Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Primates of Malaysia Stamp

Among the most fascinating denizen of Malaysia's rain forests are Leaf Monkeys. As their name suggests, they have found a way of subsisting on a diet comprised mainly of leaves, as well as flowers, buds, seeds and shoots. Evolution has granted them complex stomachs with bacteria-filled fermenting chambers that digest leaves, releasing the normally indigestible sugars and deactivating toxins.

Leaf Monkeys live in complex societies, with adults, juveniles and newborns, clinging tightly to their mothers, making their way through the forest canopy. Typically, groups revolve around a single adult male and several females, with or without the young. Baby leaf monkeys are born with their eyes open and can cling on to the mother's fur as she travels and forages for food.

Red Leaf Monkey (Presbytis rubicunda)
The Red Leaf Monkey is known locally as Lotong Merah . It is somewhat more territorial than the Proboscis Monkey, and will chase away other monkeys in its area. It can be found in groups of 2 to 13 individuals. They feed only during the day, breaking into sub-groups as they forage for leaves, shoots and fruit. They can only be found in Kalimantan, Karimata Islands, Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei.


Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
A unique species easily recognized by the male's large nose, the Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus) is a rare yet unmistakable denizen of Borneo. Groups of proboscis monkeys, ranging from 3 to 32 individuals, will not move farther than 600 metres from a river or stream. They are accomplished swimmers and can swim underwater for up to 20 meters if disturbed suddenly. Despite their large size of up to 20 kg, Proboscis Monkeys are not territorial and will tolerate other groups in their area. There are only about 1,000 left in Sarawak and Sabah and only 7,000 in the whole of Borneo. Because of this, they are a strictly protected species.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 16 December 2003

Denomination : 30 sen (2 designs), 50 sen (2 designs)

Stamp Size : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd.

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

Presentation Pack Value : RM3.00

Saturday, October 11, 2003

50th World Children's Day Celebration Stamp

Our children are our legacy. They are priceless gifts to us, and also our precious gifts to the world, today and for the future. Thus it is only fitting that we set aside one day of the year to celebrate and cherish our young . For this, we have the World Children's Day.

The first World Children's Day was celebrated in 1953 by the International Union for Child Welfare. In the following year, UNICEF (United Nation's Children fund) officially recognized and celebrated the World Children's Day. Five years later, on 20th November 1959, the World Children's Day was officially sanctioned by the United Nations. The world body also urged all the countries in the world to jointly celebrate the day and make in an annual affair to honour the children.

Malaysia had its first World Children's Day celebration on 8th October 1959, held at the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Ever since, Malaysia has taken active steps to promote the cause for the children.

The celebration of the World Children's day in 2003 brings great significance, for it is the Golden Jubilee for the World Children's Day. The celebration in 2003 marks 50 years of honouring and cherishing the children of the world. This year's festivities will be bigger and merrier than ever, for it is also a tribute to the Day itself. It will be a day of commemoration, of worldwide fraternity and understanding among the children of the world. Around the world more than 150 countries will join hands to celebrate this day.

The World Children's Day in 2003 serves as the platform for us to extend our hands, ensuring the youngest generation receives the nurturing and love that is due to them. 50 years of celebrating the World Children's Day have brought countless joy and merriment among this "treasure" that we are saving for the future. Efforts are carried out to increase awareness on the need to appreciate and nurture our young ones. And we are proud that today, millions of children are afforded safer and brighter future.

With the 50th World Children's Day Celebration, we will step ahead into a world that cares for the children.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 11 October 2003

Denomination : 20 sen, 30 sen (4 designs)

Stamp Size : 40mm X 30mm

Perforation
: 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Friday, October 3, 2003

The 10th Session Of The Islamic Summit Conference Stamp

The Tenth OIC Summit Background
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is an international organization grouping 57 States which have decided to pool their resources together, combine their efforts and speak with one voice to safeguard the interested and secure the progress and well-being of their peoples and all Muslims in the world.

The Organization was established in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, on 12 Rajab 1389H (25 September 1969) when the first meeting of the leaders of the Islamic world was held in the wake of the criminal Zionist attempt to burn down the Blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque on 21st August 1969 in the occupied city of Al-Quds.

Six months after the historical event, i.e. in Muharram 1390H (march 1970), the First Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers was held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during which the OIC General Secretariat was established to ensure coordination among Member States. The Conference appointed a Secretary General for the Organization and chose Jeddah as the city to house its temporary Headquarters pending the liberation of Al-Quds Al Sharif to which the General Secretariat will then be transferred, as the Permanent seat of the Organization.

In order to coordinate and boost its action, align its stand, and achieve concrete results in various fields of cooperation, politics, economy, culture, social, spiritual and science among Member States, the Islamic Summit Conference, which is the supreme policy and decision making body of the OIC, convened for the first time in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on 22-25 September 1969. Science that historic date, the Islamic Summit Conference has convened for nine times with the last (the ninth) conference held in Doha, Qatar on 12-13 November 2000. Putrajaya, Malaysia has been chosen as the venue for the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference to be held on 11-18 October 2003.

Theme
The theme for the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference is "Knowledge And Morality For The Progress Of Ummah". The theme stresses on two key objectives: knowledge and morality. Today, millions of Muslims are living in poverty and n primitive conditions. The failure to acquire new forms of knowledge and an aversion to the culture of learning are some of the reasons that can be cited for this sorry state of affairs. A look into Islam's glorious past, especially during the Abbasid Caliphate, will reveal a time where learning and the acquisition of knowledge were given much emphasis. During this period, a highly centralized and professional bureaucracy was created. Abbasid scholars discovered how to manufacture paper and this increased the rate of manuscript production throughout the Islamic world. All of this and many other achievements were possible through knowledge.

The second keyword of the theme focuses on morality. Morality is those restraints we apply to our natures for the benefit of others; we suffer so the community prospers, and consequently the individual prospers. But if we discard these limits and indulge our desires, while the individual enjoys an immediate release the community suffers, and inevitably, the individual suffers. This lack of understanding of the role of morality is just part of the common ignorance about the nature of society. Mastery of knowledge in the absence of a strong sense of morality will not bring the ummah the desired result. A strong sense of morality is needed to ensure the ummah will progress and develop in a balanced and equitable manner. This is in line with Islam's requirement and emphasis on moderation as a way of life.

Aims and Objective
It is with this two noble aims in mind that Malaysia, as the host for the Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference, aspires to become the Centre of Excellence in the field of knowledge and learning. At the same time, Malaysia aspires to become a model country in the effort to create a society based on the principles of morality and wisdom. The Tenth Session of the Islamic Summit Conference would serve as an opportunity for the member states to reason and chart ways in order to achieve the two aims embodied in the theme.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 3 October 2003

Denomination : 30 sen (2 designs), 50 sen (se-tenant)

Stamp Size : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Saturday, September 27, 2003

National Motorcycles And Scooter 2003 Stamp

In the 21st century, the worldwide trends of globalization and liberalization have greatly changed the landscape of world economy and manufacturing industry, including the motorcycle bunnies in Asia. The industry has enjoyed remarkable growth in the last few decades. Asia itself accounted for 87 percent of total world production of motorcycles, and 86 percent of global sales. This is partly due to the rapid growth in China, India and ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Thailand.

With the impending implementation of AFTA under WTO, the motorcycle industry in Malaysia-one of the most regulated and protected sectors in Asia-will have to undergo considerable restructuring and transformation. The local industry will have to equip itself to capitalize on the opportunities, as well as face the changers and challengers in a liberalized and open market environment.

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd-MODENAS was established to spearhead the development of the local motorcycle manufacturing industry. Together with Kawasaki Heavy Industry (KHE) as the technology partner, they successfully launched the first MODENAS motorcycle, the 110cc Kris, in 1997.

MODENAS has also managed to break into the international market with its products, and continued with the introduction of subsequent models into the market. With strong production and distribution effort, MODENAS is poised to become a world-class motorcycle and engine manufacturer in the ASEAN region.

Comel Scooter is produced by Allied Pacific Motor (M) Sdn Bhd with its prodiction plant in Sungai Buluh, Selangor. The company was established in May 2002.










Demak Scooter is produced by DNC Asiatic Holdings Sdn Bhd with its main office and production plant in Kuching, Sarawak. The company was established in September 2002.










MZ motorcycle is produced by MZ Motorrad Sdn Bhd with its production plant in Shah Alam, Selangor. The company was established in January 2002.









Nitro motorcycle and scooter are produced by Mofaz Motosikal Sdn Bhd (MOMOS) with its production plant in Johor Bahru, Johor. MOMOS was established on the 8th February 1980.














Technical Details

Date of Issue : 27 September 2003

Denomination : 30 sen, 50 sen, (4 designs)

Stamp : Size 40mm X 30mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM1.00 x 2(4designs)

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm X 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40mm X 30mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Tuesday, August 19, 2003

46th Independence Celebration Stamp

The 30sen stamp depicts the Malaysian flag flying majestically on its massive flag pole at Merdeka Square. At the background is the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a historical and prominent landmark of Kuala Lumpur and the nation.

The RM 1.00 stamp depicts the Malaysian flag, Jalur Gemilang (the official name for the Malaysian flag with effect from August 31 1997), consisting of 14 red and white stripes of equal width, a canton (union) of dark blue, a crescent and a star. The red and white stripes represent the equal status of the member states in the Federation and the Federal government. The cantons of dark blue in the upper quarter of the flag represents the unity of the people of Malaysia. The crescent symbolizes the dominant and official religion Islam, and the star with its 14 points, symbolizes the unity of the 13 states of the Federation with the Federal government. The yellow of the crescent and the star is the royal color of the hereditary Malay Rulers.

The federation of Malaya was formed in 1948, replacing the Malayan Union. Upon Tunku's return from London with the Merdeka Delegation in 1956, he proceeded to Malacca where he made the historic announcement of the date of Independence at the Padang Banda Hilir. This announcement is significant as it marks the start of the preparations of the Independence Celebration.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 19 August 2003

Denomination : 30 sen, RM1.00

Stamp Size : 30 sen (30mm X 40mm) RM1.00 (60mmX40mm)
Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm X 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 60mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 30 sen (20) RM1.00 (10)

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Saturday, June 28, 2003

Islands & Beaches Of Malaysia Series II Stamp

Islands Beaches StampsOn 17 December 2002, The International Court of Justice (ICJ) concluded that sovereignty over Pulau Ligitan and Pulau Sipadan belongs to Malaysia. Both islands are highly attractive destinations waiting to be discovered.

Islands Beaches Miniature SheetLigitan Island

Ligitan island is surrounded by very large reefs which forms the Ligitan group islands on the edge of the continental shelf. While Sipadan has achieved worldwide fame, Ligitan island is the great 'secret' of the international diving community. It is the thrill of diving in unexplored waters that brings the world's best divers here to sample Nature in her most pristine form.

The underwater scene here is completely different from Sipadan's. It is a macroworld of great interest featuring rare fauna including dragonets, fire gobies, wasp or leaf fish, gurnards, the odd 'little dragonfish' or seamoth, the tame crocodile fish, giant frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, ribbon eels, mantis shrimp and crab-eye gobies, to name just a few. Indeed, the Ligitan group is regarded as one of the world's top destinations for underwater nature photography. There is certainly no shortage of subject matter!

The many other unexplored reefs here offer great potential, and with the growth of a tourism Islands Beaches First Day Coverinfrastructure, this island will soon offer their delights to more and more travelers from around the world.

Sipadan Island

'I have seen other places like Sipadan-45 years ago-but no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art.' That is how Jacques Costeau, the legendary French undersea Islands Beaches First Day Coverexplorer, described his first visit to Sipadan.

Little wonder the island is considered one of the tip five diving destinations in the world. It offers swirling tornados of barracudas, jacks and hammerhead sharks, schools of brilliantly-hued reef fish and dozens of sea turtles swimming placidly in the crystal-clear waters. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems.

Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Like many tropical islands it is heavily forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600 meters from the seabed.
Islands Beaches Stamp Sheet
A unique feature of Sipadan is the so-called 'turtle tomb', an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain the skeletons of turtles than became disoriented and then drowned. Divers can and do explore this cavern, but caution is advised!

April through October is the best time to visit. The rainy season is November to March. The water temperature ranges from 79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (26oC to 30oC) year round.



Islands Beaches Presentation PackTechnical Details

Date of Issue : 28 June 2003

Denomination : 30 sen (2 designs), 50 sen (2 designs)

Stamp Size : 40mm X 30mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM0.50 X 2

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm X 100mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Paper : Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography & Emboss


>>> Read more about "Islands & Beaches Of Malaysia Series II" <<<

Saturday, May 24, 2003

Historical Place - Clock Towers Stamp

Clock Towers StampThe existence of clock towers in every town in Malaysia portrays the recorded historical life of society and should be preserved for the future generation. Each unique architecture and attractive design makes us proud citizens of Malaysia.

Christ Church Clock Tower, Malacca

Situated right in the middle of Malacca Town, this clock tower built in 1650 is a fine example of Dutch architecture. Due to it's unique structure and historical significance, it is a popular spot for photography.

Clock Towers Miniature SheetTeluk Intan Clock Tower

Standing at 25.5 meters right in the heart of Teluk Intan town, this clock tower appears comprising of eight levels but is actually three storey only. This pagoda-style structure was built in 1885 by Leong Choon Chong, a Chinese contractor and was originally used as a covered water tank.

Sungai Petani Clock Tower

Situated right in the middle of Jalan Ibrahim, this clock tower is of 60 feet in height and build-up area of 121 square feet. It was built in 1936 and donated by Lim Lean Teng to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary in London. However, it was later established as a memorial to King George V (1910-1936) as he passed away before the tower was completed.

Clock Towers First Day CoverCouncil Negeri Monument, Sarawak

A memorial stone was erected in 1967 and further enhanced in 1987 with a clock tower and fountain. All these, was to commemorate the centenary of Malaysia's first and oldest State Legislative Assembly Meeting in 1867. In that particular year, an inaugural gathering of five British officers and sixteen local chiefs of various races was held there.

Clock Towers First Day CoverJubilee Clock Tower, Penang

This Moorish-style clock tower situated at the junction of Lebuh Light and Lebuh Pantai of 60 feet in height, one foot for each year of Queen Victoria's reign. It was a gift from local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.



Clock Towers Stamp Sheet



Clock Towers Stamp BookletTechnical Details

Date of Issue : 24th May 2003

Stamp Value : 30 sen x 5 Designs

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Minature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 30mm x 40mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Warna Ilham

Stamp Booklet Value :RM3.00

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Saturday, April 26, 2003

Ornamental Fish - Fighting Fish Stamp

Fighting Fish StampBetta Splendens

Betta splendens is a kind of fighting fish, which are produced through the cross-breeding of fighting fish from Malaysia, Thailand and Kampuchea. These cross-bred species is a very popular ornamental fish. They are not breed naturally in this country instead are bred using the standard Betta breeding techniques. Breeding and selection of commercial Betta splendens are actively pursued in this country. The new strains are actually originated from unattractive, greenish and short-finned fish that is still bred in Thailand for fighting. Hybridizations amongst different strains are commonly carried out to produce attractive new hybrids, in fact often resulting in brilliant colored Betta splendens with different shapes of fins. Betta splendens are usually peaceful with other fish of its own size. However, the males are very aggressive with one another. To prevent fighting, they are normally kept solitary in transparent small containers.

Fighting Fish First Day CoverLocal Fighting Fish (Betta Imbellis)

They are found in clear stagnant acidic water especially in paddy fields, rubber estates or coconut plantations. Quite peaceful among each other compared with the common fighting fish. Male is brightly colored with green to greenish blue scale. A prolific bubble-nest builder if supplied with live food. This species can easily be bred and adapt in an aquarium environment if provided with acidic cold water and a lot of vegetations.

Fighting Fish First Day CoverRed Fighting Fish (Betta Coccina)

A very timid fighting fish is known as a dwarf Betta. The fish is endemic to highly acidic black water area. After conditioning the wild, the fish manage to tribe well in neutral aquarium water. The fish can spawn in the tank by providing a conducive environment and hiding place such as bogwoods or water vegetation. They spawn in hollow PVC tubes or submerged bogwood. A single pair can produced about 30 offspring.



Fighting Fish Miniature SheetTechnical Details

Date of Issue : 26th April 2003

Stamp Value : 30 sen, 50 sen & RM1 setenent

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 34mm X 29mm

Fighting Fish Stamp SheetStamp Value on Miniature Sheet : 50 sen x 2

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Hologram & Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design


>>> Read more about "Ornamental Fish - Fighting Fish Stamp " <<<

Saturday, March 8, 2003

Coronation - HRH Sultan Selangor IX Stamp

Coronation HRH Sultan Selangor StampsHis Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah was proclaimed as the ninth Sultan of Selangor on November 22, 2001 after the demise of his father, the late Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah on November 21, 2001. His Royal Highness was given the title Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. His Royal Highness was born on December 24, 1945 at Istana Jema'ah Klang Selangor (present Islamic College, Klang) and is the eldest son of 10 children of the late DYMM Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj and YMM Raja Shaidatul Ihsan Binti Tengku Badar Shah @ Raja Lat (with the title Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Bonda Raja Selangor).


Coronation HRH Sultan Selangor First Day CoverHis Royal Highness received his early education at the Malay Primary School, Jalan Raja Muda Kuala Lumpur and St John's Institution Primary School From 1954 to 1959. His Royal Highness then continued his secondary education at Hale School in Perth, Australia in 1960 before proceeding to England to further his education at the Langhurst College in Surrey in 1964.


On September 3rd, 1960 at the age of 15 His Royal Highness was proclaimed and gazette as the Crown Prince of Selangor. The installation ceremony was held at Istana Alam Shah, Klang on March 14, 1970, thus His Royal Highness became the eighth Raja Muda of Selangor.

Coronation HRH Sultan Selangor First Day CoverOn his return from England in 1968 after completing his studies, His Royal Highness has held several posts in the Selangor State and Federal Government Administrative Services. His Royal Highness was attached to the Selangor State Secretariat, the District Office and the Royal Malaysian Police Department in Kuala Lumpur and has gained wide experience and knowledge in the fields of administration.


His Royal Highness is blessed with 2 daughters, YAM Tengku Zerafina and YAM Tengku Zatashah, and a son DYTM Tengku Amir Shah ibni Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the Raja Muda of Selangor.


Coronation HRH Sultan Selangor 50sen Stamp SheetHis Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah was also actively involved in sports. A keen sportsman and an ardent supporter of Football Association of Selangor (FAS). In recognition to his great interest and support of the Association, His Royal Highness was appointed as Chairman of the Semi-Pro Football Association and made as an Honorary Life President of the Football Association of Selangor.

His Royal Highness is also active in adventurous sports such as sailing, vintage car race and mountain scaling to add to his credits. The most prestige Vintage Car Race that His Royal highness has participated and achieved was the "Peking to Paris Challenge" in 1997. The race was a 16,000 kilometer distance that took 43 days driving through 15 countries (China, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and France). His Royal Highness received the Silver Medal under the Vintage Car Class.


Coronation HRH Sultan Selangor 30sen Stamp SheetIn 1995-1996 His Royal Highness created history for Selangor by sailing on world circumnavigation with his yatch "S.Y. Jugra" for 21 months (27,940 nautical miles) which made him the first Malay from the Royal Family to achieve the challenge.

His Royal Highness was also awarded as Honorary member and Fellowship and appointed as Patrons by various organizations, associations, councils, clubs, societies and foundations.

In the academic fields, His Royal Highness was appointed the Pro-Chancellor of University Teknologi MARA (UiTM) on May 20, 2000. On March 31, 2001 University Teknologi MARA conferred His Royal Highness the honorary degree of the 'Doctor of Public Administration'. And on April 1st, 2002 His Royal Highness was appointed as the 'Chancellor' or University Putra Malaysia (UPM).

His Royal Highness is extremely interested in art, and has a very good collection of Art works by local and Asian artists. His other hobbies include reading, yachting, photography, collecting stamps and traditional Malay weapons (keris). Presently His Royal Highness is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees Yayasan Seni Selangor (Selangor Art Foundation) and Galeri Shah Alam.



Coronation HRH Sultan Selangor RM1 Stamp SheetTechnical Details

Date of Issue : 8 March 2003

Denomination : 30 sen, 50 sen, RM1.00

Stamp Size : 30mm X 40mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM3.50

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

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