Call to recycle banknotes to save environment

Hardy notes: Bank Negara Malaysia Currency Management and Operation Department admin officer Nor Aimah Mohd Nor holding the recycled fit RM1 and RM5 polymer banknotes that look as good as new.

KUALA LUMPUR: Every Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, Bank Negara Malaysia has to print an additional 500 million pieces of RM1 and RM5 banknotes to meet the demand for fresh, crispy notes.

This consumes at least 80 tonnes of ink and requires two million KWh of electricity, enough to power 7,500 homes for a month or light up 48,000 bulbs for a month.