Malaysian Social Media Abuzz with Warning of Counterfeit RM50 Notes Featuring a “Smiling Agong”
Malaysian social media users are once again sounding the alarm over counterfeit RM50 notes, with a peculiar characteristic that sets them apart from genuine bills. The usually stern portrait of Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia’s first Agong, has been replaced with a more jovial grin. This anomaly has sparked a wave of warnings and speculation on social media platforms, with many users sharing images of the fake notes and advising caution when handling cash transactions.
The portrait of Tuanku Abdul Rahman has been a staple on Malaysian currency since the 1960s, and the current series of notes features a nearly identical image of the country’s first king on the obverse side. However, the counterfeit notes in question deviate from this tradition, depicting the Agong with a smile instead of his usual stoic expression.
One Facebook user, Annz Qsta Yong, posted a comparison of a real RM50 note and the allegedly counterfeit one, highlighting the distinct difference in the portraits. Yong cautioned users to be vigilant when handling cash transactions, particularly when dealing with RM50 and RM100 notes. The post sparked a mix of reactions, with some users finding the counterfeit portrait amusing, while others speculated that the notes were too obviously flawed to be effective as fake bills and might be misprints.
This is not the first time such a warning has been issued to the public. A similar warning was posted in January 2023, featuring an identical image of the “smiling Agong” on a RM50 note. The original post has since been removed, but similar warnings with identical pictures continue to circulate on social media.
In addition to the “smiling Agong” notes, another Facebook post highlighted a more subtle counterfeiting attempt involving the RM20 note. In this case, the colour of the digits and the hibiscus on the note were different from the original, with the fake bearing red digits instead of orange ones.
As the warnings continue to spread, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when handling cash transactions. By being aware of these counterfeit notes and their distinguishing features, individuals can protect themselves from potential financial losses.