KUALA LUMPUR: RM100 notes are sold for only 3.60 yuan (RM2) per piece on e-commerce platforms.

Sin Chew Daily reporter has discovered that several e-commerce platforms are openly selling uncirculated banknotes (UNC) that appear similar to RM100 notes for only 3.60 yuan per note.

Photos and videos provided by sellers show these purple ringgit notes are nearly identical in design, color and size to actual currency.

According to customer service representatives, these banknotes are categorized as UNC and, although highly similar to real notes, they are claimed to be “art pieces” rather than legal tender.

“(UNC currency) is an art piece, not legal tender. It is meant for collection, viewing, and commemorative purposes, not for circulation.”

When the reporter probed further about the source and stock of the items, the response was vague:

“Everyone has different things they like to collect.”

The product descriptions emphasize that some of these UNC ringgit notes are freshly printed and even come with sequential serial numbers to increase their appeal to collectors.

However, images of these UNC ringgit notes show that they do not bear the word “sample” on them.

The highly realistic appearance of these so-called “commemorative notes” has raised public concern about the potential risk of counterfeit notes entering circulation.

In 2023, Sin Chew Daily questioned Bank Negara about red packets bearing ringgit images marked with the word “Sample.”

The central bank responded that while the word “Sample” was printed on those items, anyone wishing to use ringgit images for design, printing, or promotional purposes must obtain approval from BNM. Unauthorized use of ringgit imagery is considered illegal.

According to Bank Negara’s “Guidelines on the reproduction of ringgit images,” Section 19(1) of the Currency Act 2020 prohibits reproduction of currency notes or coins, including the use of photographs, drawing, or designs resembling them—without Bank Negara’s approval.

Failure to comply is considered an offense and may be subject to legal action under the same law.

UNC currency refers to newly minted banknotes that have never been circulated with no signs of wear or usage.

Although they haven’t entered circulation, some UNC notes may have minor marks from stacking or packaging, but this does not affect their UNC grading.

UNC is one of the highest grading levels, representing the finest condition a banknote can have in the world of banknote collection.