IT is not every day that one gets to become a counterfeit detector agent to check for counterfeit money. But at Children's Gallery of the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, you can.
Here, you can check the authenticity of a banknote using a device that emits purple-coloured UV light. You can also learn other security features that will tell you if it is a genuine banknote.
Done playing a detector agent, the gallery has another exciting section - the RM1 Million Tunnel. Here, you can feast on all four generations of banknotes used in the nation.
If you're thinking about slipping a piece or two into your pocket, well, think again. All the notes are tightly-sealed behind glass partitions. Even if you manage to pull one out, you'll end up with a shredded note.
The musuem that is located in the Sasana Kijang building on Jalan Dato' Onn in Kuala Lumpur also has five other galleries: Numismatic Gallery, Bank Negara Malaysia Gallery, Economics Gallery, Islamic Finance Gallery and an art gallery.
At the Numismatic Gallery, you'll learn about the early history of money, when objects of different shapes and sizes were commonly accepted as currency in the region.
Also on display are currencies used during the British colonial days as well as those from the Japanese Occupation in Malaya.
The museum is packed with interactive displays, fancy artwork, artefacts and information cards detailing the exhibits. At each gallery you may also find a smaller room with more interactive displays, like the one in the Bank Negara Malaysia Gallery. Just hop on a stationary bike and pedal at a certain pace to access information about the history of money.
The gallery also highlights the role and responsibilities of the Central Bank of Malaysia in maintaining the financial and economic health of the country.
Next, walk across to the Economics Gallery which has interactive displays on the various economic policies that have affected the growth of the nation since independence to the present day.
On the same floor is the Islamic Finance Gallery. Slightly smaller than the other galleries, this section explores early Islamic concepts of commerce and finance that originated in the Middle East. From there, it extended to Europe before spreading to the other parts of the world.
Security is tight here. Before entering the building itself, visitors will get their bags checked at the security check-point. Bulky items can be stored at a storing facility on the ground floor. Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the museum.
The museum is located in the centre of the city and is easily accessible via public transport like the KTM. Just stop at the Bank Negara station and follow the signage.
Alternatively, you can take the LRT and get down at Bandaraya station. Cross Jalan Kuching via the pedestrian bridge and it'll take you to Bank Negara Malaysia. The museum is a 10-minute walk away. You can also self-drive and park at its carpark at RM5 per entry.
NOTE: This story was originally written by Loong Wai Ting and published on Nov 10, 2018.
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