Damaged Banknotes Can Be Exchanged
Don’t let damaged banknotes stress you out! Simply exchange them at any bank and carry on with confidence.
Unfit currency whether defaced, mutilated or otherwise damaged, may still hold value. Take the opportunity to exchange them at any bank.
What condition must a banknote be in to be exchanged? Examples of banknotes that do not meet prescribed quality standards and are no longer suitable for distribution, and should be exchanged are: burnt, crumpled, punctured, ink-worn, shrunk and repaired banknotes.
In doubtful cases, financial institutions are to advise the customer that the currency needs to be sent to Bank Negara Malaysia for assessment. The value will be refunded into the customer’s account after assessment.
(Members of the public are advised to liaise directly with their respective financial institution and regularly check its website for updates.)
Importance of Clean Banknotes
Clean or fit banknotes help to ease identification of security features. A Malaysian banknote is considered fit for recirculation if it meets all of the following criteria:
- Genuine and not counterfeit
- Free from holes, tears, tape or missing portion
- Has uniform brightness and free from excessive soiling
- Free from ink-wear, particularly on the portrait of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
- Free from defacement
Source: Bank Negara
For more information: https://bnm.gov.my/currency/handling