Issuance of Commemorative Coins for Malaysia's New Third Coins Series

Bank Negara Malaysia is issuing commemorative coins to mark the new Third Series of the Malaysian coins which will be available for circulation early next year. Launched today by the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, the commemorative coins issued are in the denominations of 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen.

The new coins series draws inspiration from distinctive features that define the nation's rich culture and heritage. The design motifs were crafted in the form of nature, flora and fauna and traditional handicraft which is found in Malaysia.

This series of new coins are smaller and lighter making its more user-friendly for the public. The yellow and silver coloured coins and the edge designs enable the public and also the visually impaired to identify and distinguish the different denominations. The new series of coins embodies the latest advancements in minting technology which incorporates improved counterfeit resistance security features. The new metal alloy used for minting has enhanced durability against wear and corrosion.

Bank Negara Malaysia will make available 500,000 sets of the commemorative coins (Brilliant Uncirculated) comprising all the coin denominations with special packaging and to be sold in stages to the public at RM 10.00 per set.

Coins Design

• The Obverse Side of the Coin

• The motif for the 5 sen, 10 sen and 20 sen denomination features fourteen dots representing the thirteen States and the Federal Territory. The motif for the 50 sen coin has five horizontal lines representing the five principles of the Rukun Negara (national pillars).

     Denomination                                         Icon
      50 sen                                                   Sulur Kacang
      20 sen                                                   Bunga Melur
      10 sen                                                   Orang Asli Motif
        5 sen                                                   Destar Siga

• The Reverse Side of the Coin

The reverse of all coins, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen features the same motifs i.e. the hibiscus which is the national flower and numerals indicating the year of minting, the face value of the coin and the words 'Bank Negara Malaysia' as the issuing authority of the coins.

The new series of coins are legal tender and will co-circulate with the existing series. The existing series will be gradually phased out.
Bank Negara Malaysia is working closely with financial institutions, businesses and cash handling vendors to ensure a smooth transition to the new series. Vendors of cash handling machines will be given six months to calibrate their machines to ensure convenience for the use of the new coins.
Bank Negara Malaysia will also issue the new Fourth Series banknotes in September this year.

Sales Outlets

The commemorative coins are minted and distributed by Bank Negara Malaysia and will be available for sale from 26 July 2011 at Bank Negara Malaysia's headquarters (BNMLINK) and its branches located in Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

When it Comes to Credit Card Offers, Monopoly is Just a Board Game

A monopoly is a situation that arises when a business has no competition and is free to charge whatever rates it desires, leaving customers with few options to do anything about it. This is something the government tries to avoid by forcing companies to break up into smaller units and compete with one another for business. Fortunately for consumers, a monopoly has never existed in the credit card industry and they have a multitude of choices for selecting the credit card that best meets their individual needs. There are several things that consumers should pay attention to before signing their name by the big X and accepting a new credit card.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

If a consumer plans to carry a balance month to month, he or she will pay interest for that privilege, so it is wise to search for a card with the lowest APR. However, consumers should also understand all terms regarding that APR, including whether it will be adjusted if a payment is late, if they go over the limit or if the APR is only an introductory rate that will be raised several months later.

Transfer Balance Rates

In an effort to get more consumers to switch from their current credit card provider to their company, some credit issuers offer a zero or very low percentage balance transfer rate which applies only to the balance consumers transfer from their old credit card to the new one. This is another area where the fine print needs to be read very carefully, since there can be a hidden fee for making the balance transfer or a limit on how much can be transferred to get the low rate.

Credit Card Protection Plans and Other Benefits

In this day and age when people are on-edge about identity theft and being held responsible for someone else's charges if their credit card is lost or stolen, some credit card issuers offer a zero dollar liability for charges that the consumer did not make. This may be a free service, or it may be available for a monthly fee that is billed to the customer's credit card.

As a way to remain competitive with one another, many major credit card issuers offer their customers several benefits like free rental car insurance, roadside assistance and discounts to other services and avenues of entertainment. Customers should ask about any additional benefits at the time they obtain the card.

Look for a Credit Card Company That Keeps Up with Technology

In our digital age, many consumers take it for granted that they will always have the opportunity to view balances and make transfers online or through their cell phones anytime they wish. It is the sign of a healthy credit card company if it shows the ability to take risks and introduce new technology that benefits its customers by offering them even more convenience.

Not all credit cards offer the same benefits and rates, so you should go online to compare credit cards at Kanetix. Doing a comparison of credit cards at Kanetix will let you see the different features and benefits that each card offers. Do a comparison today and get the best credit card for your needs!