Bear-y precious: Manoharan launching the special edition gold coins (pic, below) for VM2026 at SMS Deen Jewellers. Looking on is Mohd Amirul Rizal (right). — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: A special-edition gold coin featuring Wira and Manja, the sun bear mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), has been launched as part of efforts to promote Malaysia as a tourism destination.
The coin was launched by Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy at the SMS Deen Jewellers’ outlet on Jalan Masjid India here yesterday.
The limited-edition coin weighs 0.2 grams and is made of 24-karat gold with a purity of 999.9.
It is priced at RM199 for a single loose-pack coin, while a foldable pack containing eight coins is priced at RM1,599.
The coin was produced by SMS Deen Jewellers in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia.
Manoharan said the initiative reflects the kind of strategic partnerships the government hopes will continue throughout the VM2026 campaign.
“This is the kind of collaboration we are looking forward to and we hope it will not stop here,” he said after the launch.
Tourism Malaysia director general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said close cooperation between the public and private sectors is key to ensure the success of VM2026.
“This is the type of strategic collaboration encouraged by the Prime Minister under the VM2026 framework. The government welcomes initiatives by private companies, especially as we prepare for higher tourist numbers this year,” he said.
He added that the gold coin could also serve as a souvenir for visitors, while contributing to the growth of the local gold industry.
“We want tourists to bring back something uniquely Malaysian to their home countries. At the same time, we want to see the domestic gold industry continue to grow.
“This private-sector initiative is highly appreciated and we encourage other companies to follow suit,” Mohd Amirul Rizal said.
SMS Deen Jewellers chief executive officer Mohamad Shaifudeen said the company is proud to be part of the VM2026 campaign and views the project as a national contribution and not merely a commercial product.
“This is not just about business. It is about doing something for the country. We are proud to be given the opportunity to be part of this initiative and to support VM2026,” he said.
The gold coin comes with packaging that includes short stories highlighting aspects of Malaysia such as food, the arts and infrastructure.
“Each story card tells a story about something special in Malaysia. This is how we want to introduce Malaysia to tourists coming this year,” Mohamad said.
He added that the idea was inspired by the merchandising campaign during the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
The coin went on sale at SMS Deen Jewellers’ headquarters yesterday, and will be available at all of the company’s branches nationwide from Jan 19.
The coin will also be available via the company’s TikTok platform starting today, with prices remaining consistent across all sales channels.
Mohamad Shaifudeen said the company is also exploring a second phase of the project with a different edition design.
