The Central Bank of Myanmar published a public awareness notice urging people to handle banknotes in circulation carefully and warning that deforming or otherwise damaging banknotes is prohibited and may result in criminal sanctions. The notice cited Section 40(e) and Section 62 of the Central Bank of Myanmar Act, which provide that the Central Bank is the sole issuer of domestic currency and has the exclusive right to issue banknotes and coins. It also referenced a prohibition in the Central Bank of Myanmar law on acts of deformity, with violations punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. The announcement further stated that engraving words on banknotes does not create liability for the State or state governments, and that conduct intended to cause public fear or panic or to incite crime may be punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment under subsections (c) and (d) of the Penal Code.
Central Bank of Myanmar 2026-01-09
Central Bank of Myanmar issues public warning on banknote defacement and potential criminal penalties
The Central Bank of Myanmar issued a notice urging careful handling of banknotes, warning that damaging them is prohibited under the Central Bank of Myanmar Act and may lead to fines or imprisonment. The notice also highlighted that acts intended to incite fear or crime could result in up to two years' imprisonment under the Penal Code.