Polymer RM5 notes now in circulation
 

The Star Online

Kuala Lumpur

27.10.04

Bank Negara has come out with polymer substrate RM5 banknotes and will stop issuing paper-based RM5 banknotes.

The new banknotes, which are similar in design, colour and size to the existing ones, are available at all Bank Negara branches and commercial banks.

Bank Negara Assistant Governor Datuk Mohamad Daud Dol Moin said the existing RM5 paper banknotes would remain legal tender and continue to be in circulation until they were fully withdrawn over time.

Speaking at the launch of the new banknotes, he said that Bank Negara was issuing 80 million pieces of them.

Mohamad Daud said the new banknotes had enhanced security features.

These include a clear window with the shadow image of the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya and an embossed printing of the numeral 5, both of which are visible from either side of the banknote.

The new banknotes also feature Bank Negara's Kijang (deer) logo, printed in white and visible on either side of the note.

Mohamad Daud said polymer substrate banknotes were more durable as they were non-porous, more resilient to dirt and liquid and not easily torn.

Malaysia is the 19th country to adopt the polymer banknote technology and issue polymer banknotes for circulation.

More information on the new banknote can be obtained from Bank Negara's website, www.bnm.gov.my.