1 MYR #321

Front

Traditional Malay wau bulan (moon kite) with ornate decorative patterns and carving, set against a stylized landscape featuring a traditional Malay house and mountain scenery. The wau bulan is one of Malaysia's most iconic traditional kites from Kelantan state, featuring a crescent-shaped tail and intricate floral and geometric patterns. This design celebrates Malaysian cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Vertical text 'SATU RINGGIT' (One Ringgit) on left, with denomination '1 RM' at center-right.

Back

Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Almarhum Tuanku Muhammad (1895–1960), first Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme King) of independent Malaysia, serving 1957–1960. He was the ruler of Negeri Sembilan before becoming Malaysia's first constitutional monarch following independence from Britain in 1957. He is shown wearing traditional Malay royal regalia including the tengkolok (royal headdress) with the state emblem. The design honours his role in Malaysia's transition to independence and constitutional monarchy.

History

This note belongs to the sixth series of Malaysian ringgit banknotes issued by Bank Negara Malaysia from 1996 to 2012. The series featured Malaysian cultural heritage on the front and portraits of Malaysia's Yang di-Pertuan Agong (kings) on the reverse. The 1 ringgit note specifically honours Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia's first king after independence. This series was gradually withdrawn starting in 2012 with the introduction of the seventh (polymer) series. The serial prefix 'DV' indicates a specific printing run within the series. These notes remain legal tender but are rarely seen in circulation today, having been largely replaced by polymer notes and coins. The wau bulan motif is a recurring theme in Malaysian currency design, symbolizing traditional Malay culture particularly from the east coast states.