The New Ringgit Malaysia 2012

Bank Negara Malaysia is the central bank of Malaysia. In the year of 1967 to 1972, the Bank Negara Malaysia issued the first Ringgit Malaysia for RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50, and RM100. In the year of 1968, the Bank Negara Malaysia issued another banknotes for RM1,000. The overall design of the banknotes are similar where the banknotes have the portrait of the first DYMM Yang-di-Pertuan Agong which is the first ruler of Malaysia and all the banknotes have the words of "Bank Negara Malaysia" in it and was signed by the Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Tun Ismail bin Mohamed Ali. 

In the 1972, the currency maintained the same design but the changes made into the currency are the malay spelling system on the currency. For example, for the notes of RM10 spelling which is "SA-PULOH" changed to "SE-PULUH". In the year of 1982, the printed banknotes was signed by the new Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia which is Tan Sri Aziz bin Hj Taha. During that time, Bank Negara Malaysia also issued another two types of new banknotes that valued at RM2 followed by RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50, and RM100. Due to financial crisis in the year of 1998, the banknotes valued of RM500 and RM1,000 were withdrawn from circulation. 

1967 - 1972

1972 - 1976

1981-1984

In this year of 2012, as promised by the Government and the central bank, the new banknotes issued on July 2012 which consists of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100. The new 2012 banknotes inspired by the distinctive features of Malaysia which includes the elements of Malaysia's natural treasures, culture, and heritage. The new banknotes has the theme of "Distinctive Malaysia" where the features of the new currency are created according to traditional look in the art and craft, natural wonder, flora and fauna, and the economy. The 2012 Malaysia currency retain the portrait of the first Seri Paduka Baginda Yang-di-Pertuan Agong, the national flower which is the Rosa-Sinesis Hibiscus that is also known as "Bunga Raya", the words "Bank Negara Malaysia" who are the issuing authority of the banknotes, and also the patterns of traditional woven fabric which is known as the "songket". All these items can be seen in the background and edges of the new 2012 banknotes. Each banknotes has their own patterns according to the theme of "Distinctive Malaysia". 

For example: RM100 - Mount Kinabalu and pinnacles rock formation of Gunung Api Valley

                     RM50 - Oil Palm and Biotechnology

                     RM20 - The Hawksbill and Leatherback Turtle

                     RM10 - Rafflesia

                     RM5 - Rhinoceros Hornbill

                     RM1 - Wau Bulan (Moon Kite)

7th Sabah International Folklore Festival 2012

Some of the Scarecrow

The Sabah Cultural Board is organizing the International Folklore every year and this year, 2012, the Sabah Cultural Board is organizing the 7th Sabah International Folklore at the Sabah Cultural Centre, Penampang for about 2 weeks (8-17 July 2012). Before the Folklore festival begin, there is a scarecrow making contest held at the Sabah Cultural Centre Penampang organized by the Sabah Cultural Board. The contest are open to public and students. All the finished scarecrow created by contestants will be keep by the Sabah Cultural Board and used to display around the Cultural Centre for the tourist's view.

The Sabah International Folklore Festival intends to promote culture tourism among 18 participating countries as well as to celebrate cultural diversity. This festival also acts as a platform to promote unity through music and dance where all countries with different cultural backgrounds come together to share their own pride and joy. This festival is such an enjoyable entertainment especially to those who are interested in cultural of the world. I have never know about the uniqueness and attracting music and dances of the culture of the people from different world until have put myself in front of the people that participating in the folklore. Every country entertain their own cultural dance and music. Some of the country's cultural dance makes me feel like "WOW!" because their dances are "happening" and fun. I never know that some of the country have such a great music and dance and they have strength in performing their dances and make all the audience satisfy and enjoy. Unfortunately, i am late to be there at the Sabah Cultural Centre, Penampang and i have to sit at the back and not able to capture the nice picture of the dances. However, i still happy and satisfy because i have the chances to witness the cultural diversity of the people around the world. 

At the entrance of the Sabah Cultural Centre,  there are sells of Sabahan crafts and souvenir for the tourists that participate in the festival and also for the visitors. When i reach there, one of the tourist or the international dancer is still looking at the souvenir and let me took her picture. I have experienced the colorful and unique traditional customs of the people around the world.

 

All the dances and music and culture of the participants from 18 countries are really entertaining and the most cultural dance that i really like and enjoy is the cultural dance of the Timor Leste. They have their strength in performing their dance and show the history of their dance which is "freedom". This picture is taken at the place where is sit, therefore i am not able to take the nice picture.  There are many more dances performed by each country such as Czech Republic, Finland, Indonesia, Poland, and many other international country but as i mentioned just now, the pictures are not clear and far. Next year, the Sabah Cultural Board will organize the 8th Sabah International Folklore festival. If i have the chance, i will go to the festival again and enjoy the festival and witnessing the diversity of cultural dances and music and surely i will come earlier and capture the nice and clear picture.

Klias River Cruise

On the 11th of July 2012, i went to Klias River Cruise at Klias, Beaufort which is approximately 112 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu. The journey to Klias is about 2 hours. Depart from Kota Kinabalu around 2.00 pm and reach Klias for around 4.00 pm. Witnessing the monkey's behavior and attitude and enjoying the glittering fireflies can be done through Klias River Cruise. There are 3 part of river cruise at Klias which are morning river cruise, afternoon river cruise, and evening river cruise. At Klias there are three types of monkeys that could be found such as Proboscis Monkey, Macaque Monkey, and Silvered Leaf Monkey. The Proboscis Monkey have a long nose and long thick tail and the Macaques that have a long tail. However, the monkeys and other types of animals that could be found at Klias come out according to the weather. During my visit, it is rainy and it makes the total of monkeys that could be seen is few. But, during the hot weather the monkeys will come out and sit above the tree.

 In the night there is another cruise to witness the amazing small glittering insect which is fireflies. The fireflies are multiplies in certain three that makes it looks like a Christmas light in the Christmas tree in the night. I am amazed to watch thousands of such little things that gather in a tree especially mangrove tree and glittering in the night. Too bad that the fireflies cannot be capture in the night because the surrounding is too dark and therefore, to feel and experience the amazing fireflies, you have to go there and witness it by yourself and keep it in the memories. One man in the same cruise catch one firefly that fly into the cruise and show it to me. I hold the firefly and it is so small and twinkle. 

In the morning, there is morning river cruise and there will be many creatures that could be found such as the monkeys, many species of birds, crocodiles, lizards, otter, and tree snakes. However, my river cruise is in the evening and not able to watch the other animals. After enjoying witnessing the fireflies, it is to to go home. Leave Klias around 8.00 pm and reach Kota Kinabalu around 10.00 pm.