The 5th Ministers' Forum on Infrastucture Development in the Asia-Pacific Region Stamp

In an effort to strategize and further strengthen cooperation in infrastructure development, Japan initiated a high level ministerial meeting attended by Ministers in charge of infrastructure in the Asia Pacific Region from October 26 to 28, 1995. Member countries include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, United States of America, Thailand and Vietnam.

Since then, this high-level ministerial meeting has been held biennially. The second meeting was held in Chile in 1997 followed by Hong Kong in 1999 and Indonesia in 2002.

Malaysia is the host country for the 5th Ministers' Forum on Infrastructure Development in the Asia-Pacific Region to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 24 to 25 January 2005. As a prelude to the Forum, an Experts' Meeting was held in the resort island of Langkawi, Malaysia from 29 to 30 November 2004.

Objectives

The infrastructure development cooperation to be directed towards improving the standard of living of the people, drive economic growth and to create prosperity in the Asia-Pacific Region.

In consideration of the geographic differences and levels of development in each country, cooperation to be directed to balance the level of infrastructure development by the way of using the appropriate expertise and technology.

Co-operation to be based on the principles of mutual assistance through exchange of information, experts and increasing collaboration between government and private sectors.

The objectives of the 5th Ministers' Forum is to reach a consensus on environmental issues, concrete and practical solutions on infrastructure development as well as the materialization of the bilateral or multilateral cooperation on a realistic scale.

Scope

The scope of cooperation will, among others include the following infrastructures: roads, railways, seaport, airport, irrigation systems, water supplies, sanitation, electricity, telecommunication, housing and cross-border projects.

Dates and Venues

The 5th Ministers' Forum will be held at the Putrajaya International Convention Center, Putrajaya. Preceding the Forum an Experts' meeting was held in Langkawi from 29 to 30 November 2004. The meeting prepares and recommends the materials for discussion in the Senior Officials' Meeting on 24 January 2005 prior to tabling at the Ministers' Forum on 25 January 2005.








Technical Details

Date of Issue : 24-Jan-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30 mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps with gutter

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phospor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatn Nasional Sdn. Bhd

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

Rare Flowers Series II Stamp

Rhododendrons

The Rhododendron series of stamps features the rare species of flowering plants that are found on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. There are 35 species of Rhododendrons found in Sabah and 25 or these species can be seen on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. Some 12 species of Rhododendrons are unique for they can only be found in Sabah.

Rhododendrons belong to the Ericacae family and are characterized by their large leaves, and large terminal flower clusters. The flowers are shaped like bells, with colors ranging from white, pink, purple to red. However, the flowers cannot withstand direct and intense sunlight, which would bleach the color of the flowers. Rhododendrons need sandy soil with partial shade to grow well.

Some Rhododendrons grow as shrubs while others grow as trees up to four meters in height. These flowering plants are popularly used as borders or decorative items as part of the landscape, and also as specimen plants.

Rhododendron lowii

This species has the largest individual flowers of any Bornean Rhododendron. The flowers are rich gold or apricot in color. The enormous broad green leaves distinguish, this species, and it grows in partially shaded moist soul at altitudes between 2700 meters and 3650 meters. At the upper end of the altitude, the size of the plants are much smaller. This species does not thrive as potted plants, and does not produce any flower in cultivation.

Rhododendron nervulosum

The Rhododendron nervulosum has long, narrow and flat leaves with scales. It also has an abundant of small veins. The species grows as shrubs with smooth branches, ending with one or two flowering umbels. It is usually found at altitudes between 2500 meters and 3000 meters.

Rhododendron stenophyllum

Rhododendron stenophyllum has very narrow, dark green leaves with sparse scales. Its flowers range from orange to red and are waxy in appearance. it grows at altitudes from 2700 meters to 2800 meters, and has two different sub-species that cultivates at different altitudes. The species can only be found in Mount Kinabalu, and its flowers throughout the year, especially from February to June.

It can grow from a small shrub into a small tree up to 4 meters high, with branches that are round and covered with scales when young.

Rhododendron rugosum

Rhododendron rugosum is easily distinguished by its pink, hairy flowers and coarsely weaned. Wrinkled leaves with brown scales. It grows in the altitudinal range of 2000 meters to 3500 meters. The species cultivates well but rarely flowers. It grows in shrubs or small trees up to 8 meters. The twigs are covered by dense brown scales that rub off easily.

Rhododendron stapfianum

This species is highly distinctive with its covering of white hair. It produces flowers throughout the year, but the main flowering season is March and April. Rhododendron stapfianum grows in shrubs up to 1 meter height. The twigs are rounded and green in color with white hair and brown scales.


Technical Details

Date of Issue : 11-Jan-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen (2 Designs), 50 Sen; RM1.00

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps with gutter

Paper : Watermarked,Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.30

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00