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THE NEW SERIES OF
MALAYSIAN
BANKNOTES

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Bank Negara Malaysia introducing the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?

2. What are the denominations of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?

3. What are the key features of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?

4. What are the technical specifications for the fourth series of Malaysia banknotes?

5. What are the theme and motifs used for the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?

6. What are the security features incorporated in the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?

7. Are there any features to make the banknotes more user friendly to the public and the visually impaired persons?

8. When will the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes be made available for circulation?

9. What will happen to the existing banknotes in circulation? Should I exchange the existing banknotes to the new ones?

10. Will the cash accepting machines (e.g. parking, vending, cash deposit machines and ATM) be ready to accept the new banknotes?

11. Where can I buy the commemorative sets of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?

12. Why is BNM switching from paper to polymer substrate banknotes for RM1?

13. Why is BNM reintroducing the RM20 denomination?

14. Will BNM reintroduce RM500 and RM1,000?

1. Why is Bank Negara Malaysia introducing the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?
   
   The introduction of the new series of banknotes is to incorporate modern security features and latest advancements in technology to enhance the usage and security. The new series will gradually replace the existing series that has been in circulation for more than 10 years.

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2. What are the denominations of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?
   
   The fourth series of Malaysian banknotes issued are in the denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, and RM100. The new RM50 banknote is the first new design denomination of the fourth series was first issued to commemorate Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary of Independence in December 2007.

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3. What are the key features of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?
   
   The fourth series of Malaysian banknotes incorporate enhanced security features in line with the latest advancements in banknote printing technology and retain some of the existing security features to deter counterfeiting.
   
   The banknotes will be printed in durable substrates to maintain high level of durability and retain their quality while in circulation.

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4. What are the technical specifications for the fourth series of Malaysia banknotes?
   
   The technical specifications for the fourth series and existing banknotes series are as follows:
   
   a. Fourth series of Malaysian banknotes
   
   

   Denomination	Substrate	Denomination	Predominant Colour
   RM100	Paper	150mm X 69mm	Purple
   RM50	Paper	145mm X 69mm	Green-blue
   RM20	Paper	145mm X 65mm	Orange
   RM10	Paper	140mm X 65mm	Red
   RM5	Polymer	135mm X 65mm	Green
   RM1	Polymer	120mm X 65mm	Blue

   
   
   b. Existing Banknotes Series
   
   

   Denomination	Substrate	Denomination	Predominant Colour
   RM100	Paper	150mm X 69mm	Purple
   RM50	Paper	145mm X 69mm	Green-blue
   RM10	Paper	140mm X 65mm	Red
   RM5	Polymer	135mm X 65mm	Green
   RM2	Paper	130mm X 65mm	White purple
   RM1	Paper	120mm X 65mm	Blue

   
   

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5. What are the theme and motifs used for the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?
   
   The theme for the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes is "Distinctively Malaysia", which is also adopted for the new coin series. The new series draws inspiration from the distinctive features that define the nation’s rich culture and heritage. The design motifs were crafted in the form of nature, flora and fauna and traditional handicraft which is uniquely Malaysia. The motifs for each denomination are as follows:

Denomination	Sub-Theme	Icon
RM100	Natural Wonders	Mount Kinabalu and pinnacles rock formations of Gunung Api valley within Mulu national park
RM50	Agriculture and technology	Oil Palm and Biotechnology
RM20	Marine Life	The Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles
RM10	Flora	Rafflesia Azlanii
RM5	Wildlife	Rhinoceros Hornbill
RM1	Traditional Pastimes	Wau Bulan




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6. What are the security features incorporated in the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?
   
   The fourth banknotes series of Malaysian banknotes incorporate enhanced security features and retain some of the existing security features.
   
   The new security features for the fourth Malaysian banknotes series are Pixel Watermark portrait with highlight numeral, Micro lens thread and iridescent patch. Whilst the existing security features are Shadow image, Clear window, colour shifting Security thread, Perfect see-through registration, Intaglio printing, invisible fluorescent elements and micro printing.

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7. Are there any features to make the banknotes more user friendly to the public and the visually impaired persons?
   
   Yes. The banknotes retain the existing sizes and colours to assist the public and the visually impaired person. We also incorporate Braille features for the blind people.

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8. When will the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes be made available for circulation?
   
   The fourth series of Malaysian banknotes will be made available for circulation in 2nd quarter 2012.

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9. What will happen to the existing banknotes in circulation? Should I exchange the existing banknotes to the new ones?
   
   The existing banknotes will continue to be legal tender. The new series of Malaysian banknotes will co-circulate alongside the existing series until the existing series are gradually phased out.

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10. Will the cash accepting machines (e.g. parking, vending, cash deposit machines and ATM) be ready to accept the new banknotes?
    
    Yes, cash accepting machines will be calibrated and ready to accept the new series of Malaysian banknotes. Machine vendors are given 6 months before the banknotes are in full circulation to calibrate their machines.

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11. Where can I buy the commemorative sets of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes?
    
    The commemorative version of the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes is available for sale as follows:

Type/Denomination	Quantity	Price per set
Full Set (RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100)	50,000	RM300
Set of 1 (RM20)	500,000	RM30
Set of 2 (RM1 and RM5)	500,000	RM15



Members of the public can purchase the commemorative banknotes over the counter from Thursday, 22 December 2011 at:

1. BNMLINK (Laman Informasi Nasihat & Khidmat)
   Ground Floor, Block D
   Bank Negara Malaysia
   Jalan Dato' Onn
   50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
   
   Contact No. : +603 2698 8044 / 9044 (ext: 7417 / 7390)
   Time :  9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. 

2. Bank Negara Malaysia Regional Office at Pulau Pinang and Johor

3. Bank Negara Malaysia branches at Kuala Terengganu, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu
   
   

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12. Why is BNM switching from paper to polymer substrate banknotes for RM1?
    
    BNM introduces polymer substrate for RM1 banknote as it has an extended lifecycle and most suitable for a lower denomination which has a high usage.

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13. Why is BNM reintroducing the RM20 denomination?
    
    The reintroduction of RM20 denomination is to meet the public’s need for an intermediary denomination between the RM10 and the RM50 denomination. This is for the convenience of the public in meeting the needs for payments.

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14. Will BNM reintroduce RM500 and RM1,000?
    
    No. BNM would not reintroduce RM500 and RM1,000 as the existing denominations of banknote are sufficient to meet the needs of retail business transactions.

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