\KUALA LUMPUR: Banknotes with the signature of the new Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim are expected to be in circulation soon.
The governor said the central bank would need some time to replenish existing notes bearing the former governor’s signature with the new notes.
“Once our stock (current banknotes) is finished, we will replenish (the banknotes) with the new one. That (process) will take about two to three months,” he told reporters after the launch of “Works on Paper: Art Inside the Wallet” exhibition in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
Thirty banknotes dating from the 14th to 21st centuries from over 10 countries will be on display beginning today until Nov 30 at the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery.
These banknotes highlight how the designs and security features tell a story about the values and national identity of a country at a specific point in time, similar to how a work of art can convey a massage.
Earlier in his speech, Muhammad said that banknotes of any nation were unique and represented the identity of the issuing country which, after the national flag, was its most identifiable icon.
“The central banks and monetary policies (worldwide) spend considerable resources and efforts designing their banknotes, not only to be as aesthetically pleasing and attractive as possible, but more importantly, to appropriately portray the unique identity of their respective country.
“Banknotes incorporate significant natural and cultural aspects of the country, encompassing nature, history, society, economy and technology,” he added.
The exhibition also has a section showcasing the process of designing a banknote, functions of an automated cash centre and a dark room for examining security features. - Bernama
