MYR amounts in words: examples
Monthly rent in Kuala Lumpur
MYR 1,800.00
One Thousand Eight Hundred Ringgit Only
Open this amount in the converter →A deposit with sen
MYR 2,450.90
Two Thousand Four Hundred Fifty Ringgit And Ninety Sen Only
Open this amount in the converter →A down payment
MYR 350,000.00
Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Ringgit Only
Open this amount in the converter →Malaysian cheque leaves print “Ringgit Malaysia” at the start of the words line, so you can begin with the number and end with “Only”, or “Sahaja” if you write in Malay. Sen can be written in words or as “and Sen 90 Only”.
Step by step: a ringgit cheque
- Date: day/month/year.
- Pay: the payee’s full name or company name. For a company, write the registered name, not a brand.
- Or bearer: cross it out so only the named payee can be paid.
- Ringgit Malaysia (words): start at the left, end with “Only” (or “Sahaja”), and line through the rest.
- RM box (figures): two decimals, e.g. 2,450.90.
- Crossing: two lines at the top left, optionally “A/C Payee Only”, so the cheque must be deposited.
- Signature: as on your bank’s records.
What a cheque costs you
Since 2 January 2015 banks charge the person issuing a cheque RM0.50 per cheque, on top of the stamp duty collected when you buy the cheque book. Some banks exempt senior citizens and disabled customers. The fee is not refunded if your cheque bounces; it is refunded only if the bank itself returned the cheque wrongly. For one-off payments, DuitNow or interbank GIRO is usually cheaper.
Bounced cheques and your record
Bank Negara Malaysia closed its central Dishonoured Cheques Information System (DCHEQS) on 30 September 2020. Banks now keep their own dishonoured-cheque records, and too many bounced cheques can lead your bank to close your current account. Banks also charge a fee for each returned cheque. Keep enough in the account before the payee is likely to deposit, especially with post-dated cheques.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a cheque valid in Malaysia?
Banks generally treat a cheque as expired six months after the date written on it. An expired cheque can still be evidence of a debt, but the bank will not pay it.
Can I write a Malaysian cheque in Malay?
Yes. You can write the amount in Bahasa Malaysia and end it with “Sahaja”. Keep the whole words line in one language.
Why was I charged 50 sen for a cheque?
Malaysian banks charge a RM0.50 processing fee for every cheque issued, under Bank Negara Malaysia’s pricing strategy that started on 2 January 2015.
Does DCHEQS still exist?
Not centrally. Bank Negara discontinued DCHEQS on 30 September 2020. Each bank now keeps its own record of dishonoured cheques.
Sources
Rules change, and banks can apply stricter practices than the law requires. Check with your bank before relying on a detail for a large or time-sensitive payment. This guide is general information, not legal advice.