23 December 2011

THE NEW SERIES OF MALAYSIAN BANKNOTES

Distinctively Malaysia
The New Series of Malaysian Banknotes
The latest series of Malaysian banknotes draws its inspiration from elements which distinctively define the country's diverse culture, heritage and nature. Themed 'Distinctively Malaysia', the fourth series of Malaysian banknotes features traditional expressions in the art and craft, natural wonders, flora and fauna, economy and tradition.

Common Features

On the obverse side, all banknote denominations in the new series retain the portrait of the first Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad, the national flower Rosa-sinensis hibiscus (known locally as the 'Bunga Raya') and patterns of traditional woven fabric - the 'songket'.

The reverse side of each banknote denomination features different elements of nature, tradition, culture, flora, fauna and the economy that are distinctively Malaysian.

Technical Specifications

Denomination
Substrate
Denomination
Predominant Colour
RM100
Paper
150mm X 69mm
Purple
RM50
Paper
145mm X 69mm
Green-blue
RM20
Paper
145mm X 65mm
Orange
RM10
Paper
140mm X 65mm
Red
RM5
Polymer
135mm X 65mm
Green
RM1
Polymer
120mm X 65mm
Blue


RM100 banknote
Natural Wonders

The magnificent beauty of Malaysia's two prominent natural wonders, declared 'World Heritage Sites' by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are portrayed on the RM100 banknote.

These are the Kinabalu Park in Sabah, home to the majestic Mount Kinabalu (the highest mountain in Southeast Asia) and the spectacular limestone pinnacle rock formations of Gunung Api valley, found within the Mulu National Park in Sarawak.

Together, they represent the many natural wonders of Malaysia that provides visitors a unique experience.

RM50 banknote
Agriculture and Technology

Oil palm and biotechnology are featured on the RM50 banknote as Malaysia's thriving economy icons. Oil palm has become the country's most valuable agricultural crop as Malaysia is one of the largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world.

Biotechnology continues to drive this commodity up the value chain, supporting the nation's economic transformation towards higher value-added activities in the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors of the economy.

Crude palm oil is also used as the underlying commodity to facilitate Islamic financing.
RM20 banknote
Marine Life

As ambassadors of the rich and colourful marine life found in our tropical waters, two of the most well-known species of sea turtles endemic to Malaysian waters are on the new RM20 banknote - the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea).

The Hawksbill is easily identified by its curved beak and scaly shell while the Leatherback has a leathery skin and seven ridges on its shell.

These gentle turtles are a reminder that their existence rests in the delicate balance of human activity and marine life conservation.

RM10 banknote
Flora

Malaysia's lush tropical jungle, which is one of the world's oldest living rainforest, is home to a spectacular variety of flowering plants. Most iconic amongst them is the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower.

The Rafflesia Azlanii species featured on the new RM10 banknote is indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia and was first discovered in the Royal Belum Forest Reserve of the state of Perak in 2003.

To commemorate its discovery, this majestic flower was named after the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Yusuff Izzuddin  Shah Ghafarullahu-Lah.
RM5 polymer banknote
Widlife

Featured on the new RM5 polymer banknote is the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros), one of the largest and most magnificent hornbill species in the world.

Found in low densities throughout various rainforests in the country, this beautiful, broad-winged and long-tailed forest bird plays an important role in the customs and traditional ceremonies in Sarawak which is known as 'Bumi Kenyalang' or 'Land of Hornbills'.

Hornbill is also seen as a symbol of strength and courage by the native communities of Sarawak.
RM1 polymer banknote
Traditional Sport

Kite-flying is a popular traditional sport in Malaysia especially in Kelantan and Terengganu. Kite-flying is also traditionally a celebration of a good harvest which brings together the local communities in these states.

Amongst the best-known and most iconic Malaysian kites is the 'Wau Bulan' or Moon Kite which is featured on the new RM1.

The Wau Bulan, which is hand crafted from bamboo and paper, is also a popular decorative item that adorns the walls of Malaysian homes.

20 December 2011

The Third Series of Malaysian Coins

Distinctively Malaysia

The designs of the third series of Malaysian coins draw its inspiration from distinctive elements that define Malaysian culture and heritage. The theme, 'Distinctively Malaysia', features motifs from traditional crafts and our flora and fauna. The coins reflect the diversity and richness of Malaysia's national identity.

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'.

Technical Specifications

Face Value
50 sen
20 sen
10 sen
5 sen
Alloy
Nickel Brass Clad Copper
Nickel Brass
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
Diameter (mm)
22.65
20.60
18.80
17.78
Weight (gram)
5.66
4.18
2.98
1.72
Shape
Round with 9 indents
Round
Round
Round
Edge
Plain
Coarse
Milled
Plain
Colour
Yellow
Yellow
Silver
Silver
50 sen
Sulur Kacang

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 twists 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.

Security Feature
Latent Image of the denomination 50 sen can be seen when the coin is tilted slightly.


20 sen
Bunga Melur

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 have 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

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 multi-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.

12 December 2011

Top 5 Regrets In Life

Top 5 Regrets In Life By Those About to Die

I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me

This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have had not honored even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honor at least some of your dreams along the way.

From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

I wish I didn’t work so hard - This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children’s youth and their partner’s companionship.

Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings - Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends - Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

I wish that I had let myself be happier
This is a surprisingly common one.

Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.

They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

11 December 2011

A brilliant marketing strategy!

Now, now Tony............you're the one who coined the slogan "Now Everyone can fly" or is it??????

"Spare a thought for Uncle Tony F, Chief Executive of 'AirAsia"......

Arriving in a hotel in KL Sentral he went to the bar and asked for a pint of
draught Guinness. The barman nodded and said, "That will be one Ringgit please, Uncle Tony."

Somewhat taken aback, Uncle Tony replied, "That's very cheap," and handed over his money.

"Well, we try to stay ahead of the competition", said the barman. "And we are serving free pints every Wednesday evening from 6 until 8.
We have the cheapest draught in Asia "

"That is remarkable value" Uncle Tony comments

"I see you don't seem to have a glass, so you'll probably need one of ours. That will be 3 Ringgit please."

Uncle Tony scowled, but paid up. He took his drink and walked towards a seat.
"Ah, you want to sit down?" said the barman. "That'll be an extra 2 Ringgit
You could have pre-book the seat, and it would have only cost you a Ringgit"

"I think you may to be too big for the seat sir, can I ask you to sit in this frame please"
Uncle Tony attempts to sit down but the frame is too small and when he can't squeeze in he complains "Nobody would fit in that little frame".

"I'm afraid if you can't fit in the frame you'll have to pay an extra surcharge of RM 4 for your seat sir" Tony swore to himself, but paid up.
"I see that you have brought your laptop with you" added the barman. "And since that wasn't pre-booked either, that will be another 3 Ringgit"

Uncle Tony was so annoyed that he walked back to the bar, slammed his drink on the counter, and yelled, "This is ridiculous, I want to speak to the manager".

"Ah, I see you want to use the counter," says the barman, "that will be 2 Ringgit please." Uncle's face was red with rage.

"Do you know who I am?"

"Of course I do Mr Fernandes

"I've had enough, What sort of Bar is this? I come in for a quiet drink and you treat me like this. I insist on speaking to a manager!"

"Here is his E mail address, or if you wish, you can contact him between 9 and 9.10 every morning, Monday to Tuesday at this free phone number. Calls are free,until they are answered, then there is a talking charge of only 10 sen per
second provided you use Tune Talk using other mobile carriers would incur our normal charges of 30 Sen per second

"I will never use this bar again"

"OK Uncle , but remember, we are the only bar in Asia selling pints for one Ringgit...so that Now everyone can drink "