Saturday, December 26, 2009

Malaysia Stamp Issue 2010

Source: Pos Malaysia
A glimpse of the Malaysian stamps scheduled for year 2010 - the Year of the Tiger. Note: Stamp issues and dates are tentative and often subject to last minute changes.

Malaysian Currency - January 5

1 Malaysia Collection - Month of January

Malaysia-Korea Joint Issue (Tiger) - February 23

Ferns - March 10

Local Markets - March 23

Medical Excellence - April 7

Firefly - May 10

Malayan Railways - June 1

Threatened Habitats - June 21

Orang Asli - July 7

Brave Warrior - July 31

Traditional Festive Food - August 10

Highland Tourist Spot - September 27

Post Office - October 9

Traditional Games - October 18

Children's Pet - November 20

Malaysia-Iran Joint Issue - December 22

Monday, December 7, 2009

Arachnids Stamps

Malaysia post issued a set of four stamps featuring various spiders found in the country. The spiders are Fighting Spider, Curved Spiny Spider, St Andrew’s Cross Spider, Golden Orb-web Spider some of which are poisonous also.

Thiania bhamoensis:
The species is iridescent green-blue. Females are more green, males more blue. From the front view, the female’s face are black. And the males are white.

These spiders build a silken retreat by binding a pair of green leaves together, where they rest, moult and lay their eggs, which is unusual for a jumping spider. Making a single rivet to attach the leaves takes about half an hour. About four to ten rivets are arranged in a roughly elliptical manner. These nests are built by both sexes and juveniles. Although T. bhamoensis can be found on many kinds of plants, it most often chooses Crinum asiaticum (spider lily).

Because two males will readily fight each other, either in a natural setting, or if put together, they are commonly known as “fighting spider” in South-east Asia. These spiders are commonly kept in matchboxes with a piece of green leaf and a spat of saliva for moisture. A spider that wins fight after fight gets the status of “first king”.

Gasteracantha arcuata:
Spiders of the Gasteracantha genus build vertical orb-webs with an open hub which are easily recognised. They have a hard, flat body armed with three pairs of spines on the edge of the abdomen. The spinnerets are elevated on a large projection and surrounded by a sclerotised ring-like structure.

In Singapore, the spider can be found only among tree branches on Bukit Timah Hill.

Argiope versicolor:
This species appears very similar to Argiope pulchella. Both have a pentagonal abdomen. The flat, oval, whitish egg-sac has a papery texture and is often suspended near the web. Argiope spiders make webs which are suspended vertically 1-2 metres from the ground.

The web of mature female spiders of this genus can be easily recognised by the X-shaped zigzag bands of white silk in the centre of the web.

The brilliantly coloured spider with silvery hair on the carapace sits head down in the centre of the web, and holds its legs in pairs in such a way that they appear to be aligned to the four arms of the letter ‘X’. The males are dull in colour and like the females, have the habit of pairing their legs. Their webs are, however, decorated by a lace-like centre, instead of white bands in the shape of the letter ‘X’.

Nephila maculata:
The Golden Orb Web Spider is not the largest spider, but makes the largest and strongest web. It gets its name from the golden colour of its silk.

The web can run from the top of a tree 6m high and up to 2m wide. Unlike other spider webs, the Golden Orb Web Spider’s web is not dismantled often and can last several years.
Designed to catch large flying insects, the web is slightly angled. It is not a perfect wheel and is usually off-centre. To make its web, the spider releases a thin thread into the wind. When it catches on something, the spider walks along it trailing a stronger non-sticky thread. It repeats the process in the centre of the line to form a strong Y-frame. Around this, it spins the rest of the web out of sticky capture silk.

The silk is so strong that it can trap small birds, which the spider doesn’t eat. These trapped creatures often destroy the web by thrashing around. To avoid such damage, the spider often leaves a line of insect husks on its web (like the safety strip across glass doors!); or builds smaller barrier webs around the main web.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 7th December 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen (2 Designs), 50 sen & RM1
Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : RM5 (Embossed)

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation 14

Paper Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Teh Yew Kiang

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

State Definitive Series - Special Collection Garden Flowers Stamps



The State Definitive Series - Special Collection is a special and limited collection where all the six denomination of each state definitive stamps featuring Garden Flowers issued on 31st December 2007 is available in 14 separate mini sheets according to each state. This collection comprises of 14 mini stamp sheets in a specially designed envelope and a first day cover.


5 sen Stamp

The 5 sen stamp features the sacred lotus (Nelumbium nelumbo) which is an aquatic perennial that can grow up to a height of 6 metres depending on the depth of the swamp or creek it grows in. The roots are planted firmly in the mud beneath the water surface and is attached to a long stem with large circular leaves that float on the water surface. the pink lotus flower at the top end of the stem blooms early in the morning and wilt by the end of daylight. The fruit is a conical shaped pod with seeds arranged in the holes. The flower, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are edible, while the big mature leaves are commonly used to wrap steamed food.

The lotus plant has great significance in Eastern religions and is especially sacred to Buddhism as it represents reincarnation.

The garden flower state definitives were re-issued on November 24, 2009 from the original ones issued on December 31, 2007. The major change between the original ones and the re-issued ones is the change of portrait of ruler for Negeri Sembilan, though the design of the other states remain similar. The orignal Negeri Sembilan garden flower state definitives employed the portrait of Tuanku Jaafar while the re-issued ones used the portrait of Tuanku Muhriz. Actually, there was a stamp issue to commemorate the installation of Tuanku Muhriz as the 11th Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan on October 26, 2009.




Technical Details

Date of Issue : 24th November 2009

Stamp Value : 5s, 10s, 20s, 30s, 40s & 50sen

Sheet Content : 6 Stamps

Set of 14 Sheets

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing : Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Dato Prof Raja Zahabuddin bin Raja Yaacob

Monday, October 26, 2009

Coronation of HRH Sultan of Negeri Sembilan Stamp

Stamps in honour of ruler

The first day covers and stamps to commemorate the installation of the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, will be launched today.

The commemorative stamps and first day covers launch will be held together with a royal exhibition at the Istana Lama Seri Menanti here.

The month-long exhibition, organised by the Negri Sembilan Museum Board (LMNS), will display photographs of the royal family and historical materials from the days of Tuanku Muhriz's father, the late Tuanku Munawir Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

LMNS director Shamsudin Ahmad said the stamps would be a valuable collection for local and foreign stamp enthusiasts, besides the opportunity to learn more about the royal family at the exhibition.

"This is of one of the most significant royal occasions in the state in many years.

"Visitors will get a glimpse into the life and history of Tuanku Muhriz and his family."


The exhibition will be open to the public from 9am to 6pm.

Among other events lined up for the royal celebration is a week-long handicraft carnival and exhibition of the state's history, which begins today at the Terachi Culture and Handicraft Centre, located near the palace.

Visitors and locals can also enjoy local films, including Jangan Pandang Belakang and Congkak, organised by the state National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) and Malaysian National Film Development Corporation at the Seri Menanti field.

The screenings start from 8pm today.

State JKKN deputy director Rahmat Md Noh said today's screening would be the first of a series of programmes, including cultural performances and concerts, lined up for the royal celebration.

The istiadat bersiram (royal bathing ceremony) will be held tomorrow, where Tuanku Muhriz and his consort, Tunku Ampuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Tengku Besar Mahmud, will be carried out of the Istana Besar Seri Menanti on a takhta rencana (royal carriage).

They will be taken to the panca persada (ceremonial dais), where the royal bathing ceremony, conducted by the orang empat istana (senior ceremonial officials), will take place.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 26th October 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen RM1

Sheet Content : 20 Values

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Royal Malaysian Navy

Friday, October 9, 2009

Caring Society Stamp

2009 is the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the the Child (CRC). This legally binding treaty calls on all citizens of the world, from its leaders to each and every one of us to live up to our duties to ensure every child survives and thrives, free from hunger, want, neglect and abuse.

The CRC demands from every one of us , as part of a caring society, to place children at the heart of human development. Not only because this offers a strong return on our investment; nor because of the vulnerability of childhood calls upon our compassion; but rather because that is every child's right.


30 sen stamps

Right to Play

Play and participation are critical rights for every child. It facilitates creativity, individuality and social, physical and intellectual growth. There are children however who are deprived of play due to conflict, disease and exploitation. Building safe social and physical environment must be a priority so all children can play and develop into caring citizens free to participate in shaping their own societies.

Right to Food

Every child born into this world has a right to survive. Nutritious food and clean water are amongst the most essential needs to ensure a child's good heaalth to develop mentally and physically. Universal and sustainable food security is part and parcel of protecting this right for children and their families.


Right to Learn

The ABCs are the beginning of a brighter future for every child. The opportunity to learn and benefit from development must be the right of all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, economic background, disability, citizenship or HIV status. Only when every single child is able to read and write can we truly begin to reduce poverty and guarantee true human progress for all communities.

Right to Protection

Every child has the right to grow up safe, free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and discrimination. Yet many experience violence in their childhood, their homes and families, schools, care systems and communities. Giving our children a happy childhood is only possible when society unites to openly confront violence and to defend children's right to protection.

RM1 stamp

Born with Rights

Children are the seeds of a country's future. For them to grow and realize the fullest potential, a conducive environment for their development and growth must first be set in place. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) helps create this environment for children aged 18 and below by setting the standards for their health care, education , as well as legal, civil and social services.

To ensure that children are accorded their rights as enshrined in the CRC, Article 45 of the CRC itself mandates that UNICEF play the most important role of all; Help foster the implementation of the rights of the child.


Technical Detailss

Date of Issue : 9th October 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen (Block of 4 designs), RM1 (Braille Embossed)

Sheet Content : 20 Values

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing : Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : TBWA\Tequila

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Energy Efficient Buildings Stamps

Global warming has become a matter of great concern worldwide. One of the major contributor to the problem is uncontrolled release of global warming agent, carbon dioxide (CO2).The harmful CO2 which is also a greenhouse gas is released into the atmosphere each time the power plant generate electricity. One of the ways to address this issue is by building innovative sustainable buildings or buildings that use energy efficiently. Efficient use of energy will reduce the rate of harmful CO2 emission and contribute towards a better environment.

Building are responsible for approximately 40% of the greenhouse gas emission into the environment due to the embodied energy used during its construction and operation. The lifespan of a building is normally up to a half century or more. The longer its lifespan, the higher accumulated energy is used and more CO2 is released into the atmosphere.

The degree of energy efficiency of a building is normally measured and compared in Building Energy Index (BEI). The BEI is expressed in total energy used, which is normally the total kWH of electricity per square metre per annum (kWh/m2/year) of the building's net area. An energy efficient building should aim for a lower BEI. In Malaysia, the recommended BEI of an energy efficient building is not more than 100 kWh/m2/year.

30 sen stamp

The Green Energy Office (GEO) building is the first government building design with capability to generate its own energy from green energy sources. It has been designed to demonstrate the extent to which energy efficiency (EE) features can be exploited to achieve a low Building Energy Index (BEI) and incorporates extensive use of renewable energy through the use of solar photovoltaic power generation. The objective of the building project is to demonstrate the intensive use of EE in lowering the energy consumption and RE to generate most of the energy needs from green energy source. This is based on the economic and fuel price scenario within the next 10 to 15 years.

50 sen stamp

The Low Energy Office (LEO) building is the first government energy efficient building designed in 2001 with integrated EE features. The objective of the building project is to demonstrate the feasibility of an EE building without compromising user's comfort with current economic scenario. A number of known and proven energy efficiency technologies has been incorporated into the design of the building and has achieved it Building Energy Index of 100 kWh/m2/year.


RM1 stamp

The Diamond Building is the first government building to be designed with integrated green building features. It is designed to have a Building Energy Index (BEI) of 85 kWh/m2/year as well as to incorporate solar photovoltaic system to generate clean electricity upon its completion in 2010.

A special feature of the building is the "inverted pyramid" concept, which creates extensive shading of the building to reduce heat gained from the sides of the building. It will also enhance the use of daylight to minimise the use of artificial lighting. The cost-effective Diamond Building received provisional "Green Building Index Platinum" rating based on its unique design and green building features.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9th September 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen & RM1

Sheet Content : 20 Values

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

First Malaysian Submarine Stamp

Kapal Diraja Tunku Abdul Rahman (KD TAR) is the first of two Malaysian Scorpene Class submarines. As a high technology strategic asset, the arrival of KD TAR in September 2009 is a historic milestone not only for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) but also for Malaysia as it is a great achievement in Malaysia's defence arena.

General Specification of the Submarine:

Length 67.56 metres

Max Breadth 6.2 metres

Height 12.3 metres

Draught 5.4 metres

Displacement 1758 tonnes

Armament Torpedo and Missile

30 sen stamp

The 30 sen stamp shows a graphic sketch of KD TAR. The new generation diesel-electric submarine called Scorpene is named after a reef fish that is capable of disguising itself according to its surrounding.

50 sen stamp

The 50 sen stamp shows KD TAR equipped with the latest high technological navigation system, communication equipments and fire control system appropriate with it's role and responsibility to face the future modern warfare.

50 sen stamp

This 50 sen stamp portrays KD TAR sailing in the ocean to begin her journey and its mission in protecting Malaysia's sovereignty. KD TAR is one of the sophiscated asset owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy since its inception 75 years ago.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 3rd September 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen (2 Designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Values

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation 14

Paper Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Royal Malaysian Navy

Monday, August 31, 2009

1 Malaysia Stamps

Unity will now be portrayed in stamps.

Pos Malaysia will be introducing limited editions of first-day covers of the stamps featuring three designs – One Malaysia, Unity and People First. These will have a value of 30 sen each and only 400,000 copies of each design will be sold at post offices.

The One Malaysia design shows a 3-D image of the 1Malaysia logo while the background shows the official 1Malaysia logo arranged in the shape of a map of Malaysia.

The Unity stamp illustrates the various races and ethnic groups united as one. The national flag is depicted in the shape of a heart to signify the love of the people for Malaysia.

The People First design depicts citizens in various sectors of society who ensure national security and peace.

Pos Malaysia stamp and philately unit head Yasmin Ramli said the miniature sheets, which feature a special die-cut design of the 1Malaysia logo with transparent hot foil stamping is also available at RM5 each.

“The first-day cover is 30 sen each. Stamp booklet featuring 10 stamp designs are priced at RM3.”



































Technical Details

Stamp Value :30sen (5 designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design Sdn Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 5.00

Stamp Booklet Value : RM 3.00

Folder Value : RM 5.50

Date of Issue : 31-Aug-2009

Globalisation challenges faced by all countries worldwide have created a need for each country to re-strategise in order to stay in line with the global developments and to avoid being victims of exploitation. In order to overcome this, all Malaysians irrespective of race and religion must act and think as one Bangsa Malaysia, with the same aim and objective. This move is envisaged to make Malaysia more peaceful, advanced, safe and harmonious, with the ability to be globally competitive.


In order to have a Bangsa Malaysia that is more resilient in facing the various challenges brought by the globalisation wave including the social, economic and political fields, the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Seri Naajib Tun Razak introduced the 1Malaysiaconcept which is based on the principles of "People First, Performance Now". This concept meets the needs of Malaysians and is in line with the existing Federal Constitution and the principles of the Rukun Negara.


The 1Malaysia concept aims to strengthen the relationship and cooperation amongst the many races in Malaysia towards becoming united, able and ready to take on any challenges that might come its way. Once this concept is put to practice by all Malaysians, Malaysia will have greater peace and success and this would bring the country to greater heights in the eyes of the world.

1Malaysia
This stamp shows the 3 dimensional image of 1Malaysia logo, while the background shows the official 1Malaysia logo arranged in the shape of the map of Malaysia that portrays the 1Malaysia concept covering the entire nation.

Unity
This stamp shows the unity of the various races and ethnic groups in Malaysia united as one to protect and preserve Malaysia. The national flag is depicted in the shape of a heart to signify the love of Malaysians towards their country.

People First
This stamp feature the first part of the slogan "People First"; it depicts Malaysians comprising various sectors of society to ensure the nation's peace and prosperity, to ensure sufficient education is provided to all youths of various race and religion, resulting in the need of professionals and last but not least the need for public services; all are needed in order to ensure a successful development of the nation and a bright and excellent future of the nation.

Performance Now
Featuring the second half of the slogan "Performance Now", this stamp depicts the nation expanding and undergoing rapid development that can be seen in many fields such as science and technology, economy and information technology which is vital for the nation to achieve a global status.

National Principles
This stamp reflects the 5 principles of Malaysia that is:
Belief in God
Loyalty to the King and Country
Sovereignty of the Constitution
Rule of Law
Good Behaviour and Morality

Miniature Sheet
The Miniature Sheet depicts Malaysians from various races and ethnic groups surrounding the 1Malaysia logo signifying the unity of Bangsa Malaysiamoving towards the same direction, for the best interests of the nation.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Tuber Plants Stamps

The term tuber plants or root crops is applied to plants which produce subterranean structures that are used as human or animal foods. These perennial plants have organs which store plant nutrients. In many cases the storage organs may be a root or a modified stem, for example a swollen rhizome or corm, or a tuber such as a potato or a swollen root as in carrot or sweet potato. All these swollen underground organs are commonly spoken of as tubers

Root crops are the second most important source of carbohydrates in the worlds food, the most important being cereals. However, in the tropical world, root crops are proportionally much more important. In fact, in many tropical countries where rice is not grown, they are the staple diet. In general the protein content is low, but some, like potato and yam provide significant amounts of certain vitamins.



Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Sweet potato is a dicotyledonous plant which belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. Amongst the approximately 50 genera and more than 1,000 species of this family, on Ipomoea batatas is a crop plant whose large, starchy, sweet tasting tuberous roots are an important root vegetable. The young leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens.

This plant is an herbaceous perennial vine, bearing alternate heart-shaped or palmate lobed leaves as well as medium-sized trumpet-shaped flowers and thus are also grown as ornamental plants. The edible tuberous root is long and tapered, with a smooth skin whose colour ranges between red, purple, brown, yellow, orange and white. Its flesh ranges from white to yellow, orange and purple.



Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Cassava or tapioca (Manihot esculenta) is a woody shrub of the Euphorbiaceaae that is extensively cultivated as an annual crop in tropical and subtropical regions for its edible starchy tuberous root. Tapioca is the third largest source of carbohydrates and contains significant amounts of potassium, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin C.

Tapioca is long and tapered with a firm homogenous flesh encased in a detachable rind about 1mm thick. The skin is light brown to dark reddish brown in colour and has a smooth or rough texture. Commercial varieties can be 5 to 10 cm in diameter at the top and 50 to 80 cm long. The colour of the flesh ranges from chalk white to yellowish.

However, they are poor in protein and other nutrients. In contrast tapioca leaves are a good source of protein but should be supplemented with the amino acid methionine to counter the high cyanide content.



Sengkuang (Pachyrrhizus erosus)

Sengkuang is one species in the genus Pachyrrhizus that is commonly called yam bean.

The sengkuang vine can reach a height f 4-5 metres, given suitable support. Its roots can attain length of up to 2 metres and weigh up to 20 kilograms. The roots exterioris yellowishbrown while its inside is creamy white with a crisp textile that resembles water chestnut or pear.

In contrast to the roots, the remainder of the sengkuang plant is very poisonous; the seeds contain the toxin rotenone, which is used to kill insects and stun fish.

Sengkuang is high in carbohydrates and dietary fiber. It is composed of 86-90% water, containing only trace amounts of protein and lipids. Its sweet flavour makes it a favourite ingredient in rojak and popiah.



Yam

Dioscorea alata L. is a genus of over 600 species of flower plants in the family Dioscoreaceae, native throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. Known as yams, they are important agricultural crops in the tropical regions, grown for their large tubers.

They are tuberous herbaceous perennial climbers, ranging from 2 to 12 metres in height. The leaves are spirally arranged, mostly broad and heart-shaped. The flowers are individually inconspicuous greenish yellow with six petals; they are mostly dioecious, with separate male and female plants, though a few species are monocious, with male and female flowers on the same plant. The fruit is shaped like a capsule in most species.

Many of these are toxic when fresh but they can be detoxified and consumed and are particularly important in parts of Aftrica, Asia and Oceania.



Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant grown primarily for its edible corm, a root vegetable known as taro or cocoyam. It is believed to be one of the earliest cultivated plants and is described by historians as an important crop.

Its primary use, however, is the consumption of its edible corm and leaves. In its raw state, the plant is toxic due to the presence of calcium oxalate and the presence of needle-shaped raphides in the plant cells which can cause irritation to the mouth and tongue/ However, the toxin can be destroyed and the tuber rendered palatable by cooking or by steeping in cold water overnight.

Corms of the small round variety are peeled and boiled and used in local favourites such as bubur caca. The leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals.



Serdang Endau ( Livistona endauensis)

This small to medium palmis only found in the forest of Endau-Rompin, Malaysia. the trunk is erect and slender about 20 cm in diameter, carries a crown of palmate with rather stiff segments of green leaves.

The endemic palm of Endau-Rompin is now planted in many public parks and gardens as a rare collection of palm.





Technical Details

Date of Issue : 23rd July 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen (2 Designs), 50 sen (2 Designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Values

Miniature Sheet : RM3

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : World Communications Network Resources Sdn. Bhd.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Traditional Houses Stamps

Traditional houses are a part of the valuable architectural heritage in Malaysia. There are a variety of traditional houses that can be seen throughout the different states in Malaysia. Traditional houses in Malaysia are reflected by the architectural designs that focus mainly on the styles, culture, skill, creativity, purpose and craftsmanship in building a place for shelter using the raw and organic materials that are available during the particular era.

This collection of 16 stamps depicts the different houses of the states of Malaysia. Each traditional house differs in the architectural designs and style and has their own unique features.



Malay Traditional House

This house bears many similarities to the long roofed houses in Malacca partly due to the historical ties between these two states. The original traditional Selangor is built on 12 main pillars with 6 tall pillars at the verandah area. The skeletal structure is a combination of Cengal, Giam, Damar Laut, Kapur and Kempas wood. The roof is made from Rumbia and Nipah palm.



Dusun Lotud Traditional House

This house is the traditional house for the Dusun and Kadazan tribe, the largest ethnic group in Sabah and can be found in the Tuaran district. The structure that makes up the Lotud house comes from the by-product of the forest, mainly mangrove trees, bamboo, nipah palm and rattan.



Kutai House

This house can only be found along the river banks located in Perak Tengah, Hilir Perak and Kuala Kangsar. The walls are made from bamboo and the roof is made from palm leaves.



Twelve Pillar House

This house display architectural heritage that can only be found in Kota Bahru, Kelantan where it has existed over 1,000 years ago. Its close proximity to the Thailand has great influences in its architectural design mainly in the construction of roof and wooden carving decorations. The skeletal structure is mainly made of Cengal, Meranti and Kapur wood while the roof is made of senggaoa tiles.



Iban Long House

The long house is culturally unique. Within one longhouse, there are several units that houses different Iban families. The roof is made from sago palm such as blue-leave Pantau and Mulong trees. The walls and flooring are made from the bark tree namely Terentang Bark or from bamboo. Till today, the architectural heritage is still preserved, unaffected by the current rapid growth of modern development.



Semai House

This house displays the handicraft from usage of plants and nature. Young hardwood trees such as cengal and Petaling are used for the poles and bertam leaves are used for making the roofs. With regular fumigation from kitchen fires, a well-made thatched roof can last more than five years. Mengkuang leaves are used for weaving decorative wall panels. Bamboo is cut into mat-like strips for flooring and rattan is stripped to make strings to tie the bamboo strips.



Limas House

This house is mainly found in Pontian, Johor. It is characterized by its primary long ridge roof interconnected to four other secondary ridges which protract towards the edges of the roof. The fascia is decorated with wooden carvings to reflect traditional Malay architecture. Material used is mainly Cengal, Keranji and Meranti wood.



Long House

The unique feature of this house is the gable end at both the front and back of the house. The main building stands on stilts or wooden pillars. The exterior walls and the interior partitions are made of bamboo strips interwoven into crisscrossed pattern with senggora tiles.



Limas Bungkus House

This house displays architectural heritage that can only be found in Besut, Terengganu. The roof construction comprises of one long ridge interconnected with four shorter ridges which protract downwards towards 4 respective edges to form the roof.



Adat Minangkabau House

This house resembles those found in Minangkabau, Sumatera, Indonesia. Its distinctive difference from any other house in the other states is its unique roof architecture design where the two ends of the roof arches upwards. The area under the roof is usually a bedroom for the daughters or for storage.



Elephant Milking Verandah House

This house know as the house with the Nursing Elephant verandah which reflects the combination of the main roof at a higher level adjoining the lower roof, thus giving the appearance of an elephant feeding her young. The skeletal structure of the house is made from Cengal and Meranti wood while the roof is made of palm leaves, Rumbia or Nipah palm.



Bajau Laut House

A cluster of houses built on stilts in the sea off the southeast coast of Sabah is typical of a Bajau Laut house. Know to outsiders as Bajau Laut, these nomads distinguished themselves as people of the sea. Boats are their main mode of transportation and they live exclusively by fishing and inshore gathering, collecting among other things, shellfish and sea cucumbers for trade.



Verandah House

This house displays 1,000 years old architectural heritage currently found in villages in Pahang. It comprises of two main structures namely the main unit and a walled covered verandah unit along the front of the main structure. The main unit is further divided into two main areas by a passage called Selang. The unit is characterized by its long roof and a covered verandah.



The Bidayuh Longhouse

The most outstanding features of the Bidayuh Longhouse is the circular head-house, with it conical roof, known as baruk or rumah pangah (the community centre). This is where the village chief and elders discuss local politics and communal issues with the people. It is also where the shamans conduct ceremonies and festivals are celebrated. A raised platform around the inside perimeter of the head-house act as seating and sleeping area for Bidayuh bachelors. Their head-house is supported by a timber frame tied together with rattan.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9th July 2009

Stamp Value : 50 sen (16 Designs)

Sheet Content : 16 Values

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen x 2

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design Sdn. Bhd.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Conservation of Nature Stamps

The conservation of nature is no longer an option, it is necessary to ensure that earth’s vital natural resources are preserved and protected for the future generations. Through the centuries, mankind has destroyed forests, ravaged mountain slopes, polluted water and air, and even today is ongoing. The ecology has become a victim of human activities.

Today natural resources, which provide the basic necessities of life, have become scare. They have been sacrificed in the name of development and economic well-being. The delicate ecological balance has been altered due to the indiscriminate damages inflicted upon nature. Global warming, receding water tables, depleting ozone layers, are only among some of the consequences of these damages.

Worldwide, organizations involved in the preservation of nature have taken initiatives to preserve the environment and are recommending holistic conservation strategies to ensure that natural resources are utilized in a sustainable fashion.

In Malaysia, steps have been taken by the relevant conservation organizations and authorities to ensure that our environment is well preserved. Out vast tropical rainforests, our unique marine life as well as our clean air is dependent on how we preserve and protect them. Today the conservation of nature has become a necessity of life.

Fresh Air –Conserving Air

Malaysia’s rapid emergence as an industrialized country has reaped many benefits economically. With increased development, environmental concerns have also arised and our country has to monitor the increasing air pollution. Thus, air quality monitoring is an important part of the country’s strategy in the pollution prevention program to ensure clean and fresh air for healthy living.


Go Green – Conserving Rainforests

The Malaysian rainforest is home to most of the plant and animal species in the world. However, due to deforestation, many of these species are becoming extinct. Our tropical rainforest play an important role in helping to sustain life. They act as a natural air purifier for our environment. With all the benefits that are derived from the rainforests, we must ensure they are protected.



Clean Water – Conserving Marine Life

Malaysia’s warm climate coupled with heavy rainfall makes our oceans an ideal home for a myriad of underwater marine life. However intense development has caused irreversible damages to our fragile water world. Conservation efforts are being initiated in order to protect and preserve our marine eco-system.





Technical Details

Date of Issue : 18th June 2009

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen (2 Designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Values

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation 14

Paper Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design Sdn. Bhd.

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