Happy 55 years merdeka Malaysia

Happy 55 years merdeka Malaysia. If you're looking for Merdeka day coins, I don't think they will release it. First time in history, the merdeka day logo, theme and song has been heavily criticize by everyone including me. Information Ministry theme, "55 years of independence promises fulfilled" are not suitable for Merdeka celebration. Their logo, the worst logo ever in our history of independence has been withdrawn by the ministry. They said it is not an official logo but that logo has been circulating among Malaysia Government websites for quite some time. Some people said their merdeka song for this year a copycat from a church song. The government have been trying to bring people to Merdeka day parade, some of you might have received a sms asking you to come to Dataran Merdeka for the Merdeka Parade. Today, 13,000 people came to Merdeka Parade at Dataran Merdeka.

Everytime Merdeka day celebration, most of you might have seen this iconic picture. Image of Tunku Abdul Rahman raising his hand to proclaim the nation’s independence at the stadium, declaring independence from the British at Stadium Merdeka on 31 August 1957. Do you know who took this picture? The picture is an artwork of Mr. Ng Weng Hong, Information Department of Malaysia photographer.

What is 55 years Merdeka mean for you? Joining a parade, waiving a Malaysia flag and shouting Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! Is that what really matter? Today, we have seen Malaysian celebrate their Merdeka day in two separate way because of politic. Merdeka should not divide us but should bring us together with a high spirit of Patriotism and honouring Malaysia freedom fighter who have make it easy for us. In the world of technology, Malaysian failed to celebrate with a true spirit of Merdeka. We maybe are Merdeka physically but some of us are still not free from colonization; spirituality and mentality. Patriotism level among Malaysian has been going down everyday. We easily condemning any Malaysia product because we are not satisfied with current government, we don't think about the truth before we are talking like a mad men. Some of us even like to give a stupid lie to our fellow Malaysian, that make me think, do they have Low Patriotism or Low IQ? Ironing and bleaching Malaysia banknotes are not a way to celebrate Merdeka day.

I wish one day our politician can stand together in the name of Merdeka celebration, put aside their political opinion and celebrate Merdeka as Malaysian. A wish that I don't think can be realize with the current way both side of political party are doing. We are free from British colonization but we are still control by politic, spiritually. The way we think about something depends on what political party that we support. Some of us just follow without even think about the cause and reason why do we support something in the first place.

Merdeka celebration is just a parade without spirit of patriotism in most Malaysian. Only the political spirit matters for 55 years of Merdeka. Happy 55 years Merdeka Malaysia!

Here are some faces of Malaysian, celebrating 55 Merdeka:

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Low Patriotism or Low IQ Malaysian?

Tomorrow, Malaysia will celebrate 55 years of independence. Today, we can see almost half Malaysian will be looking at any government decision in a negative way before they even think. In the latest incident, a political Facebook page share a picture of Malaysia RM1 Polymer melt under the sun, people automatically condemning the government because of the "low quality Malaysia banknotes". Most of them who don't have any knowledge about their own banknote talk without their brain. If you're banknote collector, looking at the RM1 notes in the pictures you will automatically knew that the notes are not damaged by the sun. Its happened because of high heat apply on the notes itself. Polymer notes has been tested under hot temperatures (over 100 degrees Celsius, BNM claim it can stand up to 120 degrees Celsius) and cold temperatures under 60 degrees Celsius. That is a standard quality procedure test for any Polymer banknotes for their durability. How hot is the climate in Malaysia? 100 degrees Celsius? I always left some notes in my car because I always forgot to take it after paying for the parking or toll, melt polymer notes never happened to me.

In the same Facebook page, they also share some photos of the RM1 Polymer notes color fades after he forgot to remove the notes in the pants after soaking it over 24 hour? Really? I don't think soaking it with any detergent will make the color fade. Unless you put it in a bleach with chlorine. I don't believe they soak it in normal detergent since they don't even show what happened to the pants, only the notes. If you have brain, I think you can think what will happen to that pants after 24 hour soaking in a bleach. Who in their right mind will do that?

Funny thing, one political blog also share some stupid experiment on the new RM1 notes. The blog owner share 2 video's; one video show he soak the RM1 polymer in clorox bleach and another video show he ironing it & comparing it to the old RM1. Maybe that guy IQ a very low because he cannot think that the RM1 notes are made from plastic and what will happen if you put a hot iron on plastic? You get a stupid Malaysian with no brain. Hahahaha.... The clorox bleach, who in their right mind will bleach their notes? You should protect your money not damaging it with stupid experiment like that.

I am not sharing any of their links in here because I do think both of the Facebook page and blog are run by a brainless people and for the brainless Malaysian. Sharing and commenting in there will only motivate them to do more brainless act. I try to find a legal way to associate their wrong doing with any Malaysian Act. After searching for almost full day, sadly I don't find any. They're no single Act that say intentionally damaging Malaysia banknote is a crime? If you know any Act that we can relate them to, please share it with me.

I am not a member of any political party and I don't have any interest in politic. Accident do happen but lying about it is a crime. I don't like people lying about the truth and sadly, they most probably can keep doing that as long as they like. In the recent years, patriotism for some Malaysian has been low by days because of politic. Hopefully, some of us don't get a low IQ too.

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Seladang Enggang coins set for RM400

This is just a quick update on a bet by a friend. He has been arguing with me that we cannot get 1976 seladang enggang commemorative non-proof coins set for RM400 nowadays. I told him, I saw many dealers sell that coins for only RM450 with a box and sometimes certificate. He said that it is an old price, today people sell them at lest RM450 for the coins set because its already hard to find them. He bet that I cannot find a Conservation commemorative non-proof silver coins set (without box) below RM400 mark. I accept his challenge because I know that is an easy task. The winner will get RM400 and bet will end on 31 August 2012.

The argument arise when he is not satisfied with Malaysia coin prices that I share in my new Malaysia coin blog. He said that the price is don't show the real market price. The fact is, I knew he collect many Malaysia coins and he bought them at a very high price from one dealer. Friends has been advising him about the price he paid and the quality of coins that he received. He cannot accept because he said the dealer has been a good friend since he start collecting. He has been avoiding all the bad thing that he heard about the dealer.

Today, I have a chance to do a hunting trip for that coins. First shop that I visit is Dickson Niew Shop in Subang Jaya. I thought I am unlucky when I cannot see the seladang & enggang coins in his coins display. When I ask him about the coins with the red box, he said that the coins has been gone long time ago but he have two more red box with a certificate. He said that the box came from America and still in nice condition. All the Seladang and Enggang coins has been sold. He offer me RM87 for the red box & certificate. In my thought at that moment, the bet is all about the coins without a box and the red box is a little bit hard to find. I grab his offer and think where can I get the coins I seek.

Suddenly, I remember about Mr. Peter Ang, who is also a blogger. I called him and asked if he got any Seladang Enggang Coin set, he said he have one set at the moment and I straight away go to his slcollectors shop at Millinieum Square, Petaling Jaya. When I arrived at his shop, he show me that coins, its in AUNC condition. At first, I thought he will be asking a high price for that coin. He is looking at his website slcollectors.com and offer me RM300 for the coins set. Fuuuh.., lucky me. Look like I get the complete set for only RM387. Hahahaha....

Friend, I know you're a regular reader of my blog, you can contact both of the sifu's about the price that I share in here. You also have my account number, right? Thanks for the free conservation commemorative silver non-proof coin set. Happy Holiday & Selamat Hari Merdeka.

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Funny & Beautiful Defaced Dollar Bills

Have you heard about "Defaced Dollar Bills Art"? No? Some Artist are doing their artwork on a dollar bills to make it funny and beautiful. This kind of altering & currency manipulation to make it an art has been around for a long, long time. Most country including United States don't allowed Defaced banknotes but so far no one has been bring to court for defacing US notes. People consider it as an art, making the dollar bill more interesting. I like artwork done by artist James Charles in his series of Pop Culture Cash. He is using a real dollar bills and transform it into colorfully amusing pop culture icons.

Is It Illegal to Deface a Dollar Bill
If you want to talk about law, yes.., it is illegal under US Code Title 18 Chapter 333:

whoever mutilates, cuts, disfigures, perforates, unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, Federal Reserve Bank, or Federal Reserve System, with intent to render such item(s) unfit to be reissued, shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

In my opinion, these are just work of art and expression of the artist on what happening around them. They don't intent to exchange the notes for greater then denomination value but some defaced banknote art by some artist might get a high value to their fans. 

Funny & Beautiful Defaced Dollar Bills

Here are some work by James Charles, who make an exhibition "American Iconomics" at the Shooting Gallery in San Francisco in 2011.

You can find more of the artwork here; Pop Culture Cash.

They're also a group of people in Flickr who posted a Defaced Presidents dollar bills, the group has been around since 2007 and many Defaced Presidents notes artist share their work in the group. Here are some that I think worth to mention:

 You can find more of their work in the group: The defaced presidents Pool


Artist, Sean Monaghan also share some of his work in Yahoo Finance, turning circulating U.S. currency into comical masterpieces.

You can find his work at: Dollar bills serve as artist's canvas.

I think most people knew Ronald McDonald clown, here are artwork by Atypyk, you can visit him at atypyk.com.

If you like my funny & beautiful defaced dollar bills story, please don't forget to like it in Stumbleupon, click here; Stumbleupon.

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Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

I wish an early Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my readers and friends. This year, Hari Raya might be celebrated on 18 or 19 August 2012. Muslim celebrate Hari Raya after 29 or 30 days of fasting during the entire month of Ramadan. In Malaysia, it is already a custom people will celebrate it with rendang, lemang, ketupat and also a green packet or ang pow given to children who come to our house to celebrate Hari Raya. Many people will exchange their notes with new banknote from commercial bank to be use for the green packet. This year, the new Malaysia banknotes come into circulation, some banks are already out of stock for the new banknotes.

Some of you might already on your way to balik kampung, wish you have a safe journey. Some of you might be going home for a holiday starting this Friday. Before you start your journey, make sure you already service and check your car. PLUS (Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan) has released a travel time advisory during Hari Raya, I share about it in here so you can plan what are the best day for your journey. I know that all roads will be jammed packed with vehicles during holidays, just make sure you bring food and drink with you while traveling.

Hari Raya also have different names around the world, here are some of it:

• Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei-Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Lebaran, Aidilfitri.
• Indonesia-Idul Fitri, Hari Lebaran.
• Philippines-Wakas ng Ramadan, Hari Raya Puasa.
• Tamil-Nonbu Perunaal.
• Javanese-Riyoyo, Riyayan, Rozar Eid Bengali, Ngaidul Fitri.
• Sundanese-Boboran Siyam.
• Acehnese-Uroë Raya Puasa.
• Bangladesh-Rojar Eid.
• Turkish-Ramazan Bayramı, Şeker Bayramı, Küçük Bayram.
• Kyrgyz-Orozo Mayram.
• Uyghur-Rozi Heyt.
• Sindhi-Eid Nimaz.
• Senegal-Korite.
• Uganda-Id.
• Hausa-Sallah.
• Pashto-Kochnay hi supAkhtar (کوچنی اختر).
• Persian- Eid-e Sa'eed-e Fitr (The Mirthful Festival of Fitr).
• Urdu-Choti Eid, Meethi Eid.
• Malayalam-Cheriya Perunnal.
• Bosnian-Ramazanski bajram.
• Albanian-Bajram.
• Kurdish-Cejna Remezanê.
• Croatian-Ramazanski bajram.
• Serbian-Рамазански бајрам.
• Bulgarian-Рамазан Байрам.
• Somali-Ciid Yare.
• Ethiopia-Id al-Fater.

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all of you and I ask for forgiveness if I had been doing any mistake with anyone in the past. Happy holiday to everyone.

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When new coin become political issue

Yesterday, when I check further in the net after posting my post; Kilang Wang Malaysia, I found out that recently, they're few politic news site talking about the new coins. It almost half a year since the new coin has been released into circulation (you can read it here; new coin circulate 16 January 2012). Most of them are discussing many thing that I had been sharing in here before. In this post, I will be compiling all their questions and try to give the answer. If you like it, you can share it with them. I don't like politic even though I study politic. I am not related to any political party but I am one of the guy who think it is really annoying to watch our local news full of politic everyday, even when the elections are already 4 years ago and the new election date still cannot be confirm. Government is throwing money to people and the opposition is trying to make Malaysia look bad to the worlds. When the new coin became political issue, I think collector like us will be laughing by some of the political leader statement, they're making jokes that only we can understand. It will be a waste of time explaining it to them since they have their own agenda but I do think we need to share the real situation in numismatic point of view since we are talking about coins not politic.

Do we (Malaysian) need new coins?

Malaysia Parliament coins series (1st series) were introduced in 12 June 1967. Malaysia Bunga Raya coins series (2nd series) were issued on 4 September 1989. Its over 23 years since the 2nd series coins has been issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Do you know how many 50 sen counterfeit coins in your pocket right now? Coin design normally change after 20 years because normally it will be easy for counterfeiter to make a fake coins since the technology has change. Some of the Fake Bunga Raya coins are hard to differentiated from the original coins, especially for non collector.  You can read more about this at my post; Do Malaysia need new coins?

Why the color of the new coin fading?

In my opinion, BNM don't take into consideration about using Nickel brass metal coin in a humid condition like Malaysia. The coin will look nice when it is new but it will begin to corrode and tarnish over time. It is the same thing as our old 1 sen copper coin but when a gold color coin became black in color, people will start to think they found a counterfeit coins like what Guan Ming Daily report before;Reporter-Please Do Research First.

The new coins can be magnetized?

Some of them are arguing that the new coins especially the new 5 sen and 10 sen can attracted to magnet and can be magnetized. I don't know if they put their coins in a magnet bowl or something but do magnetic coins really matter? How many percent of chance that your coins has change into magnet? Wasn't BNM make the coin magnetic because it will make it easy for you to find the coins if you loose any? just put your magnet and all the coins will come to you. To make sure the new coin cannot be magnetized, I start an experiment about this today and will share the result after a month.

Smaller size and lighter weight then the old one.

When BNM want to make it smaller and lighter, in my opinion, their intention is to make it easy for us to bring the new coins everywhere. They forget the fact that lighter mean it will be easy for the coins to be lost if we drop the coin on the floor. I don't think many Malaysian really like to bring a lot of coins in their pocket nowadays, that is just a personal opinion. BNM should make a survey about this, is lighter coins is better for Malaysian?

The size of 50 sen and 20 sen almost the same.

I think when the new coins has been release into circulation, many people were giving the same feedback; 50 sen look like 20 sen and 10 sen look like 5 sen. They're only slight weight and diameter difference between those coins. We are in transitional period, it will take a few months for everyone to get use with the new coins. I will try to make a post on how to make it easy for everyone to differentiate the new coins and share it in here later. 

Who got contract for the new coin?

That question already been answered by Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai on October 2011 at Dewan Rakyat, "The supplier which has been selected to supply the coins is Poogsan Corporation, South Korea, and the coins are minted at the Bank Negara Malaysia mint in Shah Alam. The suppliers for the new series Malaysian banknotes are Crane AB, Sweden; Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, Germany; Oberthur Technologies, France, and Orell Fussli, Switzerland," You can read more about it in Malaysia banknote printer reveal.

Why Bank Negara Malaysia don't take out old Malaysia coin from circulation?

The new coin will be circulating with the old coins, Bank Negara Malaysia will take out the old coins phase by phase. It will cost us more money if BNM change all the coin instantly. We most probably will have a coin shortage too. Have you check how many pieces of coin were minted by Bank Negara each years? You can find information about Malaysia coin mintage at my other blog, www.malaysiancoin.com.

New 10 sen related to Israel flag?

Some were saying, the new 10 sen Malaysia coin design, look like an Israel flag symbol, blue Star of David. Last time they saidBNM logo come from Pharoah dog. Another funny thing is that they drew the Star of David on the new 10 sen coin, to make it look like the Judaism symbol. You can read BNM Official reply on 10 sen orang asli motif resemblance Israel Star of David here;BNM reply about new duit syiling issue.

Problem using the new coins at auto pay machine?

You can contact BNM if you find any autopay machines which could not accept the New Malaysia Coins at their hotline 03-2690 7307 or 03-2698 8044 (ext 8252). If you can, record the place, owner (normally they're sticker of the company who do the maintenance of the machine) and your problem. The machine operator should calibrate their machine last year, they have already given 6 months to calibrate their machine. The problem with some Malaysia auto pay machines company are that they buy cheap old machine that cannot be calibrate.

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New Malaysia coin blog

Today, I finish setting up my new coin blog, new Malaysia Coin blog. The new blog is for my Malay readers and written in Malay. It will be focusing more on Malaysia Coins price, details & specifications, books and other Malaysia coins information that you need. All posts come with pictures that I took myself. It still in development phase and need more time to put all the information in that blog. The new blog doesn't mean I will closed this blog, it is just an alternative to my readers who doesn't understand English really well. Fell free to comment in here and share your suggestion about the new blog.

You can read more about my new blog here: Malaysia Coin.

I also had setup a new Facebook fanpage, Malaysia coin facebook page. I start the fanpage since October 2011 and currently it already have 1,891 likes. You can find more pictures, stories, item for sell, questions and notes in that new page. More activities will be organize in that new Facebook page in the future. The main purpose of the Facebook page is for an easy interaction between me and my readers. It will be easy for you to asked me questions. Just make sure you post a clear pictures of your Malaysia coin in the new Facebook page if you want to know their value. I will also try to share Malaysia coin price and value in the new Malaysian coin blog in the future.

For a fast update about any of my Facebook page or blog activities, I suggest you to add my Twitter @malaysiacoin.

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KL International Coin Show?

Do any of you still remember when is the last time Kuala Lumpur International Coin Show has been organize by Bank Negara Malaysia (last time all the event organize by Royal Mint Malaysia)? I don't go to any of the Kuala Lumpur International Money Fair (KLIOMF) in 2001, 2002, 2003 or 2004 but from what I found out, the last Money Fair is in 2004 (correct me if I am wrong), it is over 8 years since the last coin show. What exactly happened? Why they stop organizing such big event for Malaysia Numismatic? Only people behind the scene of the KLIOMF can give us the answer. They're rumour about all the brilliant people who make the money fair a success has not been working anymore at Kilang Wang Bank Negara (formerly known as Royal Mint Malaysia). They're also rumor that the mastermind of the events has been deceased for many years. Whatever the reason, it is a bit of disappointment to all Malaysian collector who want to see BNM promote Malaysia Numismatic to the world.

In 2002, some of the world known Mint came to join the money fair:

• The Royal Mint of Malaysia
• Austrian Mint
• Royal Mint UK
• BNM currency museum
• Faude & Huguenin SA Switzeland
• Pos Malaysia Berhad
• B.H Mayer Mint GmbH
• Royal Canadian Mint
• South Africa Mint Company (Pty) Ltd
• Singapore Mint
• The Royal Thai Mint
• The Perth Mint
• Turkish State Mint

If the promotion and the marketing has been done correctly, I do think Malaysia coin show will be one way to attract tourist to Malaysia too. Government under Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Bank Negara Malaysia should joint venture to start New Kuala Lumpur International Money Fair. One of the reason why the show has been stop that I can think is during 2001-2004, Tun Mahathir give his full support for this kind of event. He has been known worldwide as a Prime Minister who promote Islamic Dinar as a currency. In 2002, Tun has proposed a gold dinar standard for use in the Islamic world. I just assume he knew numismatic is a good hobbies too. Other Prime Minister after him don't really like numismatic (I am just assuming not a fact).

While searching for information about KL money show, I found Dickson wrote about Kuala Lumpur International Money Fair 2002 (KLIOMF 2002) Medallion for VVIP. It is scarce and I think I only seen 3 such piece so far in my life. You can read it here; Bi-Metal Medallion Of "THE KUALA LUMPUR INTERNATIONAL MONEY FAIR (KLIMOF) 2002". I also found a blogger who has been working with Royal Mint Malaysia before, Puteri Kamaliah don't have many posts about coins or money in her blog but I think one of her post is worth reading for everyone; For love of coins.

I wish one day BNM will start to promote Malaysia Numismatic by organizing Money Fair again. In recent years, I has seen many people start to buy numismatic items either as investment or as collection. I do think it will attract large crowd among local if the Money Fair will be organize in the near future. Can any of you ask Bank Negara Malaysia if they will organize New Kuala Lumpur International Money Fair in the future? I had asked them many thing but they don't reply a single thing. Maybe if all of us ask the same thing at the same time, they will listen?

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Be a genuine blogger

Do any of you remember my Must Read Coin Card Posts? Some of you might saw some mistake in that particular post, right? It is exactly a trap for a blogger who like to copy what I share in this blog. Many of my readers informed me about his blog that copy so many thing from my blog including my Facebook, Twitter button and some of my posts. If you Google "1989-Malaysia 2nd series coins", You will find the culprit that I mention. If you don't get why that post is a trap, look at your 2nd series coin card. If you still don't understand because you don't have that coin card, look at other Malaysia coincards that you have, I had changed some of the coincard title in that post to make sure this culprit get into my trap. That guy just stupidly copy and paste what I share in my blog with a little edit so I don't notice and without giving any credit to me. Even an Otai (oldtime) blogger who don't agree with my post can give a link back to my blog (Thank you My-Koleksi).

Malaysia coin collector community is not that big, people will notice if you keep on copy what other people do in the internet. I don't mind if people sharing information in my blog without permission but please tell others where do you get that information. I invite some of Malaysian coin blogger for a blog education before but most of them is lazy and don't want to do their homework. If you really serious to be a blogger, you must willing to do some hard work and share information that you knew. I had been sharing many information since 2009. People will find you if your information is worth something for them. If you share something that you get from other people site, they will mention it to the original blogger. Blogging is not just about writing, they're a lot of thing that you need to do and learn. This year Google will be aggressively looking for copycat like this with their Google Panda and Google Penguin update. My intention to help and teach Malaysia coin blogger so many people will start to learn about blogging and share more information that they knew online. In the end, more Malaysian will be inspired by Malaysian coin bloggers and start their collection. For me, the more the merrier but don't expect to learn about blogging if you cannot spend at least one hour a day for your blog.

Blogging about coin blog is not about money, I had other blogs for that. It is more about the satisfaction when someone thanks you for your information. One collector email me how he start to learn looking for cheap coins and banknotes after reading my post; where to find coin in Malaysia. One flea market seller thank me for sharing his picture in my blog, an Australian came to Penang because with a picture of him from my blog, after saw my blog post about Penang roadwalk. A readers want to give me 10% commission for helping him realize his sell of old Straits Settlements banknote but I said to him, no need to do that. I share what I read and learn for free, no need to pay me anything. Even when you share my post via Facebook or Twitter, its already a great thing for me.

I don't need to mention name in here because I think many of you already knew who is that. Please, be genuine and share good reliable information to your readers. Malaysian coin community is not that big. 

PS: I myself need to check for some old posts that Google detect as a copy from other people posts. 

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Top 10 myths in Malaysia Numismatic

They're many myth out there about Malaysia coins and banknotes. People want to believe that myth mostly because they don't have enough knowledge about Malaysia Numismatic or their friends told them about it. Some of the story make this hobbies interesting to non-collector but most of the myth will make you lose money/profit in the end. Its up to you to believe the reality or the myth but in the end, you need to to go back to reality since most real collector will not follow any myth story. We just listen and laugh out laud in our heart because we knew the myth ain't real. I don't asked you to believe what I am sharing in here but this are the top 10 myths in Malaysia Numismatic.

1. Sa-puloh ringgit watermark agong banknote.

I had been talking about these so many time before. They're also people who stupidly show her face with a sapuloh watermark agong and a fake Malaysia Numismatic Society certificate, you can read it here; Fake MNS Certificate. They're no Sa-puloh ringgit watermark agong banknote issued by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). The real Sa-puloh ringgit banknote came with a tiger watermark. The notes that you can see in some of the Malaysia mystic blog are fake/counterfeit banknotes. They're also real Sapuloh/sepuluh banknote with a fake Agong watermark out there. They're using some chemical to remove the original tiger watermark on the banknote and print a new agong watermark. If a real collector look at the notes, you will instantly knew that it is a fake watermark. They're also sapuloh agong with UV light watermark, I already explain it in here; SaPuloh Watermark agong UV light. They remove the tiger watermark from the sapuloh banknote and then they print a new watermark agong UV light, some just print the UV light on top of the tiger watermark since you can only see the watermark with UV light.

2. RM500 signed by Tun Ismail Mohd Ali?

Few years back, they're many people who are asking me about RM500 signed by Tun Ismail Mohd Ali. They said only a few piece of the notes exist and it is a very rare piece. When I post my RM500 for sale, many people contact me about that notes. Even when I said to them that they're no RM500 in Tun Ismail Mohd Ali era, they keep on insisting to meet me and want to see that notes. Most of them are just a middlemen who are trying to make an instant profit because someone said they will pay a big amount of money for that notes. Some even argue with me why they're sa-ribu banknotes exist but BNM don't print any RM500. Some even told me that BNM don't want people know RM500 by Ismail exist because the price will be going up if everyone are looking for it.

3. 1972 Malaysia sen coins.

They're no coins minted by BNM in 1972, you can read and check about it in my post; No issue Malaysia coin according to year (duit syiling tiada keluaran mengikut tahun). If you found any coins in that year in any blog, its a fake/counterfeit. They either altered an original coin or make a new coin. You can even do it yourself with a photoshop software, you can read it in my 10 sen 1972 post. Most of the fake coins are offered by people who involved in mistic/shaman (perbomohan). Some even dare to claim that the coins came from sky or "alam bunian" and it promise to give the owner instant profit. Most of the time, the price of the coins can go to 5 figure.

4. Ali Abul Hassan RM1 side sign.

I don't know why people can believe this notes even exist since they remove Zeti signature (you can still see the zeti print mark under close inspection on the notes) and print Ali Abul Hassan (Aishah) signature on that notes. I know one friend bought this notes for RM15,000.00. It is a waste of money since that notes are fake because BNM never issued any side sign RM1 with Ali Abul signature. Another funny thing is that BNM never take any action with these counterfeiter. Maybe because the buyer themselves never report it to police or BNM. It is a huge profit for them because it only cost them below RM10 to make the counterfeit banknotes.

5. Duit Syiling freemason-New Malaysia 10 sen 2012

Some stupid bloggers out there are sharing a story about new Malaysian 10 sen coin motif on the reverse look like a Star of David in Israel flag. The funny thing is that they altered the coin motif to make it look like Star of David. It show how they are eagerly want to create a controversy from nothing. BNM has released a statement that it is the motive of the Orang Asli (taken from a form of decorative woven Aboriginal Malaysia), you can read more about their statement here; BNM reply on new duit syiling issue.

6. They're gold in 50 sen 1967, 1968, 1969.

Funny but they're also rumour out there that they're gold in 50 sen 1967, 1968, 1969. That is why the price of some of the coins can go up to thousand ringgit. The rumour certainly came from non-collector who don't know anything about numismatic. They're no gold in 50 sen security edge and the reality is collector pay a high price for a coin without a security edge for that particular years because they're hard to find/rare. If they're gold in that coin will you think the buyer gain any profit paying a high amount of money for that coin?

7. RM50 Merdeka can be exchange for RM100 at Bank Negara.

They're also rumour that RM50 with Merdeka logo can be exchange for RM100 at the nearest commercial banks or Bank Negara. The truth is you can only get face value if you want to exchange old banknotes at any Bank Negara branches, you can read it here; Tukar duit lama di BNM. Many non-collector believe the logo is special and it can give them a high return. If you want to get a profit from the RM50 merdeka, keep UNC notes and wait for 50 years. I believe it will be a rare item during that time especially if BNM make another RM50 100th years Merdeka banknote. Find a notes with a match number pair and you can earn more then the notes face value. For now, you can only exchange it with face value but most of the time, bank will not accept exchange since the notes still can be use.

8. Security edge parliament 50 sen other then 1967, 1968, 1969.

Other then 1967, 1968, 1969 50 sen coin, all the other parliament 50 sen coins edge have a "Bank Negara Malaysia" lettering. They're using the original coin and altered it to make the security edge. The coin size and weight will be decreasing from the original coins. They're also fake parliament coins with a security edge for non issue years.

9. Malaysia AA banknotes can get RM300.

When I am in Sabah a few months ago, they're people who telling me story that the price for AA prefix Malaysia banknotes can get you RM300 a piece. That person show me a bundle of his Malaysia banknote with AA prefix. Most of the banknotes are in circulated condition. I told him that people paying RM300 for a premier set of new 4th series Malaysia banknote issued by BNM for RM300. The notes came with AA prefix (only RM50 with AAA prefix) with the same number. You can get a high price for AA prefix notes if you can get a UNC condition notes but the price will not go to RM300 a piece yet.

10. 20 sen 2002 get RM2000.

BNM via its Official Facebook has issued a statement that the rumour about 20 sen 2002 get RM2000 is not true. You can read it in my post; 20 sen 2002 get RM2000. The coin exist but the rumour about exchange it for RM2000 certainly not true. I am not sure if the rumour about this exist out there since I never saw anyone come to my blog via "20 sen 2002" keyword. The only source I can find is the statement by BNM.

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Must Read Coin Card Posts

I am sorry for the late post for my blogtalk challenge; Malaysia coin cards. Many thing happened in a blogger world lately and I need to learn many new thing. For instance, my other coin blog (malaysiancoin.com) cannot be viewed. I need to learn how to do the setting myself because my hosting provider want to charge me just for a simple thing. Its like a coin card scenario in Malaysia before, nobody don't want to look at the thing when their price are just below RM20 a piece including me. Most of us were thinking one copy of the cards are enough, why do I need to bother buying more if the price don't going anywhere. Thanks to all the genius dealers who play some control with the market, the price going up. Some of the coin card prices had been going up pretty fast.

Back to my blogtalk challenge, only one blogger dare to take the challenge. Most of other Malaysian numismatic blogger just keep on doing the same thing, sharing their collection online. You cannot go anywhere in the blogger world if you keep doing that. You need to share knowledge not just collection. We have many numismatic bloggers in Malaysia but most of you will stop blogging after a few months, I had seen blogger come and go. In my opinion, blogging is the important way to promote coin collecting hobbies. Nowadays, most people will search for information online, most of them don't know that a book exist. :D

Mr. Danny from Mr. Danny's Coin and Banknotes Collection wrote an article about Hockey World Cup 2002 coin card expensive? He is from Sabah and sharing how he a little bit shock when hearing his friends online said the card price at RM150 in Peninsular Malaysia. He has been searching for the cards almost every time when he visit coin shop and cannot find any for sell. He is lucky when he found out that a shop in Kompleks Karamunsing is selling the cards for RM50. Most probably that shop don't know the market price of that cards. It will be a great post if Mr. Danny share some pictures and information of the said shop because I knew in Sabah, most collectors only knew two place to find their collection; Wisma Merdeka and Gaya Street Tamu.

In my other blog, Malaysiancoin.com, I share Market price of Malaysia coin cards:

• 1989-Malaysia 2nd series coins=Bahasa Melayu (RM12)-English (RM25)
• 2000-Thomas-Uber Cup=RM110
• 2000-Bandaraya Shah Alam=RM450
• 2001-Sukan SEA XXI (Sea Games)=RM30
• 2002-10th Men's Hockey World Cup=RM150
• 2002-Installation of XII Yang di-Pertuan Agong=RM75
• 2002-45 years merdeka=RM50
• 2003-Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)=RM75
• 2003-Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace=RM90
• 2003-Endangered Species-Land Animal series (12 coins)=RM210
• 2003-10th Organization of the Islamic Conference summit (OIC)=RM45
• 2004-100 years of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj.=RM50
• 2005-The 30th annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB)=RM18
• 2005-Endangered Species-Bird series (12 coins)=RM330
• 2005-11th ASEAN Summit=RM48
• 2006-Songket Seni Warisan Agung-The Regal heritage=RM38
• 2006-50th Years of Felda=RM38
• 2006-Endangered Species-Marine Animal & Reptiles series (12 coins)=RM280
• 2006-50th Years of Universiti Teknologi Mara=RM130
• 2006-Rancangan Malaysia ke Sembilan (RMK 9)=RM110
• 2007-200 years police force=RM180
• 2007-Installation of XIII Yang di-Pertuan Agong=RM80
• 2007-50 years Merdeka=RM68
• 2008-50th Royal Malaysia Air Force anniversary (RMAF)=RM45
• 2008-100 years St. John Ambulans=RM58
• 2009-50th Bank Negara Malaysia anniversary=RM60
• 2009-International Year of Astronomy 2009=RM38
• 2009-75th Royal Malaysian Navy anniversary=RM38
• 2009-50th anniversary of Parliament=RM38
• 2010-KTM 125 years anniversary (Keretapi Tanah Melayu)=RM38
• 2010-125 years JUPEM=RM38
• 2011-Malaysia 3rd series coins=RM15
• 2011-WWF 50th anniversary celebration=RM50

*RM mean Malaysia Ringgit.

I know some Malaysian out there who are afraid to share the real market price of Malaysia coins. They afraid they cannot get the item at a cheaper price next time. In my opinion, when people knew the real price, they will share it with their friends. The price will be going up when everyone start to search for it. You will not lose anything for sharing some information.

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Happy Labour Day Malaysia

"Happy Labour Day Malaysia!"
"Selamat Hari Buruh!"
"Happy Employee Day!"

Last night, 30 April 2012, Malaysia Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announces "minimum wage for private sector" at a special gathering with thousands of private sector employees at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. It is a gift to all Malaysia private sector employees from the government and to make sure Malaysia don't depend on foreign workers in the future. Many people expect the minimum wage of between RM1,200 and RM1,500 but Najib said If it is set beyond the RM900 (basic salary) level, it would affect the economy, labour market and the entry foreign workers. the minimum wage would be reviewed from time to time in tandem with the country's affordability, productivity and competitiveness.

The minimum monthly wage for private sector employees:

• In the Peninsular Malaysia, the minimum wage has been set at RM900 or RM4.33 per hour.
• In Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan, the minimum wage has been set at RM800 or RM3.85 per hour.

Additional information for employers:

• The rates will take effect six months from the date the Minimum Wage Order (Perintah Gaji Minimum) is gazetted.
• The effective date for small-time employers or micro enterprises is extended by another six months in order to give them the space and opportunity to make preparation so that their businesses would not be affected, he said.
• The 12-month grace period did not cover professional firms such as dental and medical clinics, legal, architecture and consultants.
• Even if they had five employees or less, they were required to implement the minimum wage within six months after the Order was gazetted.
• The grace period (6 months) was sufficient for employers to re-structure salaries and their business operations.
• The Government is providing a flexible implementation mechanism so those who are really unable to implement the minimum wage can appeal for an extension. We have also prepared a mechanism where some allowances or fixed cash payments are allowed to be absorbed in the calculation for minimum wage. This is to ensure that its implementation does not burden the employers while the employees will not lose,
• The different rate of minimum wage between the Peninsular and Sarawak, Sabah and Labuan was due the variation in wage structures and the noticeable cost of living in those places.

Do you think all employers in Malaysia will follow these new minimum wage? I had seen factory in Sabah and Sarawak paid their labour around RM350 per month. The new rules will mean the employers need to pay double to their employee. Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah minimum wage also a little bit lower then Peninsular because of "low cost of living" in that places? Owh.., really? Wasn't the price of rice are more expensive in that place compare to Peninsular Malaysia? last time, the price of RON95 is cheaper then Peninsular but that had been change long time ago. Many of my Sabahan and Sarawakian friends are discussing these, I think Datuk Seri Najib recent visit to these two states doesn't enlight him about the cost of living there.

Today is holiday.., just remember not to wake up and go to your office in the morning.

Happy Labour Day to all my readers. 

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Blogtalk challenge: Malaysia coin card

This is an invitation to all Malaysia coin blogger, lets talk about Malaysia coin card. I am planning to compile a Must Read Coin Card Posts by all Malaysian coin blogger next week, 3rd May 2012. I invite you to talk about anything that you think worth to mention about Malaysia Coin Card but please, don't just talk about one coin card and copy all the information from the card. If you really want to be a blogger, think like a blogger. You must share what you knew that everyone out there don't realize anything about it. You need to share knowledge that can help people understand more about Malaysia Coin Card. Blogger is like a reporter, you report what reader out there want to read.

You can write it in Malay or English. As long as I can read what you write, I think that will be no problem. If you're not a collector but you want to join in the fun and get "free dofollow backlink" from my blog, I welcome you to join. If you're not a Malaysian blogger (maybe Singaporean Blogger) but you have Malaysia coin card, I am also welcoming you to join the fun. To make it easy to understand, all bloggers in this world are invited to join my "blogtalk: Malaysia coin card", but you must write something that worth to read by readers out there. As a gift from me, you will get a "free dofollow backlink" from a posts that I will create on 3rd May. I am not offering other kind of gift since I knew not many Malaysia coin blogger will be dare enough to accept my challenge. Most of you just post a picture of your item with a little information. Come on.., even my two month old son can do that. Try to change what you share in your blog.

For an example, you can read whycollect blog post; "Don't judge a book by its cover". In that post, he talk about some coin card came with a very low quality. He found out one piece of a Malaysia 2001 Sea Games XXI one ringgit have a lots of bag marks scratch on the coin. I think this kind of post is worth to mention, because not many coin card buyer will check the quality of their coin card before paying and leaving the dealer premises. Some dealer will say the coin card price is still the same but exactly, the price should be cheaper since the quality of the coin already downgrade. For me, all my coincards had been remove from the cards and I put it in airtite, just to make sure no more scratch.

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Tonight I want to cry

Tonight I want to cry, not because someone die, not because someone make me sad, not because I need to pay my income tax. I am very tired to talk about it today until I read "impossible" as "possible". I know nothing impossible these days. If you want to know, you need to look at the pictures that I post. For the first case, look carefully at the picture, if you're true collector, you will understand what I mean. For the second case, some of you might have seen them posted by someone in Facebook, I think only few of you get a chance to own it since it is a limited edition. For the second case, I keep on saying, Is this possible? Do he really own all these stuff in here? Thank you Sifu Dickson Niew. For each sentences I think I repeat them twice. Tonight I want to cry.... For the full post, you need to wait for me to stop crying. I will try to post about it if I am not dying.

Case 1. I am not a Collector

Case 2. Frank Goon collection book

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Earth Hour 2012 Malaysia

Do you know, Earth Hour Malaysia for 2012 will takes place on 31st March, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm? Since its debut in 2009, fewer Malaysian a participating each year for the event. For everyone who still don't know, Earth Hour is a global campaign by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as World Wildlife Fund) urging households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness on the need to take action on climate change. The event  annually held on last Saturday of March. On that day, people all over the world will turn off their non-essential lights at home or in their office. Sadly, many Malaysian aware about the event but participation from Malaysian a decreasing each year.

For 2012 campaign, “I Will If You Will” (IWIYW), WWF dare you to dare the world to save the planet. IWIYW asks digital community to inspire people from all corners of the globe to take sustainability actions, and to share their commitment to the environment with their own social media networks. You can join the dare at Youtube here: Youtube Earth Hour. Try to join the dare by IWIYW, "WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DO TO SAVE THE PLANET? 

If you care about our Earth, the only planet human can live today. Share this campaign with your friends. Copy this Earth Hour Malaysia Coin Campaign Picture (right click on your mouse and save image as) that I created and use it as your Facebook or Twitter pictures profiles. We need Malaysian to aware that their commitment are needed to make sure our planet are save. Join me in "I Will If You Will" campaign and share with the rest of the world, we care. For my dare, I choose "I will stop Blogging for a month If 1000 people will upload a IWIYW Challenge". Earth Hour Admin accept my challenge, you can join them here:  http://goo.gl/nrFLF.

My IWIYW challenge.

Like Andy Ridley, Executive Director and Co-Founder Earth Hour said,

"Earth Hour’s challenge is no longer to connect people; the challenge is to offer a reason to connect. Any movement of change begins with symbolism - it’s a needed step to prove enough people care about an issue. Earth Hour is past the beginning now, and lots of people are switching their lights off every year in March. We’re now at the stage of taking it beyond the hour." 

Share and dare your friends for Earth Hour Malaysia Challenge.

Earth hour programme around Malaysia:

Earth Hour 2012 at Sunway Pyramid, Selangor
Time: 8:00pm to 9:35pm
Venue: Main Entrance, Sunway Pyramid
Programme
At main entrance, Sunway Pyramid
8.00 pm: Welcome by emcee
8.05 pm: Speech by Sunway Shopping Malls CEO
8.10 pm: Speech by WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO
8.25 pm: Countdown
8:35pm: SnL singers
8:50 pm: Dance in the Dark for Earth Hour (Music by Air Symphony, public invited to join)
9:05 pm: Media guided up the ramp to take photos of the “60” formation
9:15pm: “60” formation by students, public invited to join / Media guided back to main entrance
9:25pm: Spokespersons invited back on to stage
9:29pm: Countdown to lights on
9.30 pm: Lights on

Earth Hour 2012 at First Beach Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
First Beach Tanjung Aru
Aru Drive, Jalan Mat Salleh,
Tanjung Aru 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Programme:
7:00pm – 10:00pm: Booths and exhibitions
8:30pm – 9:30pm: Countdown to lights out, lighting of candles and performances
9:30pm – 10:15pm: Lights on and performances
10:15pm: Closing ceremony

Earth Hour 2012 at Boulevard Shopping Mall, Kuching
Jalan Datuk Tawi Sli
93250 Kuching, Sarawak
Programme:
8:00pm – 8:10 pm: Line dance performances
8:10pm – 8:15pm: Speech by WWF-Malaysia
8:15pm – 8:20 pm: Speech by Cr. Lo Khere Chiang, Chairman of Padawan Municipal Council
8:20pm – 8:30pm: Prepare for countdown to lights out for Earth Hour
8:30pm – 8:35pm: Turning off of lights and lighting of candles
8:35pm – 8:45pm: Flash mob performance
8:45pm – 9:00pm: Souvenir presentation and cake cutting ceremony
9:00pm – 9:30pm: Line dance performances
9:30pm: End

Company that will join Earth Hour 2012.

• Petronas, which will turn off all non-essential lights at the Petronas Twin Towers, Suria KLCC shopping mall and its 973 petrol stations nationwide.
• Telekom Malaysia will switch off non-essential lights at its offices nationwide as well.
• Starbucks Malaysia will turn off a portion of all outlets' lights.
• Dealmates.com launched “Dealmates Goes Green” week, featuring a “deal” that allows customers and visitors to donate a minimum of RM10 to WWF-Malaysia.

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BNM please hear our voices

Bank Negara Malaysia-BNM please hear our voices. We are doing online petition for BNM online shop and here are some of the comment send by collectors who voice out their opinion in that matter. Eventhough we only get 37 people signed the petition after 49 days, at least we voiced our opinion.Thank you to everyone who support the petition. If you don't know what I am talking about, you can read my last year post here; We want BNM online shop petition. I compile all collectors comments in the petition into this post. Today, the petition is officially closed.

Comment by my fellow Collectors:

ZULKIFELI ISMAIL (Depankanta.Blogspot.Com) on 2011-12-09 1:05 am:

Comments: BNM selangkah ke depan dengan tersegamnya Sasana Kijang tapi selangkah kebelakang dalam hal menguruskan jualan produk yg dikeluarkan untuk dijual kepada orang ramai.Cadangan lunaticg ini adalah penyelesaian terbaik..

Sharulazman on 2011-12-09 2:54 am:

Comments: We want Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to make an online shop for their future commemorative coins since not anyone can go to BNM coin release day.

HUGO RODOLFO DE OLIVEIRA BARBOZA on 2011-12-09 12:20 pm:
Comments: I HOPE SO

Yong on 2011-12-10 9:22 am:

Comments: Yes, we really wanted BNM to upon up online shorp. This will definitely benefits most of the coin collectors.

Dickson Niew on 2011-12-10 16:48 pm:

Comments: Travel all the way to BNM on the third day of a new issue but no promise of getting a set!

Aaron Ang on 2011-12-11 3:30 am:

Comments: Fully support this petition, there are too few BNM branches, its not always possible to travel far and wide. Esp school going kids, the hobby is inaccessible to them.

Jonathan Kraal on 2011-12-11 8:31 am:

Comments: i went to sasana on monday and they said there were no more wwf coins i was dissapointed.

Nur Hussein Mohd Daud on 2011-12-12 7:03 am:
Comments: We don't have BNM in the northern state, the closest is in Penang

Anonymous on 2011-12-12 7:38 am:

Comments: Yea, let's be more like Australia's Perth Mint website. Very informative and easy to buy. Cheers

Muhammad Arif Juwaini on 2011-12-12 9:05 am:

Comments: Good idea. When I go to Bank Negara, most of the times the coins already finish.

LIM SHEN CHYUAN on 2011-12-12 13:49 pm:
Comments: I want online shop and buy banknotes and coins!!!

YAZID BIN YAAKOP on 2011-12-12 14:06 pm:
Comments: I LIKE COLLECT COIN, MONEY AND STAMP

Sheikh on 2011-12-23 2:49 am:
Comments: saya setuju dgn idea lunaticg.

Shahrul Zharif on 2011-12-23 2:56 am:

Comments: BNM should sell their commemorative coins and banknotes through online. Nobody can go there on a working day. People have to work! US, Australia, Canada mint have been selling their coins and notes online for years.. and we called our self a developed nation. Come on BNM! this hobby is for all.. not only for retiress who had nothing better to do than queing outside your office whole day.

Anonymous on 2011-12-23 4:01 am:

Comments: pls have the online shop because its easy for us to buy the commemorative issues and others..

Sadzalee StarParc on 2012-01-13 14:57 pm:
Comments: *two thumbs up*

Dr Marik Singh on 2012-01-18 16:40 pm:

Comments: Follow pos malaysia. Every one will be able to have a fair chance of obtaining the bank notes and coins.

Navin Pachiappan on 2012-01-19 0:37 am:

Comments: It will be great if online shopping is establised. It will be easier for collectors like us and also profitable for BNM. Please consider this option as other countries like UK have such system in place.

DAUD on 2012-01-19 3:28 am:
Comments: A very good idea.

Anonymous on 2012-01-19 20:25 pm:

Comments: I am a newbie coin collector from India. I am very much fascinated with the coins of Malaysia. I wish I could buy the coins online.

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