Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Malaysian Ringgit (RM) Notes
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How to Identify Counterfeit Malaysian Ringgit (RM) Currency Notes
Traveling from India on a Malaysian adventure? Beyond knowing the exchange rates, it's equally crucial to ensure that you get real Malaysian Ringgit notes in exchange for INR. This guide is designed to help you confidently examine Malaysian currency and protect yourself from counterfeit notes. This guide focuses on the current Fourth Series of Malaysian banknotes, themed "Distinctively Malaysia." The denominations include Paper Notes (RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100) and Polymer Notes (RM1, RM5).
Key Security Features of Malaysian Ringgit Currency Notes
A straightforward yet effective method for authenticating Malaysian Ringgit banknotes is the "FEEL, LOOK, TILT, CHECK" (FLTC) method.
Checking the quality and texture of the banknote substrate (paper or polymer).
Examining the banknote against a light source to observe features such as the watermark, perfect see-through register, and any clear windows (on polymer notes).
Holding the banknote and tilting it to observe changes in features like security threads, holographic stripes, or colored glossy patches.
Using tools like an ultraviolet (UV) light device or a magnifying glass to verify specific hidden or micro-printed security elements.
A range of security features is incorporated into the design of MYR banknotes that can be checked using this method. These features include:
1. The notes are either made of a special polymer that is durable or printed on high-quality paper primarily made from cotton.
2. Intaglio printing creates a raised effect over key areas on both polymer and paper notes.
3. When held up to the light, a three-dimensional watermark portrait becomes visible in the case of paper notes.
4. Polymer notes feature a "Shadow Image" within their clear window area, a concept similar to a watermark.
5. Perfect See-Through Register is another feature that consists of a design element (often the national hibiscus flower or a traditional songket pattern) printed in parts on both the front and back of the note. When the note is held against the light, these parts align perfectly to form a complete, unified image.
6. Papernotes also typically feature a windowed security thread. On the surface, it appears as intermittent metallic dashes, but when held to the light, it is seen as a continuous dark line.
7. Polymer notes incorporate security thread-like features or elements within the polymer structure that become apparent when viewed against light.
8. Micro-Letterings, i.e., tiny, clearly printed texts, are present but visible only with the help of a magnifying glass.
9. Genuine banknotes contain invisible designs, numerals, or security fibers embedded in the paper or polymer substrate. These elements fluoresce (glow) in specific, designated colors when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit MYR Currency by Denomination
| Denomination | Note Type | Colour | Theme | Key Security Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RM1 | Polymer | Blue | Traditional Sport (Moon Kite) | - Raised print on first Agong’s portrait, '1', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" - Large transparent window with hibiscus & numeral '1' shadow image - Perfect see-through image alignment (hibiscus/crescent & star) - UV fluorescence on numeral '1', BNM logo, see-through register - Tiny microtext ("RM1", "BNM") visible with magnifier |
| RM5 | Polymer | Green | Wildlife (Rhinoceros Hornbill) | - Raised print on Agong’s portrait, '5', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" - Transparent window with Rhinoceros Hornbill & '5' shadow image - Perfect see-through register (hibiscus/crescent & star) - UV fluorescence on numeral '5', BNM logo, see-through register - Tiny microtext ("RM5", "BNM") visible with magnifier |
| RM10 | Paper | Red | Flora (Rafflesia Azlanii) | - Raised print on Agong’s portrait, '10', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" - 3D watermark portrait + numeral '10' - Perfect see-through register (hibiscus/songket) - Interwoven security thread with microtext "BNM RM10" visible as silver dashes - Holographic strip with Rafflesia, '10', and "BNM" - UV fluorescence on security thread, fibers (red/yellow/blue), phosphorescent block "BNM" and numeral '10' - Tiny microtext "RM10" or "BNM" |
| RM20 | Paper | Orange | Marine Life (Hawksbill & Leatherback Turtles) | - Raised print on Agong’s portrait, '20', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" - 3D watermark portrait + numeral '20' - Perfect see-through register - Color-shifting security thread with micro-printing - Iridescent patch changing color when tilted - UV fluorescence on design elements and security fibers - Tiny micro-lettering visible with magnifier |
| RM50 | Paper | Green-blue | Agriculture & Technology (Oil Palm & Biotechnology) | - Intaglio print on Agong’s portrait, '50', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" - 3D watermark portrait + numeral '50' - Songket design aligning front/back - Multi-colored pumping stripe showing denomination & hibiscus with matt effect - Color-shifting security thread changing between red and green with microtext "RM50 BNM" - Multicolor latent image changing color with tilt - Holographic stripe with "BNM 50" and stag motif, fluorescing - Embedded red, yellow, blue security fibers - Micro-text on security thread fluoresces under UV light |
| RM100 | Paper | Purple | Natural Wonders (Mount Kinabalu & Gunung Api Pinnacles) | - Intaglio print on Agong’s portrait, '100', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA" - Sharp 3D watermark portrait + numeral '100' - Perfect see-through register - Motion/rolling bar security thread with moving hibiscus flower image - Color-shifting gold stripe/patch with "RM100" - UV fluorescence showing Mount Kinabalu image, numeral '100', stag motif, and "BNM100" - Red, yellow, blue security fibers under UV light - Exceptionally clear and sharp micro-lettering |
1. RM1 Banknote (Polymer Note)
- Predominant Colour: Blue
- Theme: Traditional Sport (Wau Bulan - Moon Kite)
Specific Security Features:
- Raised print effect on the portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the numeral '1', and the words "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA".
- An image (e.g., hibiscus flower or crescent & star) printed on both sides aligns perfectly to form a complete image when held to light.
- Under UV light, specific elements such as the numeral '1', the BNM logo, and possibly elements of the perfect see-through register will fluoresce.
- Tiny, clearly printed text (e.g., "RM1", "BNM") is visible with a magnifying glass.
2. RM5 Banknote (Polymer Note)
- Predominant Colour: Green
- Theme: Wildlife (Rhinoceros Hornbill)
Specific Security Features:
- Raised print effect on the portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the numeral '5', and the words "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA".
- A large transparent window and within the clear window, a shadow image of the Rhinoceros Hornbill and the numeral '5' becomes visible when held to light.
- Perfect See-Through Register of an image (e.g., hibiscus flower or crescent & star) aligns perfectly when held to light.
- Under UV light, specific elements like the numeral '5', the BNM logo, and possibly elements of the perfect see-through register will fluoresce.
- Tiny, clearly printed text (e.g., "RM5", "BNM") is visible with a magnifying glass.
3. RM10 Banknote (Paper Note)
- Predominant Colour: Red
- Theme: Flora (Rafflesia Flower, specifically Rafflesia Azlanii)
Specific Security Features:
- Raised print on the portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, numeral '10', and the words "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA".
- A three-dimensional watermark portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong with varying light and dark tones, and the numeral '10' visible at its base.
- Perfect See-Through Register of a design (e.g., hibiscus flower or songket pattern) on the front and back aligns perfectly when held to light. A security thread is interwoven into the paper. On the reverse, it appears as silver-colored dashes. When held to light, it's a continuous dark line with micro-printed text "BNM RM10".
- On the obverse, a holographic strip displays images like the Rafflesia flower, the numeral '10', and "BNM". The colors and appearance of these elements change when the note is tilted.
- A phosphorescent block with "BNM" and the numeral "10" may be visible too, under the UV light. The hibiscus flower of the see-through register might glow as well.
- Tiny, clearly printed text "RM10" or "BNM", often within the security thread, is there.
4. RM20 Banknote (Paper Note)
- Predominant Colour: Orange
- Theme: Marine Life (Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtles)
Specific Security Features:
- Raised print on the portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, numeral '20', and "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA".
- A three-dimensional watermark portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong with the numeral '20' is visible.
- Perfect See-Through Register is present, i.e., a design on the front and back aligns perfectly when held to light.
- A security thread, likely with color-shifting properties, appears as a continuous dark line with micro-printing when held to light.
- A Coloured Glossy Patch (Iridescent Patch) is present that changes appearance or color when the note is tilted.
- Specific elements, designs, and embedded security fibers will fluoresce in designated colors under UV light.
- Micro-Letterings or tiny, clearly printed text would be visible under a magnifying glass.
5. RM50 Banknote (Paper Note)
- Predominant Colour: Green-blue
- Theme: Agriculture and Technology (Oil Palm and Biotechnology)
Specific Security Features:
- Intaglio print is present on the portrait of the First Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, denomination numeral '50', the words "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA", and other design elements.
- A clear, three-dimensional watermark portrait of the First SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong is there. watermark, the numeral '50' is clearly visible.
- A graphic songket design on the obverse registers perfectly with the same design on the reverse when held against light.
- A prominent stripe on the right side of the obverse. It features the denomination '50' and the hibiscus flower, exhibiting a multi-coloured "pumping" and matt-structure effect when the banknote is tilted.
- Colour-Shifting Security Thread is embedded in the paper, visible as coloured intermittent lines on the reverse. When the note is tilted, the color of the thread changes from red to green and vice versa.
- When held against light, this thread appears as a continuous dark coloured line with repeated micro-text "RM50 BNM".
- Multicolour Latent Image is there as well. The denomination '50' can be seen when the banknote is tilted slightly; its color changes when rotated.
- Holographic Stripe Elements (a rectangle showing the text "BNM 50" with a stag motif on the holographic stripe), fluoresce.
- Embedded security fibres in red, yellow, and blue are visible in the paper.
- The micro-text "RM50 BNM" on the security thread fluoresces. On the obverse, the thread appears as a continuous yellow fluorescent line.
6. RM100 Banknote
- Predominant Colour: Purple
- Theme: Natural Wonders (Mount Kinabalu and Pinnacles of Gunung Api)
Specific Security Features:
- WFeel for intaglio print on the portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the numeral '100', the words "BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA", and other key design elements.
- Observe a sharp, clear, three-dimensional watermark portrait of the first SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong, with the numeral '100' clearly visible at its base.
- A Perfect See-Through Register can be seen. Elements on the front and back (e.g., the numeral '100' or a design motif) align perfectly to form a complete image when the note is held against light.
- A security thread (often referred to as a "motion" or "rolling bar" type) is present. When the note is tilted, an image within the thread (e.g., the 'Bunga Raya' - hibiscus flower) appears to move or roll.
- Check the gold-coloured stripe or patch, often with the text "RM100," which changes appearance or color when tilted.
- An image of Mount Kinabalu with the numeral '100' appears in blue and yellow under UV light. A stag motif and a rectangle with the text 'BNM100' fluoresce as well.
- Scattered security fibers in red, yellow, and blue are also visible in the paper under UV light.
- Micro-lettering is present and should be exceptionally clear and sharp.
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