Malaysia’s RM600 Banknote Is The Largest In The World

Did you know Malaysia has a RM600 banknote?

It was issued by Bank Negara (BNM) to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Signing of the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement.

The anniversary was actually over 7 years ago. The note made a comeback this week when it was chosen as the ‘largest banknote in the world’. The Banknote World’s TikTok channel featured it in its recent video on the ‘Top 3 Largest Banknotes in The World’.

Malaysia’s RM600 banknote

How big is the RM600 banknote? It measures 22cm by 37cm. That makes it bigger than the size of most wallets or handbags!

Obviously it was issued just for commemorating special national events.

According to BNM, the Malaysian RM600 commemorative banknotes were issued in 2017. It was launched by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V in that year.

“The Agreement dated 5 August 1957 proclaiming the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Supreme Head of the Federation was signed by the Malay Council of Rulers from Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu with Sir Donald MacGillivray, the High Commissioner of the Federation of Malaya who represented Queen Elizabeth II. The Agreement became a historical constitutional evidence for the independence of the Federation of Malaya,” according to the statement on BNM’s website.

One side features “the majestic royal throne encircled by the portraits of 15 Yang di-Pertuan Agong who have reigned from 1957 till the present day” (or until 2017). The design is “inspired by the crescent and a 14-pointed federal star”.  This design is featured on the royal headgear the statement added.

The reverse side features the portraits of the nine rulers signing the Federation of Malaya Independence Agreement on 5 August 1957. Other motifs include the silhouette of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and four Malaysian landmarks which are theNational Palace, Perdana Putra, the Parliament building and the Palace of Justice. They represent the four pillars of the nation: the institution of the Monarchy, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary respectively.

Face value of the RM600 banknote

There are only 6,000 pieces of this banknote issued. So they are limited in supply.

How much do you need to pay for a RM600 banknote? More than double that amount apparently. According to BNM, the note is being sold at RM1,700 a piece.

Besides the RM600 banknote, BNM also issued the commemorative note in RM60 denomination. They are available in uncut 3-in-1 size or as a single note. The RM60 banknote is being sold at RM120 each or RM500 for the uncut 3-in-1.