KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 24): Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has advised the public to exchange their defaced currency notes, tampered coins and demonetised currencies at any financial institutions.

In a statement yesterday, BNM said the financial institutions will compensate the public on the same day in straight-forward cases of defaced currency notes, but will refer to the central bank for assessment of doubtful cases of defaced currency notes, tampered coins or demonetised currencies. 

"BNM would compensate the public at a later date after the assessment,” the central bank added.

According to BNM, the exchange counters at its head office and branch offices are closed to the public, but remain open to financial institutions for assessment of doubtful cases relating to defaced currency notes, tampered coins or demonetised currencies.