On 19 July 2012, I share with you about a press conference organize at Mydin Hypermall at USJ1, Subang Jaya for the release of Malaysia new banknotes on 16 July 2012. For the past few weeks, I also conduct my own interview, asking people what they think about the new Malaysia money. Most of them I ask via Facebook and public forum, they're also public that I meet during my business transaction with them. I only ask them two simple questions; Do you get any new banknotes via circulation? What do you think about the new banknotes? Most of them don't know I am a blogger, that help them to give their honest opinion. I put aside all comments that are not related about the design of the new banknotes; economy, politic etc.
From the news reported on 17 July 2012 (Tuesday), look like many of the shopper at Mydin are very happy with the new money. Everyone are more interested with the introduction of the new RM20 banknote. Here is what some of them said in the news:
- They like the bright colour and beautiful motifs of Malaysia's cultural heritage and nature.
- They were thrilled to see the new RM20 banknote.
- They liked the texture of the new notes, the notes are thin and will not take up too much space in wallet.
- The new notes were introduced just in time for Hari Raya.
- The new banknotes were nice to look at and creatively well designed.
Here are what public think about new Malaysia money:
- The new banknotes look like hell notes. (I already reply about that, click on the link; new Malaysia notes look like Hell notes).
- Most people love the introduction of new RM20 notes.
- They like the design and bright color of the new banknotes.
- Some say the new banknotes make them fell they bring less paper money in their pocket.
- The new banknote design look like a monopoly banknote.
- Color of the new RM50 and RM1 are almost the same.
- The most beautiful banknotes I ever seen.
- Look like a banana tree ringgit.
- Why don't BNM re-introduce RM500 and RM1000?
- The design can help me teach my kids about Malaysia flora and fauna.
- I love the design of the new RM5 notes with hornbill on reverse.
- Where can I get the new banknotes? (you can change it at all commercial banks near you).
- Their design changed but the color are still the same, that will help people not to mistakenly give wrong denomination to buyer.
- Why the reverse design has more thing that are related to Sabah & Sarawak?
- RM100 color should be brighter.
- Hopefully, BNM can take back all old RM50 and RM100 banknotes, I received many counterfeit notes for that denomination.
- No new notes for RM50 denomination?
- Its 3 weeks already, I still don't received any new banknotes.
- All denominations have different size.
- The turtle on the RM20 notes look like cartoon. Real turtle are more beautiful then that.
- It will be better if the Wau Bulan on the RM1 notes is more colorful.
WWF Malaysia also share their opinion about the new ringgit notes:
"WWF-Malaysia would like to applaud the government and Bank Negara for highlighting Malaysia’s rich biodiversity on the latest series of banknotes put into circulation on 16 July 2012. Themed ‘Distinctively Malaysia’, the latest series which features the nation’s iconic natural wonders and its flora and fauna reflects the government’s initiative in wanting to create a sense of ownership towards our rich natural heritage.
WWF-Malaysia hopes that this positive move will lend weight to efforts aimed at protecting our natural heritage and in safeguarding the biodiversity and species showcased in the new banknotes – namely the Kinabalu Park in Sabah and the limestone pinnacle rock formations of Gunung Api valley in Mulu National Park Sarawak on the RM100 note, the Rafflesia azlanii species on the RM10 note, the rhinoceros hornbill on the RM5 note as well as the hawksbill and leatherback turtles on the RM20 note."
You can read more about it here; WWF-Malaysia lauds depiction of local natural wonders on new banknotes.
How about you, what do you think about the new ringgit design?
