Songket, The Regal Heritage Stamp

This series of stamps feature beautiful designs and motifs that can be found on a Malaysian brocade textile called Songket. Songket is produced by inserting gold or silver thread in between silk or cotton weft or latitudinal threads of the main cloth. Once exclusive to the Malay courts, songket is now accessible to anyone who can afford it. Prices range from above one hundred to tens of thousands of Ringgit per piece, depending on the workmanship and material.

The motifs featured are very much nature inspired, from local flowers, fruits and plants. The use of spatial harmony, balance, rhythm, repetition, and sizes of the motifs express a high level of artistic achievement. The golden or silver thread used in the songket adds rich elegance and glamour to the design of the fabric.

It is still popularly worn by the Malaysian for important occasions, ranging from traditional rites to official ceremonies and functions. Current efforts are in progress to promote and instill national pride in songket and to further propel it to global status.

Pucuk Rebung Gigi Yu

Dubbed the bamboo shoot pattern, it has a very still, disciplined effect. Forming a wavy, indented edge like that of shark's teeth, it is one large, complex design of floral motifs. The overall effect is one of integration and harmony.

Bunga Bertabur Pecah Lapan

This scattered pattern of repeated motifs produces a beautifully harmonizing coverage, balance and visual beauty of the cloth. The flower motif has eight separated petals which meet in a distinct center.

Pucuk Rebung Gigi Yu dan Bunga Kayohan

Another bamboo shoot inspired design formed with gold threads. Rows of flower motifs are intricately patterned in the center. This design is very popularly used for the "kepala" of the songket cloth. It is a very distinctly traditional and uniform pattern that lends a majestic feel to the fabric.

Teluk Berantai Bunga Pecah Empat

This pattern can be woven in some ten distinguishable patterns. The solid chain (rantai) is woven in gold thread with floral motifs. The centers of the chain are filled with flower motifs with 4 separate petals to produce a softer, lace-like appearance.

Potong Wajik Bertabur

This simple scattered pattern creates great spatial coherence, balance and visual beauty with symmetrical motifs. This motif is inspired by the glutinous sweet rice cake called the potong wajik which is a popular Malay dessert.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 29-Apr-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00 ( Setenant )

Stamp Size : 30 mm x 40 mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm x 40mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked,Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : TV3(Creative Services Dept.)

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.50

Folder Value : RM 5.00

Traditional Dance Stamp

The expressive power of dance as an art form has endured for centuries, in many different parts of the world. Malaysia, with her rich intermingling of cultures, has a particularly rich and varied dance heritage.

Whether performed by Malays, Chinese, Indians, or by the peoples of Sabah and Sarawak, each performance is a rich tapestry which weaves together exquisite costumes and equally delicate and expressive movements. Whether telling a story, celebrating a harvest, or celebrating life itself, the Dances Of Malaysia are among our most cherished cultural traditions.

Traditional Malay dances are steeped in history and legend. The Kelantanese Tarian Asyik is supposed to represent the flight of birds - and the fluid grace of the dancers, as they sway gently to the sound of traditional instruments such as the serunai, gambang and rebab, certainly takes the imagination on a flight of fancy. Equally mesmerizing is the Tarian Zapin, which has Persian roots and has now developed many forms across the states of Malaysia. One of the more intriguing variants is the Zapin Tenglu from Mersing, which depicts the ebb and flow of the tides and the lives of local fisherfolk.

Chinese dances, on the other hand, use simple props such as Fan, Umbrella, and Handkerchief as extensions of the dancer's own emotions. For instance, the fan is used to express joy and happiness. The umbrella is used primarily to express passionate feelings, either between a male and female or between an individual and his or her surroundings. Many Chinese traditional dances are an important accompaniment to key festivals, and are accompanied by the pounding of the gu (drums) and bo (cymbals).

Indian dances are many and varied; some express a more spiritual angle, others express the simple joys of village life. Indian dances can be divided into classical and folk styles. Of the seven classical styles, perhaps the best known is Bharata Natyam, mastery of which can take many years due to the many intricate hand, leg and eye movements which must be learnt in order to perform this time-honored and venerated dance in its full, unforgettable splendor

Kathak dance is another form of classical dance. The word Kathak is derived from Katha, meaning "the art of story telling". From its early form as a devotional expression dedicated to the Hindu gods, Kathak gradually moved out into the courts of the rulers.

Dances Of Sabah and Sarawak - perhaps the region of Malaysia which is most blessed with forms of dance from Sabah and Sarawak. The sheer variety reflecting the many different ethnic groups of the land. The Sumazau is often regarded as the state dance of Sabah. It is simple, yet graceful and evocative, as the dancers, clad in authentically Kadazan black velvet, sway like birds to the sounds of gongs. In the neighboring state of Sarawak, Datun Julud, a female dance of the Orang Ulu tribe of Sarawak is performed with typical grace and beauty with a distinct costume that include feathers that are attached to the hands giving the impression of birds in flight. The movement vocabulary simply focuses on changing weight from one leg to the other in an almost pedestrian manner making it earthbound while the use of the arms gives it a lifted and light impression. As for Kanjet Ngeleput, this dance is also from the orang Ulu tribe of Sarawak. The dance of a male warrior is largely improvised deriving and depicting the activity of hunting. The manner of placing and transference of weight is particularly interesting beginning with the heel and through the outside of the foot while the arms maintain a gentle swaying quality but is fairly straight.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9-Apr-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm x 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40mm x 30mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 3.50

Folder Value : RM 5.00



POS Malaysia 9 April 2005, Saturday Press Release

TRIBUTE TO TRADITIONAL DANCES OF MALAYSIA

Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) today issues Special Stamp and First Day Covers on "Traditional Dance" on Saturday, 9th April 2005.

The Special Stamp and First Day Covers was launched by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister of Urban Development And Tourism, Sarawak at Sarawak Tourism Auditorium Complex, Kuching. The beautiful stamps featured various traditional dances of Malaysia.

"Malaysia, with her rich intermingling of cultures, has a particularly rich and varied dance heritage" said Dato' Ikmal Hijaz Hashim, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

"Whether the dance is performed by different races such as the Malays, Chinese, Indians, or by the people of Sabah and Sarawak, each performance is unique and a rich tapestry which weaves together exquisite costumes and equally delicate and expressive movements. Pos Malaysia is happy to document the Dances of Malaysia as commemorative stamps as they are among our most cherished cultural tradition," added Dato' Ikmal.

The stamps, 40mm x 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 by using SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in the denominations of 30 sen, 50 sen and RM1. Pos Malaysia Berhad is also issuing First Day Covers at 30 sen each and Presentation Pack at RM 3.50 each. Miniature sheet, 100mm x 70mm in size, is available with a stamp in the size of 30 x 40mm at RM2.

Malaysian Made Vehicles - Gen 2 Stamp

Proton's commitment to Research & Development (R&D) and focus on automation addresses the challenge of a globalized industry. The new world class manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak provides Proton with additional production capacity of 100,000 cars a year to the existing 250,000 a year at the factory in Shah Alam, Selangor. The unique modular design vehicle platform in Tanjung Malim allows for mixed production of different vehicle types, giving Proton the distinctive capability to make anything from small cars to the larger Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPV). The Gen2, which was the first model to drive off these unique production lines, is fitted with a homegrown engine, the CAMPRO, designed to incorporate other applications such as cam profile switching technology, variable valve timing and the use of natural gas. The Gen2 is now known in the market for its fuel efficiency. The R&D team is currently creating a new engine family of higher capacity to complement the CAMPRO.

With the right combination of technology and human innovation, Proton strives to achieve its dream of having Proton cars driven in every country around the world and its new spirit of Daring to Dare provides just the impetus.

The Proton's mark of pride found on every Proton car features a snarling tiger, displaying strength and courage, and symbolizing the company's boldness of competing in the highly aggressive world of international automotive manufacturing. Of the 11 car-producing nations around the globe, Malaysia, the smallest and youngest car manufacturer can today proudly lay claim to having successfully produced a car from scratch in only 20 years, half the time taken by other well-established names in the motoring world. The Proton Gen2 has concluded the full circle of the company's evolution - from car assembler to a full-fledged automotive engineering company thriving on Malaysian talent, innovation and technology. Its launch in February 2004 also marked the unveiling of the Proton Platinum logo - the molten tiger - to signify premier products and services pledged to all customers of Proton.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 7-Mar-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30 mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm X 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : McCann Erickson (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Stamp Booklet Value : RM 3.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 2 March 2005, Wednesday Press Release

SPECIAL STAMPS TO CELEBRATE PROTON’S TRANSITION INTO A NEW ERA WITH GEN.2

In collaboration with PROTON Holdings Berhad, Pos Malaysia Berhad (PMB) is issuing special stamps and First Day Covers featuring PROTON Gen.2 to the public on Monday, 7th March 2005.

The special stamps and First Day Covers will be launched by YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, PROTON’s Advisor at the Perdana Leadership Foundation Auditorium, Putrajaya on 21st March 2005, Monday.

“PROTON Gen.2 is Malaysia’s first model to be fitted with homegrown CAMPRO engine and it signifies the evolution of PROTON from a vehicle assembler to a full-fledged world class car manufacturer. Pos Malaysia Berhad is pleased to acknowledge this accomplishment and the stamps are a tribute to PROTON’s achievement,” said Dato’ Ikmal Hijaz Hashim, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

Launched in February 2004, PROTON Gen.2 is the first new car model to be produced at PROTON’s new world class manufacturing plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak. Its launch also unveiled the PROTON Platinum logo which signifies premier products and services pledged to all customers of PROTON. PROTON Gen.2 is now known in the market for its fuel efficiency.

Of the 11 car-producing nations around the globe, Malaysia, the smallest and youngest car manufacturer can proudly claim that is has successfully produced a car from scratch in only 20 years, half the time taken by other well-established automotive manufacturers. The stamps, 40mm x 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in the denominations of 30sen, 50sen and RM1. Miniature Sheet, 100mm x 70mm in size, is available with a stamp in the size of 30mm x 40mm at RM2. First Day Covers at 30sen each, Presentation Pack at RM4 each and Stamp Booklet at RM3 each can be purchased at all Post Offices nationwide. Folder at RM5 each is only available at selected Post Offices

Migratory Birds of Malaysia Stamp

Malaysia's shores welcome millions of tourists every year. Among them, a very special group of visitors who need neither passports nor visas, although many have flown hundreds, or indeed, thousand of miles to be here.

There are Malaysia's migratory birds, from North Asia, Europe, and elsewhere.

Like many of their human counterparts, these visitors are escaping the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. They are attracted to Malaysia by our warm, sunny climate and the abundance of food.

Among the most striking of these visitors is the Purple Heron (Ardea Purpurea). The Purple Heron seeks secluded wetlands and marshes throughout Peninsular Malaysia. It is known to be shy and reclusive, and is therefore difficult to spot, despite its large size (adults can attain up to 90cm in height). However, a glimpse of its exquisite plumage of chestnut and maroon, with a faint purplish tinge, makes the effort worthwhile.

The Crested Honey Buzzard (Pernis Ptilorhyncus) visits our country from its breeding grounds in remote Siberia. It soars gracefully on air currents, punctuating its flights with high-pitched calls as it seeks out bees' nests, from which it feeds on honey and bee larvae. These birds have been sighted at Sepang in Selangor, Tanjung Tuan in Melaka and Pulau Kukup in Johor.

To catch a glimpse of the Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna Bengalensis), take a drive to the coast, particularly near Langkawi. If you're lucky, you'll witness their spectacular plunging dives into the waves to catch fish. Another water lover, although perhaps less adventurous, is the Dunlin (Calidris Alpina), which leaves the bitter cold of Alaska and the Arctic Circle to walk delicately along Malaysian mudflats and sand bars, where it wades into shallow water looking for choice morsels. Surprisingly, the Brown-headed Gull (Larus Brunnicephalus), a visitor from the highlands of Turkmenistan and Mongolia, can be found well inland, in addition to its more expected haunts of open seacoasts, estuaries and rivers.

The Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon Pileata), ventures further north than any other kingfisher species during summer. From its home in China or Korea, it travels south in winter along our rivers, swamps and even the mangrove forests of Johor. This is one of the larger members of the kingfisher family, growing up to 28cm in length. Its powerful red bill snaps up insects, fish and frogs with equal ease, and is also used to excavate its riverbank nests.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 3-Feb-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 40 mm x 30 mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm x 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40mm x 30mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 3.50

Folder Value : RM 5.00

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