History & SocietyScience & TechBiographiesAnimals & NatureGeography & TravelArts & CultureGames & QuizzesVideosOn This DayOne Good FactDictionaryCompanionsDemystifiedImage GalleriesInfographicsListsPodcastsSpotlightSummariesThe ForumTop Questions#WTFact100 WomenBritannica KidsSaving EarthSpace Next 50Student Center
Britannica Money
Subscribe Now
Table of Contents

ringgit

Malaysian currency
Also known as: Malaysian dollar
Written and fact-checked byThe Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
Updated:
Table of Contents
Recent News
(The Star)Google published inaccurate US$/RM exchange rate data, the second incident this year - Bank Negara

ringgit, monetary unit of Malaysia. The ringgit, also known as the Malaysian dollar, is divided into 100 sen. The Central Bank of Malaysia (Bank Negara Malaysia) has the exclusive authority to issue banknotes and coins in Malaysia. Coins are issued in denominations ranging from 5 to 50 sen. Banknote values are denominated from 1 to 100 ringgit. The obverse of each of the colourful bills contains a picture of Tuanku (King) Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first yang di-pertuan agong (paramount ruler). The reverse of most bills contains images related to Malaysian culture, natural wonders, flora and fauna, and technological and economic achievements. For example, the rhinoceros hornbill is featured on the 5-ringgit note; the Rafflesia azlanii, a flower indigenous to peninsular Malaysia, is the subject of the 10-ringgit note; and an oil palm, the source of palm oil, a major export of Malaysia, is on the 50-ringgit note. The ringgit was established as the official monetary unit of Malaysia in 1946, when it replaced the Straits Settlement dollar, a colonial currency created in the mid-19th century.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Brian Duignan.