The third series of Malaysian coins was launched on 25 July 2011 and has been issued into general

circulation since 16 January 2012. The new coins, in denominations of 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen and 5 sen, will gradually replace the existing series, which have been in circulation since 1989. The latest designs of Malaysian coins draw feature distinctive Malaysian culture and heritage. The theme, 'Distinctively Malaysia', features the motifs from traditional crafts and draws from the surrounding natural flora and fauna. The coins beautifully illustrate the diversity and richness of Malaysia's national identity.

The latest coins also incorporated numerous innovations and security features that are more technologically advanced than the previous issuance of the coin series in 1989. 50 sen 20 sen

10 sen

5 sen

Common Features On the obverse, each denomination features a different motif, 14 dots representing the 13 states and the Federal Territory and (with exception in the case of the 50 sen coin) five horizontal lines representing the five principles of the 'Rukun Negara' (national pillars). On the reverse, the new series of coins feature the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known as the 'Bunga Raya'), numerals indicating the year of minting, the face value of the coin and the words 'BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA'.

Design Elements 50 sen Pea Tendrils Motif The sulur kacang (pea tendrils) motif featured on the new 50 sen coin is popular among traditional woodcarvers and silversmiths. The motif is drawn from the graceful twist and curls of long bean vines and can be seen embellishing fine jewellery pieces and boxes, in addition to decorating doorways, window frames and wood paneling in traditional wooden homes. Fine lines in the motif background are part of the security features.

20 sen Jasmine Flower Motif The bunga melur, or jasmine flower, is culturally significant among the three major races in Malaysia. Its aromatic scent makes it an important part of traditional ceremonies like weddings and prayers. It is also a popular motif in traditional arts and crafts like embroidery and silverwork. On the new 20 sen coin, the jasmine flower is featured with a destar siga cloth motif in the background.

10 sen Orang Asli Motif The orang asli (aboriginal tribes) of Malaysia are talented in weaving indigenous leaves and plants into decorative items such as headbands, sashes and skirts for traditional rituals and ceremonies. Each tribe has their own weave pattern that is often inspired by their belief system and surrounding environment. On the new 10 sen coin, this heritage is represented by the unique weave pattern of the Mah Meri tribe in Peninsular Malaysia.

5 sen Destar Siga Motif The destar siga cloth is an indigenous form of fabric weaving that originates from the Kadazan Dusun tribe in Sabah. Used as a headdress during traditional ceremonies, it is woven mainly from yarns of black thread and accented by muti-coloured threads into various geometric patterns and flora and fauna inspired motifs. On the new 5 sen coin, the destar siga pattern is prominently featured, accompanied by the sulur kacang as a background motif.

Technical Specifications In general, the new coins are smaller, lighter and more user-friendly. The new series of coins has been introduced in two colours yellow and silver, with different features at the edge for easy recognition and differentiation. This design has been adopted bearing in mind the difficulties faced by the visually challenged. The new coin series also embodies the latest minting technology that integrates improved anti-counterfeiting security features. The latest security features such as the latent image and indentions have been included in the new 50 sen coins to prevent counterfeiting and also to make authentication easier. The public will be able to see the lettering of the denomination 50 and SEN when the coin is tilted slightly.

The technical specifications of the new coin series are as follows: Denomination Alloy Diameter (mm) Thickness (mm) Weight (g) Shape Edge Colour 50 sen Nickel brass clad copper 22.65 1.92 5.66 Round with 9 indents Plain Yellow 20 sen Nickel brass 20.60 1.75 4.18 Round Coarse Yellow 10 sen Stainless steel 18.80 1.50 2.98 Round Milled Silver 5 sen Stainless steel 17.78 1.12 1.72 Round Plain Silver

Commemorative Issuance In conjunction with the launching of the new coin series, the Bank offers commemorative coins sets (Brilliant Uncirculated BU) for sale, comprising all the coin denominations. The commemorative coin set comes with special packaging at RM10 per set.

Co-circulation Strategies The new currency series is legal tender and will co-circulate with the earlier series until the gradual process of phasing out of the older series is completed.

Stakeholder Engagement Strategies Bank Negara Malaysias engagement with the key stakeholders started as early as 2007 when a study was conducted to obtain their feedbacks on the new coins. The new specifications adopted were based on feedbacks received from members of the public through a public survey and a number of focus groups comprising businesses, machine vendors/operators, financial institutions and general public, including the visually impaired.

Public Information Strategies In reaching out to members of the public, Bank Negara Malaysia has used various channels of communication such as print and online advertisements and conducted events and activities such as currency outreach program to create awareness. The Bank has also created a dedicated website on the new coin series.

Accessible from http://www.bnm.gov.my/microsites/2011/coins/00_overview.htm

New Coin Series Promotional Video (in Bahasa Malaysia)

Accessible from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U5YnHDOBVE