A Chinese tourist recently sparked a discussion online after expressing confusion over the currency abbreviation used at a food stall in Kuala Lumpur.
In a post now viral online, the tourist uploaded a photo of a menu board from a local eatery, where the prices were displayed using “RM”.
However, the tourist questioned why the menu did not use “MYR”, which is Malaysia’s official currency code.
Thought ‘RM’ meant Renminbi (RMB)
In the post, the tourist wrote:
Guys, was I scammed? The menu says RM, so why did they collect payment in Malaysian ringgit? Doesn’t this mean Renminbi (RMB)?” the tourist wrote.
The tourist also questioned why Malaysia’s currency abbreviation was not written as “MYR”.
The tourist also asked other users to help clarify the matter, admitting they were confused by the different currency abbreviations.
Netizens explain RM is commonly used in Malaysia
The post quickly caught the attention of Malaysian and Chinese netizens alike, many of whom stepped in to explain that “RM” stands for “Ringgit Malaysia” and is widely used locally across the country.
Meanwhile, “MYR” is the official international currency code mainly used in banking, forex trading, and formal financial systems.
Some netizens also found the misunderstanding amusing, joking that the tourist probably thought they were being charged in Chinese yuan instead.
Others pointed out that Malaysians have been using “RM” in daily life for decades, especially on menus, price tags, receipts, and advertisements.
At the time of writing, the post has attracted hundreds of reactions and comments online, with many amused by the cultural misunderstanding.
