Page 22 - Official Year Book 2019
P. 22
icial Language Currency
Article 152 of the Federal Constitution The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency
explains that the Malay language known unit of Malaysian currency with the
as the official language is the language that code MYR.
cannot be disputed on its functions and its
roles as the national language. The Ringgit have banknotes worth RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5
and RM1 and 50 cent coins, as well as 20 cent, 10 cent and 5 cent coins.
The position of the Malay language stabilised further with the National The use of one cent has stopped on 1 April 2008 following the
Language Act of 1967. Its importance as a language of knowledge and introduction of rounding up the value to the nearest five cent mechanism.
the medium of teaching and learning has also led to the Education Act The name “Ringgit” derived from Spanish silver money which was
1961 (1996 Amendment). Nevertheless, the vernaculars of the other widely used in ancient times. Since August 1975, the name “Ringgit” was
races such as Mandarin for the Chinese and Tamil for the Indians are officially accepted as the proper name for the Malaysian currency. Earlier,
free to be spoken and used by their respective speakers. Apart from money was known as dollar in English and Ringgit in Malay. However, the
that, English had still dominated the language in the trade and industry “$” symbol continued to be used until it was changed to “RM” in 1993
sector in the country. The Malaysian Government also encourages its and continue to be used until today.
people to master other international languages particularly, in tourism
and international trade.
10 MALAYSIA BAHARU 2019: Official Year Book
Article 152 of the Federal Constitution The Malaysian Ringgit is the currency
explains that the Malay language known unit of Malaysian currency with the
as the official language is the language that code MYR.
cannot be disputed on its functions and its
roles as the national language. The Ringgit have banknotes worth RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5
and RM1 and 50 cent coins, as well as 20 cent, 10 cent and 5 cent coins.
The position of the Malay language stabilised further with the National The use of one cent has stopped on 1 April 2008 following the
Language Act of 1967. Its importance as a language of knowledge and introduction of rounding up the value to the nearest five cent mechanism.
the medium of teaching and learning has also led to the Education Act The name “Ringgit” derived from Spanish silver money which was
1961 (1996 Amendment). Nevertheless, the vernaculars of the other widely used in ancient times. Since August 1975, the name “Ringgit” was
races such as Mandarin for the Chinese and Tamil for the Indians are officially accepted as the proper name for the Malaysian currency. Earlier,
free to be spoken and used by their respective speakers. Apart from money was known as dollar in English and Ringgit in Malay. However, the
that, English had still dominated the language in the trade and industry “$” symbol continued to be used until it was changed to “RM” in 1993
sector in the country. The Malaysian Government also encourages its and continue to be used until today.
people to master other international languages particularly, in tourism
and international trade.
10 MALAYSIA BAHARU 2019: Official Year Book
