Malaysia's New Currency Series
Bank Negara Malaysia has announced the introduction of Malaysia's new currency series. Launched by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak the new currency series comprises newly designed banknotes and coins. The banknotes issued are in the denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20 and RM100 and will be available for circulation in the second half of 2012. The RM50 denomination banknote for the new currency series is already in circulation. For this new series, polymer substrate is used to make the RM1 and RM5 banknotes.
The coins for this series, with denominations of 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen, were launched earlier on 25 July 2011 and will be introduced into circulation in January 2012.
RM100 banknote
Natural Wonders
The magnificent beauty of Malaysia's two prominent natural wonders, declared 'World Heritage Sites' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are portrayed on the RM100 banknote.
These are the Kinabalu Park in Sabah, home to the majestic Mount Kinabalu (the highest mountain in Southeast Asia) and the spectacular limestone pinnacle rock formations of Gunung Api valley, found within the Mulu National Park in Sarawak.
Together, they represent the many natural wonders of Malaysia that provides visitors a unique experience.
RM50 banknote
Agriculture and Technology
Oil palm and biotechnology are featured on the RM50 banknote as Malaysia's thriving economy icons. Oil palm has become the country's most valuable agricultural crop as Malaysia is one of the largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world.
Biotechnology continues to drive this commodity up the value chain, supporting the nation's economic transformation towards higher value-added activities in the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.
Crude palm oil is also used as the underlying commodity to facilitate Islamic financing.
RM20 banknote
Marine Life
As ambassadors of the rich and colourful marine life found in our tropical waters, two of the most well-known species of sea turtles endemic to Malaysian waters are on the new RM20 banknote - the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).
The Hawksbill is easily identified by its curved beak and scaly shell while the Leatherback has a leathery skin and seven ridges on its shell.
These gentle turtles are a reminder that their existence rests in the delicate balance of human activity and marine life conservation.
Flora
Malaysia's lush tropical jungle, which is one of the world's oldest living rainforest, is home to a spectacular variety of flowering plants. Most iconic amongst them is the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower.
The Rafflesia Azlanii species featured on the new RM10 banknote is indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia and was first discovered in the Royal Belum Forest Reserve of the state of Perak in 2003.
To commemorate its discovery, this majestic flower was named after the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuff Izzuddin Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah.
RM5 polymer banknote
Widlife
Featured on the new RM5 polymer banknote is the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), one of the largest and most magnificent hornbill species in the world.
Found in low densities throughout various rainforests in the country, this beautiful, broad-winged and long-tailed forest bird plays an important role in the customs and traditional ceremonies in Sarawak which is known as 'Bumi Kenyalang' or 'Land of Hornbills'.
Hornbill is also seen as a symbol of strength and courage by the native communities of Sarawak.
RM1 polymer banknote
Traditional Sport
Kite-flying is a popular traditional sport in Malaysia especially in Kelantan and Terengganu. Kite-flying is also traditionally a celebration of a good harvest which brings together the local communities in these states.
Amongst the best-known and most iconic Malaysian kites is the 'Wau Bulan' or Moon Kite which is featured on the new RM1.
The Wau Bulan, which is hand crafted from bamboo and paper, is also a popular decorative item that adorns the walls of Malaysian homes.
THE THIRD SERIES OF MALAYSIAN COINS
50 sen
Sulur Kacang
The 'sulur kacang' (pea tendrils) motif featured on the new 50 sen coin is popular among traditional woodcarvers and silversmiths. The motif is drawn from the graceful twists and curls of long bean vines, and can be seen embellishing fine jewellery pieces and boxes, in addition to decorating doorways, window frames and wood paneling in traditional wooden homes. Fine lines in the motif background are part of the security features.
20 sen
Bunga Melur
The 'bunga melur' or jasmine flower is culturally significant among the three major races in Malaysia. Its aromatic scent makes it an important part of traditional ceremonies like weddings and prayers. It is also a popular motif in traditional arts and crafts like embroidery and silverwork. On the new 20 sen coin, the jasmine flower is featured with a 'destar siga' cloth motif in the background.
10 sen
Orang Asli Motif
The 'orang asli' (aboriginal tribes) of Malaysia are talented in weaving indigenous leaves and plants into decorative items such as headbands, sashes and skirts for traditional rituals and ceremonies. Each tribe have their own weave pattern that is often inspired by their belief system and surrounding environment. On the new 10 sen coin, this heritage is represented by the unique weave pattern of the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.
5 sen
Destar Siga
The 'destar siga' cloth is an indigenous form of fabric weaving that originates from the Kadazan Dusun tribe in Sabah. Used as a headdress during traditional ceremonies, it is woven mainly from yarns of black thread and accented by multi-coloured threads into various geometric patterns and flora and fauna inspired motifs. On the new 5 sen coin, the 'destar siga' pattern is prominently featured, accompanied by the 'sulur kacang' as a background motif.
SOURCE: BNM