In about 2 weeks, Muslims in Malaysia will be celebrating Eid al-Fitri, locally known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, marking the end of the month-long fasting during the current holy month of Ramadan.
Accordingly, one of the unique local traditions that Malaysians practise during Aidilfitri is to give green money packets or angpows, known colloquially as Duit Raya to our family and friends, which is a tradition adapted from the Chinese red envelope custom during Chinese New Year.
The most popular Duit Raya amount over the past 23 years
For illustration purposes
With that in mind, have you ever wondered what the most common Duit Raya amount given during Aidilfitri?
Well, that’s the exact question that the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) used data over the past 24 years to figure out and well, the answer may surprise you!
Taking to its official Facebook page, DOSM sought to find the most common Duit Raya amount by looking at the most circulated Ringgit banknotes during each Aidilfitri period over the past 24 years.
For illustration purposes
According to the agency under the Prime Minister’s Department, the most widely circulating Ringgit banknotes during every Aidilfitri season in Malaysia are RM1, RM5, RM10 and RM20.
Furthermore, it was found that in the year 2000, the most popular Duit Raya amount was RM10, followed by RM5 in 2nd place and RM1 in 3rd place.
For illustration purposes
Meanwhile, in 2010, RM10 is still the most popular Duit Raya amount followed by RM1 and RM5.
In 2020, RM10 is STILL the most popular Duit Raya amount, followed by RM20 in 2nd place and RM1 in 3rd place. I’m beginning to see a pattern here ?
As for last year, RM10 still reigns supreme at 1st place, followed by RM20 and tied at 3rd place were RM5 and RM1.
RM10 in 2000 is worth RM16.38 today
Hence, over the past 23 years or so, RM10 has been the most popular Duit Raya amount, which is rather surprising given how inflation has affected the Malaysian economy.
For context, according to DOSM’s very own CPI Inflation Calculator, RM10 in the year 2000 would be worth RM16.38 this year.
For illustration purposes
Furthermore, RM10 in the year 2010 is worth RM13.22 in today’s economy and RM10 last year is now worth RM10.15 today.
Hence, despite RM10 consistently being the most popular Duit Raya amount over the past 23 years or so, the value has since dropped. Well, maybe that’s why in 2020 and 2023, the second most popular Duit Raya amount is RM20.
For illustration purposes
So, what do you guys think of the sharing by DOSM? How much Duit Raya do you usually give or receive from your family and friends?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: M’sian ‘Unboxing’ CNY Angpows Disappointed to Find Damaged RM50 Note That Even ATM Won’t Accept
