Visit Malaysia Year 2007 Stamp

One Golden Celebration

Malaysia, a truly fascinating destination blessed with beautiful landscapes, colorful cultures as well as warm and friendly people is now ready to celebrate 2007 with joy and grandeur. This year, it's the Visit Malaysia Year 2007, a year long celebration to commemorate Malaysia's 50th Year of Independence. It is the year full of exciting festivals and events as Malaysia welcomes its guests from around the world in one golden celebration.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007 is the occasion to rejoice and to share with the world the unique qualities and virtues that have contributed to the 50 years of Malaysia's nationhood, its achievements and attainment of peace and harmony. In conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007, Pos Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia is proud to present the "Colors of Malaysia" stamp collection, featuring the unique cultural and natural assets of this country, the very essence of a "Truly Asia" nation.

Flora and Fauna

Malaysia's natural assets and rich bio-diversity lend itself quite naturally to eco-tourism. As one of the twelve mega-biologically diverse countries in the world, the nation is naturally a heaven for nature lovers. With at least 15,000 species of flowering plants, 286 species of mammals, 150,000 species of invertebrates, 4,000 species of fishes in addition to the countless micro-organisms, there is no better place in the world to experience exotic flora and fauna in their pristine tropical environment up close and personal.

Golden Treasures of the Sea

Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leading diving destinations of the world with the riches marine environment in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of its marine life coupled with its beautiful islands, white sandy beaches and clear warm waters keep the divers coming back for more.

Cultures and Craft of Unity

With its rich and diverse culture, Malaysia is a showcase to a delightful array of truly Asian arts and crafts. The spirit of Malaysia's harmonious existence is reflected through the craftwork and traditional artifacts of its people. The "tepak sireh" of the Malays, the "siah" tiffin basket of the Baba-Nyonya, the lanterns of the Chinese and the oil lamp of the Indians, which are still used in many cultural festivals, reflect the warm hospitality and unity of the Malaysian community.

Religious Diversity and Tolerance

The variety of religious in Malaysia is a direct reflection of the diversity of its people. Although Islam is the state religion of Malaysia, freedom of other religions is guaranteed under the Constitution. Other main religions include Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confusionism and the animism practiced by some of the indigenous people of Malaysia. The spirit of religious tolerance, mutual understanding and respect has been the bedrock of Malaysia's unity among its races as can be seen and experienced in the open house celebrations of its religious festivals - Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Thaipusam and Gawai Dayak. Malaysians and visitors alike, regardless of race and religion, are welcomed to join in the colorful festivals and celebrations.

Faces of Malaysia and Its Culinary Delights

The Malays, Chinese, Indians, the Kadazandusun of Sabah and the Ibans of Sarawak along with the many other ethnic groups have contributed to the great gastronomic heritage of Malaysia. The Malays are well-known for their satay, the Chinese for their Yee Sang, and the Indians for their Banana Leaf Rice. In East Malaysia, the Kadazandusun of Sabah is popular with a raw fish salad known as the "Hinava" while the Ibans of Sarawak are known for their "Manok Pansuh", a dish made of chicken meat stuffed in bamboo.

From their glorious food to exquisite craft work, the many races of Malaysia have influenced each other in creating a blend of cultures that is uniquely Malaysia.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 19-Mar-2007

Denomination : 30 Sen ( 2 designs); 50 Sen (2 Designs)

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm x 50mm

Booklet : 30 sen x 10

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Visit Malaysia Year 2007 Secretariat

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Postal Card Value : RM 0.80 X 4 Designs

Stamp Booklet Value : RM 3.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 13 March 2007, Tuesday Press Release

POS MALAYSIA TO RELEASE SPECIAL STAMPS ON VISIT MALAYSIA 2007
Stamps and First Day Cover Features Malaysia’s Cornucopia of Colours, Beauty and Culture

Pos Malaysia in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia will issue a special set of stamps and First Day Cover on “Visit Malaysia 2007” on 19 March 2007 (Monday). The collection stamps and First Day Cover features the unique cultural and natural assets of the country, the very essence of a “Truly Asia” nation.

Malaysia, a truly fascinating destination that is blessed with beautiful landscapes, colourful culture as well as warm and friendly people is now ready to celebrate 2007 with much joy and grandeur. Visit Malaysia 2007 is a year-long celebration to commemorate Malaysia’s 50 years of independence. It will be a year full of exciting festivals and events as Malaysia welcomes its guests from around the world in one golden celebration.

“Malaysia is a melting pot of culture and tradition, a result harmonious mix of the different ethnic groups that make up the people of Malaysia. Pos Malaysia is very pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism in celebrating Visit Malaysia 2007 by featuring the unique identity of Malaysia through our special stamps and First Day Cover,” said YBhg Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid, Executive Director / Chief Operating Officer of Pos Malaysia & Services Holdings Berhad.

“We hope that through the special stamps and First Day Cover, it will provide added impetus for tourists to visit our country as we celebrate our 50 year of nationhood and beyond. The beautiful and colourful images featured in our stamps will be a unique addition to all stamp enthusiasts’ collection,” he added.

The stamps, 40mm X 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in two denominations :

• 30sen : Flora & Fauna
  
  Malaysia’s natural assets and rich biodiversity lends itself quite naturally to eco-tourism. As one of the twelve mega-biologically diverse countries in the world, Malaysia is a haven for nature lovers. With at least 15,000 species of flowering plants, 286 species of mammals, 150,000 species of invertebrates, 4,000 species of fishes in addition to the countless micro-organism, there is no better place in the world to experience exotic flora and fauna in their pristine tropical environment, up close and personal.
• 30sen : Golden Treasures of the Sea
  
  Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leading diving destinations of the world with the richest marine environment in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible biodiversity of its marine life coupled with its beautiful islands, white sandy beaches and clear warm waters keep the drivers coming back for more.
• 50sen : Cultures and Craft of Unity
  
  With its rich and diverse culture, Malaysia is a showcase to a delightful array of truly Asian arts and crafts. The spirit of Malaysia’s harmonious existence is reflected through the craftwork and traditional artefacts of its people. The “tepak sireh” of the Malays, the “siah” tiffin basket of the Baba Nyonyas, the lanterns of the Chinese and the oil lamp of the Indians which are still used in many cultural festivals, reflect the warm hospitality and unity of the Malaysian community.
• 50sen : Religious Diversity & Tolerance
  
  The variety of religions in Malaysia is a direct reflection of the diversity of its people. Although Islam is the state religion of Malaysia, freedom of other religions is guaranteed under Constitution. Other religions include Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and the animism practised by some of the indigenous people of Malaysia.

The spirit of religious tolerance, mutual understanding and respect has been the bedrock of Malaysia’s unity among its races as can be seen and experienced in the open house celebrations of its religious festivals – the Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Thaipusam and the Gawai Dayak. Malaysians and visitors alike, regardless of race and religion, are welcomed to join in the colorful festivities and celebrations.

Also available is Miniature Sheet, 100mm x 70mm in size, at RM2 and stamp booklet at RM3.00 which features :

• Faces of Malaysia & Its Culinary Delight
  
  The Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazandusuns of Sabah and Ibans of Sarawak along with many other ethnic groups have contributed to the great gastronomic heritage of Malaysia. The Malays are well-known for their satay, the Chinese for their Yee Sang and the Indians for their Banana Leaf Rice. In Sabah, the Kadazandusun is popular with a raw fish salad known as “Hivana” while in Sarawak, the Ibans are known for their “Manok Pansuh”, a dish made of chicken meat stuffed in bamboo.

First Day Covers are at 30 sen each, Presentation Packs at RM4.00 each, postal card at 80sen each and Stamp Booklets at RM3.00 each can be purchased at all Post Offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.

Unique Marine Life Stamp

[Malaysia - Brunei Joint Issue]

Unique Marine Life Stamp

The South China Sea surrounding East Malaysia and Brunei extend to great depths and contain life forms which are both fascinating and mysterious. From the beautiful coral fishes to the elusive deep-sea nautilus, these marine species descended from the ancient fish-like creatures of the Ordovician period some 480 million years ago. A number of these fishes have evolved into weird and wonderful shapes and colors that they hardly look like fish. Among the unique and fascinating marine species found in the tropical waters of Sabah and Sarawak are the scorpion fish and the deep-dwelling nautilus.

Leaf Scorpionfish

The Scorpion fish is a small compressed fish, with high and long dorsal fins. Measuring up to 10 centimeters, it may appear in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, green, brown or black. Normally encountered on reef front and along the external reef, it stands still with the dorsal fin lifted, rocking and mimicking a seaweed that is being moved by the sea currents. It is an ambush predator, often hiding amongst corals and gorgonians. Algae and hydroids can grow on its skin that change from time to time providing excellent camouflage.

Orangestriped Triggerfish

Orangestriped Triggerfish can be found in the warm parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. They live in areas of rich coral growth and on clear lagoon, channel or seaward reefs 2 to 50 meters in depth. This species is found present in coral reef areas of the Brunei Darussalam's offshore waters. Adults can reach maximum of 30 cm in length.

Male Orangestriped Triggerfish are territorial. Spawning behavior involve loose aggregations and builds its nest in channels. Eggs are laid in a single spongy cluster within rock crevices and dug-out shallow sand areas. Eggs are hatched at night. The fish is a hunter and is predatory in nature. It feeds on algae, coral, sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, starfish, worm and sponges. The fish would seek shelter in coral crevices when threatened or when retiring for the night.

Chambered Nautilus

Having survived relatively unchanged for millions of years, nautiluses represent the only living members of the subclass Nautiloidea, and are often considered to be "living fossils". The nautilus is similar in general form to other cephalopods (such as cuttlefish), with a prominent head and tentacles. Nautilus pompilius is the largest species in the genus. While some nautilus may grow up to 268 mm in diameter, the majority of nautiluses never exceed 20 cm. Nautilus spends daytime hours in very deep water up to 400 meters, slowly ascending to 200 meters after sunset.

Spotted Boxfish

The spotted boxfish has a widespread distribution in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific areas. It is one of the many colorful coral reef fishes found present in Brunei Darussalam's offshore waters. They can be found around calm shallow waters near coral reef areas. The fish exhibits "sexual dichromatism" whereby the sexes are of different colors. The female is brownish and densely covered with white spots. The male, is more colorful with dark blue sides blotched with brilliant yellow spots and marking. The dorsal area is black with white spots. The head and tail are trimmed in golden color. The fish grows to about 10 to 20 cm in length.

They are territorial and live in small haremic groups, typically one male to several females. They are omnivorous and forage alone within their home ranges for sponges, worms, tunicates and other small bottom-dwelling invertebrates. The males defend their territories against other male.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 6-Feb-2007

Denomination : 50 Sen x 2 (designs)

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM1.00 x 2

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40mm x 30mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Printing Process : Lithography

Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet Value : RM2.00

Folder Value : RM5.00

>>> Read more about "Unique Marine Life Stamps" <<<

South Pole Expedition Stamp

30th December 2004 - a new world record was set - 22 days from South Pole to Hercules Inlet - ski-sailing by a woman explorer from an equatorial country, Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir.

Born in May 1965, Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina is a lecturer at the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM). A graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Canada with a Masters in Education (Psychology), Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina holds an Honours Degree in Physical Education from University PUTRA Malaysia. She is currently doing her PhD in Sports Psychology in UITM.

The Journey

The Journey began when Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammed issued a challenge on 26th May 2003 to all Malaysians to conquer the Antartic immediately after he and his entourage returned from their visit to the coldest land on earth.

Having heard the challenge and after doing months of research, a sport science lecturer from UITM, Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abd Kadir, decided to have a go. Sharifah's intention was first met with a lot of skepticisms. However, after one and a half years of preparation, which saw her self-financing a mini expedition just to prove her ability, Sharifah finally embarked on an expedition that was beyond expectation.

The historic expedition began on 9th December 2004 at the South Pole. After planting the Malaysian Time Capsule and a copy of the Quran, Sharifah started her journey to set a world record.

The distance from the South Pole to Hercules Inlet is 1,100 km and Sharifah was given 30 days to complete the expedition.

Throughout the journey, she endured extremely cold weather (-60ºC), snow storms, violent katabatik winds, no wind situation, sastrugies, injuries and loneliness to finally arrive at GPS location S79º 58.58' W80º 13.67' in a record time of 22 days on 30th December 2004.

30sen Stamp

The Antartic is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on earth. The weather, strong winds and brutal storms have been synonymous with the Antartic since its discovery and continue to be a major challenge for modern explorers. In the winter, the lowest recorded temperatures (without wind chill) have reached -89ºC (-129ºF). The continent averages 2.9 km (1.5 miles) above sea level, making it 1.5km (almost a mile) higher the global average land height. Each year, the South Pole receives less than an inch of water in the form of snow. This amount of precipitation is similar to that of the Sahara. Katabatic winds, reaching up to 300 km per hour (185 miles per hour), blow out of the continental interior, making the Antartic coastal regions rather stormy.

50sen Stamp

95 years ago, Norwegian explorer Roald Engelbregt Gravning Amundsen became the first man to conquer the South Pole. 93 years later, Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir stood at the same spot to start her journey across the Antartic be ski-sailing. The historic expedition began on 9th December 2004. 22 days later, she reached her destination and set a world record for being the fastest.

RM1 Stamp

Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir ski-sailed across the Antartic. The method of ski sailing across the Antartic is relatively new. The sail only works at optimum levels when there is wind. The wind has to come from behind the expeditor who then steers the sail from a bar attached to it by strings. The sail used during the expedition varied from 3 metres to 27 metres.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 28th December 2006

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen, RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Reign Associates

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

25th General Assembly of the World Vaterans Federation Stamp

The World Veterans Federation (WVF) is an international Non-Government Organisation with members comprising of veterans worldwide. With over 30 million veterans from 86 countries, the WVF is the largest organisation of its kind in the world.

Established in Paris, France in 1950, the WVF's main aim is to unite the veterans, champion their rights and protect their interests worldwide.

The Organisation is also actively involved in promoting world peace and works closely with the United Nations, earning it a Category I Consultative Status with several of the UN's agencies. The WVF also has close links and consultative status with the Council of Europe.

In commemoration of this historic occasion, Pos Malaysia is issuing 3 stamps bearing the image of the National Monument, amemorial built to honour soldiers who perished fighting for Malaysia's Independence (RM1 Stamp), a numerical design depicting 25, which is the 25th General Assembly with a background of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre as the location of the assembly (50 sen Stamp) and the World Veterans Federation logo in 3 Dimension (30 sen Stamp).



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 4th December 2006

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen, RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Reign Associates

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value :RM 5.00

15th Anniversary of ASEAN-CHINA Dialogue Relations Stamp

Dialogue relations between ASEAN and China can be traced to July 1991 when the then Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Qian Qichen, attended the opening session of the 24th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur as a guest of the Malaysian Government.

Since then, the relationship between ASEAN and China has expanded and intensified. Over the last 15 years, the ASEAN-China dialogue relations have greatly evolved covering various areas of cooperation.

In marking 15 years of these dialogue relations, the 9th ASEAN-China Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on 12th December 2005, agreed to name the year 2006 as the Year of Friendship and Cooperation between ASEAN and China.

The highlights of the celebrations is the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit which was held in Nanning, China on 30th October 2006. The Commemorative Summit has given the opportunity to ASEAN member countries and China to explore ways on how both sides can further enhance the relationship.

Also in conjunction with the celebration of the 15th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, a series of commemorative activities were agreed. Malaysia was given the responsibility to issue the commemorative stamps and covers.

30 sen Stamp

ASEAN values its relationship with China and regards it as a strategic partner who can contribute towards further promoting prosperity and preserving peace and security in the region. The flags of ASEAN members and China represent the political and security partnership between both sides.

50 sen Stamp

Relations between ASEAN and China cover a wide range of cooperation including agriculture, energy, culture, tourism, trade and investment. The montage of infrastructure and industrial activities in ASEAN and China reflects their various areas of cooperation.

RM1 Stamp

ASEAN and China are committed to their dialogue relations. Both sides are constantly finding new areas for cooperation and innovative ways to enhance existing sectors of cooperation. The red ribbon forming a knot signifies the close ties that binds ASEAN and China.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 30-Nov-2006

Stamp Value : 30 Sen, 50 Sen, RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Reign Associates

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

9th FESPIC Games Stamp

The FESPIC Games is the biggest multi-sport and multi-disability sporting event for athletes with a disability in Asia and South Pacific. It is the second largest Games for the disabled in the world after the Paralympics Games. Held every four years , the first Games was held in 1975 in Oita, which saw the participation of 973 athletes from 18 countries . The last FESPIC Games was held in Busan, South Korea in 2002 and attracted a total of 2,800 athletes and officials from 41 countries competing in 17 sports events.

The 9th FESPIC Games in Kuala Lumpur or KL'06 has attracted more than 3,700 athletes and officials from 47 countries in the Asian Region and South Pacific. They will be taking part in 19 sporting events making it the biggest FESPIC Games ever. The 9th FESPIC Games would be the last festival using the name FESPIC as four years from now, the games would be know as the 10th Asia Para Games.

KL'06 carries the theme "Overcoming challenges, Inspiring others" which signifies to the world that the disabled are equally able to be part of a sports event of a world standard. The mascots is a mousedeer or "Kancil" in Malay. It is one of the most popular animals known for its intelligence, wittiness and quick thinking, and represents the theme the Games carry as well. The male mascot is named "Ujang" while its female counterpart is called "Cik Mek".The commemorative stamps issued in conjunction with KL'06 showcases the wheelchair racing, swimming, wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball events.

The prestigious event is jointly organised by the Malaysian Paralympic Council and Ministry of Sports and Youth Malaysia and is supported by various companies and individuals.

The 9th FESPIC Games is held from November 25th to December 1st 2006.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 25-Nov-2006

Stamp Value : 30sen, 50sen, RM1

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100 mm X 70 mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30 mm X 40 mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Reign Associates

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen