Japanese Dollars (Malaya-Japanese Government banknotes)

Malaysia as we know it today is a thriving developing country, often considered a “role model” by its Southeast Asian neighbours for its economic and political stability, multicultural harmony and steady progress. 31st August 2007 marks the 50th year of this country's independence from British colonialism and the day the joyful, triumphant shouts of “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!” resonated throughout the nation as Malaya's first Prime Minister, Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman stood on a podium at Merdeka Square doing the same.

The name Malaya was then changed to Malaysia when the country was officially made a federation of 13 states including Sabah and Sarawak. Article 1(1) of the Federal Constitution states that "The federation shall be known, in Malay and English, as Malaysia". Although Singapore broke away and became a nation of its own in 1965, the rest of the states have remained firmly together, combining to make Malaysia the harmonious melting pot of cultures it is today.

Here, i want to share my collection of Malaya-Japanese Government banknotes. Unfortunately, all the banknotes were not in a good condition since my father did not keep it properly and did not notice how valuable it is in the future (historical value). This banknotes used between 1941-1945 (if not mistaken) in Malaya before Merdeka.

Happy 50th Merdeka Celebration to all and may this peaceful life remain forever!