Termites got your cash? You may still get its value back

In Malaysia, individuals who discover their cash eaten by termites may still stand a chance to recover its value, as long as the damaged banknotes satisfy Bank Negara Malaysia's basic reimbursement criteria. According to Bank Negara's website guidelines, even damaged or unfit banknotes can retain value and be exchanged at any financial institution.

For simpler cases, banks can refund customers on the same day if at least two-thirds of the original banknote remains. The banknote should also not display markings on the portrait of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, political slogans, or be defaced by other markings or writings. Bank Negara categorizes termite-infested banknotes as "doubtful cases," similar to burnt and ink-stained notes, according to the guidelines.

A central bank source revealed that the "doubtful case" classification implies the banknotes need assessment by the central authority. In such instances, the banknotes would most likely be reimbursed if they adhere to the basic requirements for straightforward cases, such as retaining at least two-thirds of the original banknote and lacking any markings or defacement involving the portrait of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Recently, a Malaysian woman's ordeal with termites damaging approximately RM2,000 in savings went viral on social media. The woman shared pictures of the damaged RM20 banknotes on Threads under the username @anak_orangsebelah, revealing several notes with nibbled corners and others with large holes, after she found them underneath a cupboard.

Her post garnered over 600,000 views within three days. The incident inspired social media users to advise her to take the damaged notes to a commercial bank or Bank Negara to ascertain whether they could be exchanged. One user shared a similar experience involving their father, who had RM10,000 in cash damaged by termites.