Kuala lumpur: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has processed 1.7 billion banknotes in 2025, compared with 2.5 billion in 2024, with 86 per cent handled through the automated cash centre (ACC) compared with 69 per cent in the previous year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the central bank stated that the remaining volume was supported by currency operations undertaken by its regional offices in East Malaysia, and the resiliency of currency operations is further reinforced by the broader cash industry. Registered currency processors (RCPs) are playing a larger role in supporting day-to-day processing activities such as collecting, sorting, and packing currency. These efforts complement BNM's centralised operations and ensure timely distribution of banknotes to meet public demand.
BNM emphasized the importance of securing cash availability at all times through a well-coordinated and robust currency operations framework. The central bank maintains adequate stock levels and strives to process and distribute banknotes efficiently. The shift to centralise all processing activities to a single, purpose-built facility has allowed BNM to strengthen efficiency, improve risk controls, and leverage automation.
Recirculation is highlighted as a key component of a sustainable cash ecosystem. By reusing fit banknotes and ensuring coins flow back into the economy, BNM has reduced waste, lowered production needs, and supported a more circular currency ecosystem. In 2025, BNM issued 1.9 billion banknotes, with 67 per cent classified as fit banknotes, up from 66 per cent in 2024, reflecting the central bank's ongoing efforts to incorporate sustainability considerations into its currency management operations. This strategy has minimized interruptions in the processing and distribution of banknotes nationwide.
Despite the rise of digital payments, BNM noted that cash remains in demand due to its ease of use and reliability during disruptions or limited connectivity, such as during natural disasters. Cash enables rural and unbanked populations to participate in economic activities, and for these reasons, strong currency management remains a strategic priority for the central bank.