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.

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Golden Jubilee Of The Reign Of Tuanku Sultan Kedah Stamp

The Kedah Malya Sultanate is the oldest Sultanate in Malaysia and its origins can be traced to almost 900 years with the first Muslim ruler, Sultan Muzaffar Shah in 1136. Historically, it is evident that Kedah is both the oldest Islamic Sultanate and Government in this region.

Since then, there have been 28 Sultans who ruled consecutively from eight different capitals or administrative centres throughout Kedah. These administrative centres were in

• Kota Bukit Meriam (1136-1236)
• Kota Sungai Emas (1236-1323)
• Kota Siputih (1323-1626)
• Kota Naga (1626-1654)
• Kota Sena (1654-1664)
• Kota Indera Kayangan (1664-1687)
• Kota Bukit Pinang (1687-1735) and finally
• Kota Setar from 1735 till the present day.

His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah was born on 28th November 1927 at Istana Anak Bukit (Anak Bukit Palace). His Royal Highness received education at Alor Merah Malay Primary School and Titi Gajah Malay School before continuing his education at Sultan Abdul Hamid College (1946-1949). In 1949, his Royal Highness then set forth overseas to further his studies at Wadham College, Oxford University, in the field of Social Studies and Public Administration.

2008 will thus enter the history of the state of Kedah as the year of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations for the 50th year of the reign of His Royal Highness Al Sultan Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah of Kedah Darul Aman. These celebrations will take place throughout the state and coincide with the all-year round Visit Kedah Year 2008.

30 sen Stamp
Gunung Jerai and the paddy field in the background illustrates the state of Kedah as an agricultural state where paddy is the main source of income, resulting in Kedah being known as the National Rice Bowl. The portrait of HRH Tuanku Sultan Kedah was taken approximately in the year 1959 when he was installed officially as the 28th Ruler of the state of Kedah. Masjid Zhir and the scene of Alor Setar Town in the early 50s shows the state of Kedah beginning to develop after the British rule.

50 sen Stamp
This stamp depicts the old Office of the State Secretary of the Kedah Government and landmark of the Jalan Telok Wanjah Water Fountain that was built in conjunction with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations marking the 25th Anniversary of HRH's rule in the state of Kedah.

RM1 Stamp
The background of the stamp shows the current town of Alor Setar, including the Alor Setar Tower and Masjid Al-Bukhary which illustrates the responsibility and commitment of HRH Tuanku Sultan Kedah to continuously develop the state in line with the current national state development for the past 50 years of HRH reign of the state of Kedah.


Technical Details

Date of Issue : 15-Jul-2008

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Designer : Hazel Design Sdn. Bhd.

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value :RM 5.50

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Cultural Instruments & Artefacts II Stamp

Malaysia is bless with multi-ethnic community with different values, culture and heritage. This assortment of different culture, values and race have resulted in the various cultural instruments and atefacts.

Cultural instruments and artefacts featured in the stamps of this Series II are stone grinder, "supu" and coconut grater; instruments that were used traditionally and are still being used today display the fine handicraft and artistic creativity by the people of Malaysia.

Other beautiful handcrafted instruments such as the stone mill, "celapa", coconut grater and tiffin carrier are examples of traditional instruments with artistic and aesthetic values that were used and are still used in the daily life and in weddings, although some have been modified to suit current modern needs.


Stone Grinder

"Batu giling" or stone grinder is a traditional tool consisting of two parts made of stone, referred to as "mother" and "child". The "mother" is the millstone or base part of the grinder where the chilli or spices are placed, whereas the "child" is the smaller piece of stone used to roll onto the base stone to crush and grind the said spices.

Using this stone grinder will produce a fine and well grounded paste of spices or chilli.


Supu

"Supu" is a small container used to keep tobacco. Made of silver and beautifully decorated with fine carvings, it is also used as a decorative accessory by the Bajau community in the district of Kota Belud, Sabah. Amongst the Dusun Tindal community, it is known as "kuapu" and is used as a decorative accessory for the bride and bridegroom's wedding costume.


Coconut Grater

"Kukur kelapa" or coconut grater is a tool used to grate or scrape the flesh of the coconut from its shell. The traditional coconut scraper is shaped out of a piece of wood for the seat and at the end is a sharp-edged metal spur. Creativity from the artistic Malays have resulted in the "Kukur kelapa" carved based on the design of a four-legged animal complete with the tail and other carvings of nature-inspired motives such as plants.

The coconut grater was once a very important tool in every Malay household as coconut milk is an essential ingredient in Malay cooking. Although its usage by the city folk have reduced due to the preference of electric tools, this tool is still much in use in the outskirts.

Some myths about "kukur" is that it is either male or female. Women are not allowed to use male "kukur" especially during major feasts.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 10th June 2008

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

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


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100th Anniversary of St. John Ambulance, Malaysia Stamp

"100 Years of Service to Mankind" - The Centennial Anniversary theme of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia depicts the moments and proud history of this service organisation in the last 100 years. Since its founding in 1908, members of St. John Ambulance from all races have voluntarily and selflessly contributed their service to the people of Malaysia.

Logo

Wording of 100 formed by the number "1, Jalur Gemilang and the official emblem of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia". Number "1" represents St. John Ambulance in Malaysia's aim to become the primary group in Malaysia providing up-to-date and high quality First Aid services and education. Jalur Gemilang in the centre of the logo which is also the national flag of Malaysia shows that St. John Ambulance in Malaysia has transformed from an organisation whose majority of the members were British to become one of the most active local organisation in the country providing service to the community. To the right of the Jalur Gemilang is the official emblem of St. John Ambulance in Malaysia.

30 sen - Ambulance Service

Since 1966, St. John Ambulance in Malaysia mobilised its ambulances and members at major highways during the Major Festival celebration of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri to provide ambulance service to motor vehicle accident victims. Through this service, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia was able to save more lives and create awareness amongst drivers on road safety. St. John Ambulance of Malaysia also provides Emergency and Non-Emergency Ambulance Service in the major towns in Malaysia.

50 sen - First Aid

The name of St. John Ambulance or better known as "St. John" is synonymous with First Aid and other humanitarian vervices in Malaysia as well as all over the world. As the leading First Aid organisation in Malaysia St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) as been rendering First Aid and Home Nursing services to the needy in almost all public and private events throughout the country. Our motto "pro Utilitate Hominum" - For the Service of Mankind - is a century old tradition of serving the sick and the suffering. Our members are ever ready to serve during disasters like floods, fires landslides and plane crashes.

RM1 - Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

When a person is not breathing and has no sign of life, we must perform artificial ventilation with chest compression. This is known as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR. The correct CPR Technique is vital in saving a casualty whose heart has stopped. St. John Ambulance conducts CPR and First Aid classes for the public.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 22nd May 2008

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 : Mr. Hoo We Tak & Mr. Lai See Ming(St. John Ambulance Malaysia)

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM5.50

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