The Evolution of Malaysian Currency: From Kepeng to Ringgit

Malaysia's monetary history spans centuries:

Pre-Colonial

• Kepeng (7th–15th c.): Small copper/bronze coins with square holes, used across the Malay Archipelago.
• Kasut (15th–19th c.): Larger copper/bronze coins with intricate designs.

Colonial Era

• Malayan Dollar (19th c. – 1967): Pegged to the British pound sterling. Issued by the Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya.

Independence

• Malaysian Ringgit (1967–present): Replaced the Malayan dollar at par. Issued by Bank Negara Malaysia. Symbol: RM; Code: MYR.

The ringgit has floated since 2005 (after a 1998–2005 peg to the USD).