A Malaysian woman recently took to social media to share an unusual encounter involving a temple donation counter worker, after she claimed he tore a RM10 note in half while giving her change.
The incident quickly sparked debate online, with some netizens questioning whether such an act could be considered an offence.
Took joss paper for prayer, later told it costs RM15
In her post, the woman said she visited a shrine and took a pack of joss paper from a man who was managing the shrine.
She said she was about to burn the joss paper when the uncle told her that the pack cost RM15.
Surprised by the price, she questioned why it was so expensive. She also pointed out that she had already placed money into the shrine’s donation box.
However, the uncle reportedly told her the prayer items belonged to him personally.
Gave RM20 but asked for RM5 change
The woman said she eventually agreed to pay.
She handed the uncle RM20 and told him that since the joss paper cost RM15, he would need to return RM5.
According to her, the uncle replied that he did not have RM5 change.
But when she pointed out that he still needed to return RM5, he reportedly did something unexpected.
RM10 note allegedly torn in half
The woman claimed the uncle took a RM10 note and tore it into half, before giving one half to her and keeping the other half himself.
Photos shared in the post show a half-torn RM10 banknote, which she said was the piece she received.
Confused by the situation, she asked online whether such an act could be considered illegal.
She also questioned whether someone who handled temple donations should behave in such a way.
The post quickly gained attention online, with many netizens pointing out that damaging Malaysian banknotes may constitute an offence.
Some suggested that the woman could report the incident to authorities, while others said the torn note could still be exchanged at a bank.
