BNM issues 80m RM5 polymer bank notes
 

The Edge Daily

By Tamimi Omar

26.10.04

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has issued 80 million pieces of the more durable RM5 polymer banknotes for circulation nationwide, Bank Negara assistant governor Datuk Mohamad Daud Dol Moin said.

The central bank had made arrangements with its branch offices and commercial banks to ensure that the new polymer banknotes were easily obtained by the public, he said.

"With the introduction of the RM5 polymer banknotes, BNM will also discontinue the issuance of RM5 paper banknotes for circulation," he said at the release of the banknotes in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26.

Mohamad Daud said a total of 120 million RM5 paper banknotes were in circulation currently and they would continue to be legal tender until while being replaced over time.

"Bank Negara’s decision to issue RM5 polymer banknotes is a significant strategic move to further diversify our sources of banknotes procurement, supplementing our existing policy and practise of procuring paper banknotes from multiple suppliers," he said.

The RM5 polymer notes are expected to be in circulation longer than the existing paper notes as their substrate, an oil-based plastic film, does not absorb dirt or liquid.