National Angkasawan Programme Stamp

National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations has been given the responsibility of commissioning the process of selecting the national astronaut (Angkasawan Negara). The process reached its peak when two out of the four final candidates was chosen and announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia before they go through the Astronaut Training Program for 18 months in Russia.

The Malaysian people and the country has benefited from this program mainly in the fields of science and technology. This include Space Medicine, Aviation Medicine, Life Science, Environmental Science and Physics where scientists are able to involve themselves to create and design experiments that could be carried out in a unique enviroment. These researchers will benefit selected industries such as in the medical and Aerospace Industries while working towards achieving a scientific society.

This is a pioneer program for this country to cater the next generation into exploring new technologies that is capable of bringing into existence another advantage for Malaysia to compete in the global arena.

30 sen - Soyuz TMA-11
Rocket brought first Malaysian Spaceman to the International Space Station on 10th October 2007.

50 sen - Micro-gravity Science Experiment
One of the objectives of the National Space Program is to send Malaysian Spaceman to ISS and conduct beneficial activities to the country and its people especially in science and technology development for both the present and in the future. The major activity in the International Space Station involves conducting microgravity science research. Some of the experiments that were conducted are regarding cells, microbes and protein in space.

50 sen - International Space Station (ISS)
The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest International scientific project ever produced. It's an outcome of collaboration between countries such as the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and other eleven European countries. The station is generated by solar power which will produce 110 kilowatts of power once it is equipped. Laboratory and habitation modules will support a permanent international crew of seven astronauts. ISS will act as a platform for Earth and space observation and the experiments conducted on board will help produce new materials and pharmaceutical products. which can only be carried out in a microgravity environment.

Miniature Sheet RM2 - Liftoff
Malaysian Spaceman, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Syukor Al-Masrie was lauched to space at 9.21 p.m. (Malaysian Time) on 10th October 2207 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on board the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket. This marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's history where for the first time ever, a Malaysian was successfully able to go to outer space and this is indeed a catalyst for future space exploration projects.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 21st October 2008

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

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

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.

Unique Flowers Stamp

There are many varieties of flowers found in Malaysia and there are some species that are attractive and unique due to their special shape or rare fragrance. Most traditional Malay landscape comprise of plants with fragrant flowers, leaves and wood. In fact, most traditional poetry refer to these unique traits.

The issuance of this Unique Flower stamps is an effort to increase the awareness of such flowers as well as to popularize Malaysian flowers.

Kenerak (Goniothalamus tapis) - 30 sen

Kenerak is a shrub or small tree up to 3 metres high with ascending branches and short twigs forming conical or uneven crown. Leaves are oblong in shape, widest near apex and bluntly tipped, 12 to 24 cm long, 6 to 11 cm wide, dull yellow green. Flowers grow solitary on leaf twigs hanging from short stalks. Calyx is green in colour, and outer petals are cream white or pale yellowish and very fragrant. The fruits are ellipsoid, 1.2cm long, red in colour and turn purplish black as it ripens.

Kenerak is often planted in Malay villages, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu. The flowers are often sold in the markets.

Climbing Lily (Gloriosa superba) - 30 sen

This plant is a species of lily that climbs up to 2.5 metres in height, aided by tendril-like tips at its narrow lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are attractive and unique with narrow yellow and red curly edged petals. When it blooms, the flower turns inside out and points upwards with the stamens and pistil more or less horizontal. The plant has underground bulb which is poisonous.

The plant is cultivated in Malaysian gardens for its unique and attractive flowers. Malays call it Bunga Kembang Songsang because when the flowers are fully bloomed the petals are inverted.

Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) - 50 sen

Rangoon Creeper is a climbing shrub and planted as ornamental plant because of its unique flowers. It can also be found growing wild, escaped from cultivation. The flowers are very attractive and borne in short clusters. the flower tube is 5 cm long and the petals are white but turn red when matured. The flower blooms at bight and very fragrant.

The plant is often planted as climber on fences, on specially prepared pergola or left to climb on big trees.

Banana Shrub (Michelia figo) - 50 sen

The shrub is about 1 to 2 metres high, branched to form bush-shaped canopy. The leaves are elliptical in shape, 5 to 10 cm long, 2 to 6 cm wide with short petiole and dark green in colour. The flowers are about 3 to 4 cm in diameter when fully opened, the bracts are brownish and hairy and the petals are yellowish white with slightly purplish base. The flowers are fragrant reminiscent of banana. In Malaysia the plants seldom bear fruits.

The Chinese community use the flowers to fragrant tea and the Malays use the flowers in aromatic bath and potpourri.

Gooseneck Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) - RM5

A slender herb under the family of cactaceae grows up to 1 to 3 metre. It has a short main stem and long irregular branches that are flat and look like leaves that are jointed with edges that are scalloped , green or slightly brownish, about 6 to 10 cm with 20 to 25 cm long. The large white flowers are nocturnal, very fragrant with slender curved red tubes and red to yellow sepals and numerous white linear or ovate petals. The white stamens are numerous and the style is yellowish white or red and tipped with a lobed stigma.

The Chinese believe that Keng Hwa brings luck and used to grow them in big pots and placed them in front of their houses. It is associated with the belief that when the flowers open at midnight, fairies come out and bring luck.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9th October 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen (setenent) & 50 sen (setenent)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet (Spot Varnish) : RM5

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design


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Royal Headgear Stamp

The Royal Headdress or "Tengkolok" is part of the ceremonial attire of the Malay Rulers. For centuries, Malay Rulers had been wearing headdress made of woven silk fabric that is shaped into different styles for a few hundred years as part of their regalia since the days of the Malay sultanate. This headdress is also called "Destar" and the style of folding is called solek, The colours of the headdress varies from one state to another. There are various styles of folding, among them Anak Gajah Menyusu, Lang Menyusur Angin, Garam Sebuku (Getam Pekasam), Pucuk Pisang Patah, Ayam Patah Kepak and Dendam Tak Sudah.


Headdress of Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong

The royal headdress worn by His Majesty the Yang Dipertuan Agong during his Majesty's Coronation is made of black fabric with gold embroideries. This Destar is know as the Dendam Tah Sudah and its style originated from Negeri Sembilan. The front of the destar is affixed with a crescent, a fourteen-pointed star made of platinum and in the middle star is the colourful Malaysian emblem.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 16th September 2008

Stamp Value : 50 sen x 10 Designs

Stamp Size : 32mm x 27mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Prof. Dato' Raja Zahabuddin Raja Yaacob

Treasures of the Nation's Visual Arts Stamp

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia was formed in 1957. In a period of 50 years, it has collected an estimated 3,700 pieces of artworks. The treasures of national importance in its collection are artworks by some of Malaysia's most distinguished and renowned painters who pioneered and laid the foundation of what is known as modern art in the country. The works chosen here are based on themes that represent the figurative and landscape which is presented here in the styles of realism, expressionism and cubism.

Some of the most important works by local and foreign artists produced since the early 19th century until now are to be found in its

Dato' Syed Ahmad Jamal received his early education in Johor and continued his tertiary education overseas. Many of his works addresses global issues as well as national ones related to the arts of the nation. The works here uses the legendary Mount Ledang as a point of reference to the glorious history of the empire of Malacca, the role of its king, the legendary Hang Tuah, the Princess of Mount Ledang and Tun Mamat.It also symbolised the rising spirit of the young generation as the new leaders of the country.

Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was the artist who in 1950's elevated batik from textile to modern art by introducing figures and scenes of everyday life as its subject matter. His favorite subject matter is the everyday scenes of ordinary Malaysians going about their daily lives, especially in the rural areas.

The fruit season is a situation that is synonymous with our country that is rich with local fruits. Another favourite subject of the artist is women and children or more specifically mother and child themes like the one depicted here, where the bond between parent and child grows stronger by sharing fruits together. It is a message that drives home the need to not just develop the spirit of love and compassion between people buyt also extends to our natural environment.

A graduate from West Berlin, he presents a style that is known as German Expressionism but with ideas and forms inspired by arts of Oceanic tribes from the Pacific states found at the Berlin Museum of Anthropology and Oceanic Arts. Hiss effort to shape a unique artistic identity are clearly presented in this work, a biomorphic tropical landscape composed and stylised with floral forms that touch on cultural iconographies of the region.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 28th August 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen, RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm (30 sen)

30mm x 40mm (50 sen)
35mm x 35mm (RM1)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value :RM 5.50

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : National Art Gaallery

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Centenary Celebrations of the Scouts Association of Malaysia Stamp

The logo for the Scout Association of Malaysia 100th Anniversary Celebration was created based on the founding principles of the worldwide Scout Movement with the theme One World One Promise. The numeric “1” in the logo represents PPM as a distinctive movement where education and knowledge is the essence. The Scout Association of Malaysia Emblem, flanked by the World Scout Emblem and the Jalur Gemilang (National Flag) symbolizes the development of the Malaysian Scout Movement and the nation’s aspirations. The dove stands for the unity and vision of the Scout Movement in realizing the development plans of the Scout Association of Malaysia.

Scouting in Malaysia
Scouting is a popular co-curricular activity and is a form of training and education method for students. Through scouting activities, a lot can be learnt and experienced such as leadership, working in a group (patrol system), scouting skills, job-week, games and singing. The variety of scouting activities have raised great interest among members who also carry out assorted skills and knowledge tests. Those who pass the tests would be awarded proficiency badges and awards by their Scout Masters. The highest award available is the King Scout Award. The King Scout Award is endorsed by DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang DiPertuan Agong and all State Rulers.

The Beginning of Scouting (1908)
Map reading is a survival and navigation skill that was introduced in scouting as early as 1908. By learning this skill, scouts are able to understand and various environments, terrains and landforms on the earth’s surface. This skill can also be practiced more effectively during journeys, expeditions and exploration activities.

Era of Growth (1957-1987)
Building and crossing a Monkey Bridge is a fun activity that builds confidence and inculcate teamwork among scouts. These scouting activities are a form of self-development program that promotes character building and leadership development.

Today’s Scout Movement (1988-2008)
Various water activities such as kayaking, swimming and diving were introduced by the Scouts Association of Malaysia through the Sea Scout Unit which has attracted a lot of public interest to join the scout movement. With proper training and exposure, scouts are more confident in water-based activities. These activities are not limited to recreational only, but also include progressive training like Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross by the Life Saving Society. The Sea Scout Unit has also formed the Life Guard and Rescue Unit pioneered by Rover Scouts



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 14th August 2008

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

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Zonice Rovers

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IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 Stamp

Dragon boat racing is a team sport that originates from China. The dragon boat is a long and narrow boat that combines the power, speed and endurance of 12 or 20 crew members in each team. During racing events, the dragon boats are always rigged with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails and carry a large drum on board. At other times, the decorative regalia are usually removed, although the drum often remains aboard fro training purposes.

The tradition of dragon boat racing in Penang, Malaysia can be traced back to 1934 when “unofficial” races were staged by teams from communities living at the waterfront.. The first Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) race was held in 1979 with local teams racing against teams from Hong Kong and Singapore. Since then, 28 PIDBF racing events have been staged in Penang successfully.

Penang’s bid to host the 6th IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 (CCWC) was approved at the 10th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Congress on 5th August 2005 in Berlin, Germany. This year, the Pearl of the Orient host the biggest dragon boat racing events ever staged in South-East Asia – the first Asian Club Crew World Championship and the 8th Asian Dragon Boat Championships simultaneously at a scenic and beautiful fresh water reservoir, the Teluk Bahang Dam.

For this stamp issue, there are 3 designs of stamps and Miniature Sheet which portray the dragon boat race as a sport that promotes positive values including teamwork and friendship. Members from each team can be seen to be full of concentration at the respective roles; paddlers rowing hard to a synchronized drumbeat by a drummer and the steerer at the rear of the boat controlling the direction of the boat. Dragon Boat racing is an ancient traditional sport which is now shared and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 1st August 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen & RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

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.

>>> Read more about "IDBF Club Crew World Championship 2008 Stamp" <<<