Last week, 22nd December 2011, the central bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), introduced the fourth complete series of Malaysian currency. The first series of Malaysian dollar (ringgit) was issued in 12th June 1967 and some other series or partial series was introduced in 1982, 1989, 1996 and 2008. The currency symbol RM for Ringgit Malaysia was introduced in 1993. Before that, it uses the symbol $ and M$ interchangeably.

The new banknotes are RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. All the banknotes are made of polymer. Theoretically the RM20 is a new note… coz it was taken out from circulation about 16 years ago in 1995.

Currently the commemorative series are on sale now for RM300. I wanted to buy it during this week before the year end, but unfortunately I keep forgetting to go to BNM to buy it. I hope BNM will still have stock next week… next year. BNM will only put these new banknotes in circulation on second half of 2012.

For those who like to collect or buy silver coins, BNM has introduced the third series of Malaysian coins earlier on 26 July 2011. These coins will be circulated starting early 2012. I also hope that BNM still have commemorative series of this coins for sale… else I just have to keep the first new coins I get… that’s what I did before to collect notes and coins… lame… 😛