auction on 10 March 2018.

Courtesy of Liew Siang Ping, Stane Straus, Dmytry Nevmyvako, Zhao Jiarui, Ajay Rawat, and Thomas Augustsson.

Malaysia new signature 20-ringgit note (B152b) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_20_ringgit_2017.00.00_B152b_P54_BV_6645103_f
Malaysia_BNM_20_ringgit_2017.00.00_B152b_P54_BV_6645103_r
B152b: Like B152a, but new signature. Prefix BV.

Courtesy of Claudio Marana and Sam Hong.

Malaysia new signature 1-ringgit note (B149c) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B149c_P51_KB_5425710_f
Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B149c_P51_KB_5425710_r
B149c: Like B149b, but new signature and text at lower right front filled solid, not filled with diagonal lines.

Courtesy of Tan Shi Chuan.

Malaysia new signature 5-ringgit note (B150b) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_5_ringgit_2017.00.00_B150b_P52_BL_3991890_f
Malaysia_BNM_5_ringgit_2017.00.00_B150b_P52_BL_3991890_r
B150b: Like B150a, but new signature. Prefix BL.

Courtesy of Sam Hong and Alex Zlotin.

Malaysia new signature 50-ringgit note (B148b) confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_50_ringgit_2009.07.15_B148b_PNL_LS_0715773_f
Malaysia_BNM_50_ringgit_2009.07.15_B148b_PNL_LS_0715773_r
B148b: Like B148a, but new signature. Prefix LS.

Courtesy of Gerhard Hoeck.

Malaysia new signature 50-ringitt note (B148b) reported

According to a press release dated 28 September 2016, Bank Negara Malaysia will introduce 50-ringgit notes (B148b) with the signature of Datuk Muhammd Ibrahim, who was appointed as the new governor for five years, effective from 1 May 2016, following the retirement of the previous governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akthar Aziz.

Malaysia_BNM_50_ringgit_2016.09.29_B148b_PNL_f

Malaysia central bank appoints new governor as of 01.05.2016

Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim
According to a Bank Negara Malaysia press release dated 27 April 2016, deputy governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim has been appointed as the new governor for five years, effective from 1 May 2016, following the retirement of the current governor, Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akthar Aziz. Expect new signature varieties to follow.

Courtesy of Liew Siang Ping.

Malaysia new 1-ringgit variety confirmed

Malaysia_BNM_1_ringgit_2012.07.16_B49b_PNL_DX_4189617_detail
1 ringgit, no date. Like B149, but text on front filled with diagonal lines.

The text on the front of early issues of the 1-ringgit note is filled solid (BNM B49a, top), but on later issues the text is filled with diagonal lines (B49b, bottom).

Courtesy of Sergey Vostrikov and Alexander Petrov.

Straits Settlements chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Straits Settlements chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

This 11-page catalog covers notes issued by the Government of the Straits Settlements from 1898 to 1935. Revised 9 August 2015.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

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Malaysia new banknote series issued into circulation on 16 July 2012

According to a press release, on 16 July 2012 Bank Negara Malaysia issued into circulation its new family of banknotes. These notes were previously issued in matching serial number sets and various numismatic products beginning 22 December 2011.

Courtesy of Aidan Work and Joel Kandah.

Malaysia new 1-ringgit prefix variety confirmed


1 ringgit (US$0.35), no date. Like B139c, but with 3.5-mm tall prefix letters (bottom) instead of 2.75-mm tall prefix letters (top).

Courtesy of Victor W. Krysko.

Malaysia new banknote family confirmed, to be issued 16 July 2012













Bank Negara Malaysia’s new family of banknotes were inspired by elements which distinctively define the country's diverse culture, heritage, and nature. Themed “Distinctively Malaysia,” the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes features traditional expressions in the art and craft, natural wonders, flora and fauna, economy and tradition. The notes also have enhanced security features.

On the front side, all banknote denominations in the new series retain the portrait of the first Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad, the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known locally as the 'Bunga Raya') and patterns of traditional woven fabric - the “songket.”

The back side of each banknote denomination features different elements of nature, tradition, culture, flora, fauna and the economy that are distinctively Malaysian.

Commemorative sets of the new notes were sold at a premium over face value beginning 22 December 2011. The regular issue notes are scheduled to enter circulation on 16 July 2012, though the 50-ringgit denomination was issued in December 2007 and will continue to circulate. For what it’s worth, the 50-ringgit notes issued individually have 2-letter prefixes, while those issued in the matching serial number sets have 3-letter prefixes.



Courtesy of Mark St. Pierre, Gerhard Hoeck, Wilson Chow, and Aidan Work.

Malaysia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available


The Malaysia chapter of The Banknote Book is now available for individual sale and as a free download to subscribers.

At the time of initial publication, this 16-page catalog covers every note (102 types and varieties, including 17 notes unlisted in the SCWPM) issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) from 1967 until present day.

Each chapter of The Banknote Book includes detailed descriptions and background information, full-color images, and accurate valuations. The Banknote Book also features:
  • Sharp color images of note’s front and back without overlap
  • Face value or date of demonetization if no longer legal tender
  • Specific identification of all vignette elements
  • Security features described in full
  • Printer imprint reproduced exactly as on note
  • Each date/signature variety assigned an individual letter
  • Variety checkboxes for tracking your collection and want list
  • Date reproduced exactly as on note
  • Precise date of introduction noted when known
  • Replacement note information
  • Signature tables, often with names and terms of service
  • Background information for historical and cultural context
  • Details magnified to distinguish between note varieties
  • Bibliographic sources listed for further research

Subscribe to The Banknote Book
If you collect the entire world or a large number of countries, buying a subscription is the best deal because it's less expensive than buying chapters individually, and it entitles you to every chapter currently available as well as everything published—or revised (click here to see the Change Log)—during the term of your subscription.

Subscribe
Sign up for Email Notifications
If you would like to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter of The Banknote Book is published, please join the email list.

Sign up

Malaysia announces printers for fourth series of notes

Malaysia's central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, has settled on the printers of its fourth series of ringgit banknotes which will have improved security features to overcome counterfeiting. Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim said the suppliers for the new bank­notes were Crane AB of Sweden, Giesecke & Devrient GmbH of Germany, Oberthur Technologies of France (producing 1-ringgit note), and Orell Fussli of Switzerland. In a press release dated 23 May 2011, the bank indicated the new notes would be issued in early 2012.

Courtesy of Wilson Chow.

Malaysia to issue new banknotes in 2012

According to a press release dated 23 May 2011, “Bank Negara Malaysia is pleased to announce that a new series design of Malaysian banknotes and coins will be issued for circulation in early 2012, an exercise that is undertaken periodically every twelve years. The theme of the design of the new currency series will include features that are distinctively Malaysia. It will also have enhanced security elements in line with the latest advancements in technology for currency notes.

The new fourth series design of banknotes will be featured in the denomination of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20 and RM100. The current design of the RM50 banknote already in circulation since December 2007 to commemorate Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary of Independence will continue to remain in circulation. The new design coins are the third in the series for the denominations of 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. This new series of banknotes and coins will co-circulate with the existing series until the latter are gradually withdrawn from circulation.

In preparation for the issuance of the new currency series, Bank Negara Malaysia will be working closely with financial institutions, businesses and cash handling vendors to ensure a smooth transition to the new series. Vendors of cash handling machines will be given six months to calibrate their machines to ensure public convenience for the use of the new currency.

As part of the effort to increase public awareness on the new currency series, Bank Negara Malaysia will issue the commemorative coins for the third series and unveil the new fourth series banknotes design in the third quarter of 2011.“

Courtesy of Wilson Chow.

Documentary on Reserve Bank of Australia's bribery scandal

Four Corners has produced a documentary, Dirty Money, that explores how the central pillar of Australia’s financial system, the Reserve Bank, became ensnared in an international bribery scandal related to its polymer substrate subsidiary’s attempts to gain contracts around the world.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Malaysia 1-ringgit note serial number variety confirmed


1 ringgit (US$0.30), no date. Like P39, but 3-character prefix. Serial number remains 7-digits long with signature of Zeti Akhtar Aziz. Introduced February 2010.

Courtesy of Vincent Tan.

Malaysia issues new 50-ringgint note

This 50-ringgit note is like the preceding commemorative issue of 2007, but without the 50th anniversary logo and RM 1957-2007 text on the back. Furthermore, the windowed thread is color-shifting and wider, the governor’s signature is larger, and the numeral 50 is printed in two-color fluorescent ink on the back.


B149 (PNL): 50 ringgit (US$14.25)
Green-blue. Front: National flower hibiscus; songket weaving patterns; Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Back: Oil palm trees; microbiology technology; Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj declaring independence. Holographic stripe. Red-to-green windowed security thread with demetalized BNM RM50. Watermark: Rahman with electrotype 50. Printer: (G&D). 145 x 69 mm. No date. Signature 6. Intro: 15.07.2009. Replacement notes: Prefix ZB.

Courtesy of Kai Hwong.

Malaysia issues revised 50-ringgit note



On 15 July .2009, Bank Negara Malaysia introduced a new design 50-ringgit (US$14) banknote. This new design of RM50 banknote is the first denomination of the Fourth Series of Malaysian currency notes which will be replacing the existing series in stages.The earlier new design of RM50 banknote (images below) was issued in December 2007 to commemorate Malaysia's 50th Anniversary of Independence. This current series no longer has the logo of the country's golden jubilee celebrations at upper right on back and has the following enhanced security features:

  • The Colour Shifting Security Thread which replaces the existing security thread and is embedded in the paper. The thread appears on the reverse side of the note as coloured intermittent lines. When held against light, it is seen as a continuous dark coloured line and the repeated text of BNM RM50 can be read. When the note is tilted, the colour of the thread changes from red to green and vice versa. Under ultra-violet light, the repeated text of BNM RM50 will fluoresce yellow and the thread is seen as a continuous fluorescent yellow line when the banknote is viewed from the obverse.
  • The Two-Coloured Fluorescent Elements is an additional invisible printed feature on the reverse of the note. Under ultra-violet light, a complex design two-colour numeral 50 will fluoresce.
  • The existing security features which are designed for public verification remains as follows:
  • The Watermark Portrait can be recognised by tints that are lighter or darker than the surrounding paper. This watermark portrait which has a three-dimensional effect appears without sharp outlines. At the base of the watermark, the numeral 50 is clearly visible.
  • Perfect See-Through Register features the songket design on the obverse and reverse of the banknote when it is held against the light.
  • Invisible Fluorescent Elements of the background on the obverse and reverse of the banknote which fluoresces in different colours under ultra-violet light.
  • Micro-Letterings of "BNM RM50" which can be viewed under a magnifying glass.
  • Holographic Stripe features the numeral 50 and hibiscus flower.
  • Multicolor Latent Image where the numeral 50 is visible when the banknote is tilted slightly and changes colour when it is rotated.
  • Anti-Scanner feature in which certain design cannot be captured by scanning machines.
  • Braille Feature for the visually impaired.

Courtesy of Hon H. Mak.

Malaysia issues new 50-ringgit note on 26.12.2007



50 ringgit (US$14.95), 2007. 20,000 special sets issued 26.12.2007 for RM60, and at face without packaging starting January 30, 2008. Green-blue. Portrait of the first king, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad at right, national flower hibiscus at center, songket weaving patterns in background and edges, signature (Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz, GABENOR). Malaysia’s first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj declaring independence, oil palm trees, microbiology technology, and 50th anniversary logo on back (logo will appear only on first 50 million notes). Security features include watermark portrait and 50 as electrotype watermark, fluorescent windowed security thread with repeating BNM RM50 (also as microtext), songket design as registration device, 50 as latent image, holographic stripe with 50 and hibiscus flower.

Courtesy of Hon H. Mak.

Malaysia names new central bank governor

On 6 June 2018, the Cabinet accepted Muhammad bin Ibrahim’s offer to step down as governor of Bank Negara Malaysia. Expect new signature varieties now that Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus has been named as the replacement according to a press release dated 22 June 2018.


Courtesy of Aidan Work and Liew Siang Ping.