The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has confirmed the issuance of a new generation of polymer banknotes. Denominations of 1, 5, 100, and 500 Brunei dollars have entered cash circulation. The banknotes are made on a polymer substrate, ensuring increased wear resistance and a modern level of security.
Obverse side of the banknotes
The obverse of all banknotes features a portrait of the ruling monarch, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam. The 500 Brunei dollar banknote depicts the Sultan in his youth, while the other denominations show him at his current age. Next to the portrait are images of flowers characteristic of Brunei's flora.
On the 1 Brunei dollar banknote — the flower of Dillenia suffruticosa. On the 5 Brunei dollar banknote — the flower of Cúrcuma lónga. On the 100 Brunei dollar banknote — Melastóma malabáthricum. On the 500 Brunei dollar banknote — Orthosiphon aristatus (cat's whiskers).
Reverse side of the banknotes
The reverse side contains images of key architectural and natural landmarks of the country.
The 1 Brunei dollar banknote features the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex. The 5 Brunei dollar banknote — the Lapau Royal Ceremonial Hall. The 100 Brunei dollar banknote — Chermin Island. The 500 Brunei dollar banknote — Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque. Each banknote maintains an individual design, facilitating visual recognition of the denomination in daily circulation.
Security features
The banknotes are produced on a polymer base. Advanced technologies are used to prevent counterfeiting: VIVID WHITE, Aurora, Spark® Live, DOMINO, and others. DOMINO tactile elements help visually impaired individuals identify the denomination. The polymer material provides durability and resistance to external factors. The new banknotes enter circulation alongside previous issues, which retain their status as legal tender. The release is part of the central bank's strategy to strengthen national currency security and adapt to modern requirements.
