Brunei issues new $1,000 polymer note
 

The Brunei Times

Fei Phoon

Brunei-Muara
22.06.07

Local banks are expected to see an onslaught of enthusiastic members of the public asking after the new $1,000 polymer Bruneian banknote to complete their collections.

The $1,000 denomination, the issue of which was announced yesterday afternoon by the Brunei Currency and Monetary Board, is the last of the Brunei Darussalam's banknotes to receive its polymer makeover. Surprisingly, the polymer versions of Brunei's $500 and $10,000 notes were released last year.

The new banknote will enter circulation along with its older paper counterpart, the latter which is to remain legal tender in Brunei Darussalam and other countries which accept Bruneian currency.

Consistent with the design of the other members of Brunei's polymer cash family, the $1,000 carries the signature clear window, a picture of the trumpet-shaped blossoms of a local flower, the akar bilaran, and an etching of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on its obverse side. The other side proudly displays the new Ministry of Finance building. Notably, the chosen colour scheme for the new note is a subtle blend of pastels.

The previous $1,000 paper banknote is golden brown with accents of purple, and features Kampung Ayer and Istana Nurul Iman on its reverse. This design was issued in 1989.

Polymer notes were first introduced in Brunei with the issue of the $1, $5 and the $10 notes in 1996.

The technology was introduced as a measure against counterfeiting, with the advantages of increased durability, hygiene and recyclability.