Technical Specification:
Year issue:1999
Mintage: 20,000 sheet
Signature on the banknote: Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ali Abul Hassan Bin Sulaiman
On September 27, 1999, Bank Negara Malaysia issued the new design RM5 currency notes into circulation. The new RM5 is the fifth denomination issued in the current Malaysian currency note series (the third series of designs) which will be replacing the second series in stages. The third series was introduced in February 1996 with the issuance of the RM2 denomination; the new RM10 denomination was subsequently issued in January 1998, the new RM50 denomination in July 1998 and the new RM100 denomination in October 1998.New Design RM5The new design RM5 note, which measures 135 mm by 65 mm, retains the predominantly green colour of the existing design and carries a design motif representing the construction sector. The design motif is part of the main theme "WAWASAN 2020" for the new series which reflects Malaysia's economic development and achievement towards a fully developed country. On the front face of the note, the dominant intaglio portrait of the First Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong is retained as a dominant feature. On the back of the note, the design motif is represented with landmark buildings such as the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Petronas Twin Towers and a geographical map with symbols representing Putrajaya and Cyberjaya. The motif on the reverse side depicts major construction activity involving completed and ongoing infrastructure projects. As in the case of the other denominations in the series, the new RM5 note uses the "RM" as the currency symbol for the Malaysian Ringgit.
Security Features
New security features are also incorporated in the new design RM5 in response to advances in banknote technology.These additional features are necessary as protection against threats posed by the continuing improvement in colour copier, scanner and printer technology. Some of the existing security features which have proven effective are also retained. The security features of the new design RM5 denomination include the following:-
A clear text windowed security thread that is machine-readable; when viewed under ultra-violet light, the thread is seen in various changing colours known as the "rainbow effect".
Security Fibres in the paper which become visible in red, yellow and blue under ultra-violet light.
A Printed and Embossed Anticopy Key (PEAK) square which will change colour to reveal the number "5" when the angle of view of the note is changed.
A 3-dimensional watermark portrait with the numeral "5" at the base
A perfect see-through register wherein, when the note is held against the light, a hibiscus flower on the obverse will register perfectly with the same flower on the reverse side of the note. This flower will also glow under ultra–violet light
A phosphorescence block where the letters BNM and the figure "5" will become visible under ultra-violet light.
Novel Numbering where the serial numbers increase in size sequently.