Malaysia announces commemorative notes

Bank Negara Malaysia will issue commemorative banknotes in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement.

"These banknotes commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement signing in the year 1957. The commemorative banknotes honour the Council (later called Conference) of Rulers’ contribution towards the realisation of the Nation’s independence on 31 August 1957. The Agreement dated 5 August 1957 proclaiming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Head of the Federation was signed by the Malay Council of Rulers from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu with Sir Donald MacGillivray, the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya who represented Queen Elizabeth II. The Agreement became a historical constitutional evidence for the independence of the Federation of Malaya."

There will be 3 varieties available:

Single 600-ringgit banknote: this large-sized banknote has a face value of 600 ringgit and will be sold at 1,700 ringgit a piece. The printed quantity is 6,000 pieces. This note is a massive 370x220 mm in size!
Uncut 3-in-1 60-ringgit banknote: this uncut banknote has a face value of 180 rinngit and will be sold at 500 ringgit a piece. The printed quantity is 6,000 pieces. Its sie is 162x252 mm.
Single 60-ringgit banknote: this single banknote has a face value of 60 ringgit and will be sold at 120 ringgit a piece. The printed quantity is 60,000 pieces. The size of the single note is 162x84 mm.

"The design is based on the theme of "Raja Payung Kedaulatan Negara". These commemorative banknotes are the first commemorative banknotes printed by Bank Negara Malaysia on the composite substrate, a combination of polymer and paper substrate, which offers higher security features and longer life span. These banknotes are printed larger in size, based on its face value.

Symbolising Malaysia as a constitutional monarchy, placed in the middle is the majestic royal throne encircled by the portraits of 15 Yang di-Pertuan Agong who have reigned from 1957 till the present day. The obverse design is inspired by the crescent and a 14-pointed federal star which are featured on the royal headgear.

The reverse design features the portraits of the nine rulers signing the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement on 5 August 1957. These banknotes are decorated with prominent independence and post-independence figures and features. On the right-hand side of the banknote is the triumphant silhouette of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the architect of Malayan independence and the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Imprinted on the background are four significant landmarks: the National Palace, Perdana Putra, the Parliament building and the Palace of Justice. These reflect the four pillars of the nation: the institution of the Monarchy, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary respectively.

To provide a fair opportunity for the public to buy these limited edition banknotes, there will be a purchase limit (a piece of RM600, a set of Uncut 3-in-1 RM60 and five pieces of RM60 banknotes per person). To improve buying convenience, the public can place their orders online from 5 January 2018. In the event of oversubscription, balloting will take place. Banknotes with special serial numbers will be sold via public auction on 10 March 2018. Further information on the ordering, auction, payment and collection will be informed to the public in a press release prior to the sale date."