Malaysia's Five Islands and Reefs in the South China Sea Stamp

There are 599 islands, reefs and rock islands in Malaysia's waters. Of these islands, 244 of them are located in the South China Sea. Five of these islands and reefs are Swallow Island, Investigator Reef, Erica Reef, Mariveles Reef and Ardasier Reef. Important as there are in terms of strategic and national security, the islands and reefs are also rich with diverse marine ecosystem.

Swallow Island
Swallow Island, with an area of 10.1 square km, is located at 7° 22.50' North and 113° 50.60' East and 172 nautical miles from Labuan. It is well known as a paradise for divers, for the waters around the island is rich with diverse species of fish, corals, turtles, giant clams, sea grass and marine mammals. The island got its name from the fact that it is the favorite resting place for various marine swallows such as the Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern, Brown Booby, Mongolian Plover and many others. Many marine life such as Sea Star (Echinaster callosus) are found here. In 2004, Marine Research Station of Pulau Layang-Layang (MARSAL) was built to provide facilities for researchers.

Investigator Reef

Investigator Reef is the biggest coral reef covering an area of 202.9 square km and is located at 8° 7.75' North and 114° 42.55' East. This reef has a diverse marine eco-system. Bivavle (Chlamys rastellum), 25 families and 79 species of coral fish was recorded by researchers from the local university in Malaysia. A weather buoy was also installed in 2003 by the Malaysian Meteorological Services, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation to collect weather data in South China Sea.

Erica Reef

Erica Reef has an area of 4.2 square km and is located at 8° 6.55' North and 114° 7.90' East. This reef has a varied marine eco-system comprising corals, coral fish, Spinner Dolphins and Bottlenose Dolphins among others. One of the unique marine life found here is Nudibranch (Chromodoris magnifica).

Mariveles Reef

Mariveles Reef has an area of 21.9 square km and is located at 7° 58.0' North and 113° 55.0' East. This reef has a diverse marine eco-system that consists of coral reefs and coral fish and others. An example of the unique marine species that can be found here is Sea Cucumber (Synapta meida).

Ardasier Reef

Ardasier Reef has an area of 11.7 square km and is located at 7° 36.40' North and 113° 55.8' East. This reef has a varied marine eco-system with coral reefs, coral fish and the likes. Marine life such as Gastropod (Astraea rhodostoma) are abundant in this reef.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 22-Dec-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen ( 2 Designs; 50 Sen ( 2 Designs)

Stamp Size : 40 mm X 30 mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100 mm X 70 mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40 mm X 30 mm

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 4.50

Folder Value : RM 5.00

11th ASEAN Summit Stamp

Malaysia is host to the 11th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from 12 to 14 December 2005. As the Chair of the 39th ASEAN Standing Committee, it is Malaysia's turn to host the annual Summit. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Center has been selected to be the venue of the Summits. The event comprises eight summits altogether held back-to-back, which are, the 11th ASEAN Summit, the 9th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 9th ASEAN-China Summit, the 9th ASEAN-Japan Summit, the 9th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, the 4th ASEAN-India Summit, the Inaugural ASEAN-Russia Summit and the First East Asia Summit.

The theme of this year's Summit is "One Vision, One Identity, One Community". It reflects ASEAN's vision of maintaining the principles outlined in the 1967 Bangkok Declaration and achieving the goals set out in the 2003 Bali Concord II of establishing as ASEAN Community comprising the three pillars, ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. We also aspire an ASEAN Community of one identity based on common principles and shared values. The theme is also in line with Malaysia's aim, as Chairman of the 39th ASEAN Standing Committee, to create a people-oriented environment for ASEAN by increasing public awareness of ASEAN.

The Petronas Twin Towers were chosen as the Logo as it is believed that the twin structure symbolizes the spirit of ASEAN where its ten number countries move together in tandem towards greater development while working to bridge the development gaps within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners. The ASEAN logo in the middle of the apex of the towers symbolizes ASEAN as a regional body, ASEAN integration and ASEAN being in the driver's seat in relations with the Dialogue Partners.

The Summits allow Leaders of 17 ASEAN Member Countries and Dialogue Partners the opportunity to come together to exchange views on ways to enhance and advance the existing cooperation. The First East Asia Summit is an avenue for ASEAN to engage with countries from the world at large. The Summits also allow Malaysia to introduce some new initiatives during our Chairmanship, with the main one being creating greater public awareness of ASEAN among the peoples of ASEAN through people-oriented activities.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 12-Dec-2005

Stamp Value : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : 100 mm X 70 mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40 mm X 30 mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

Malaysia Batik - Crafted For The World Stamp

Batik is a resist technique of patterning on cloth which uses wax as it's dye resist. The word batik is an Indonesian term derived from the word 'Ambatik'. It is a combination of 'hamba' (servant) and 'titik' (dots), which literally translates as the batik maker being a 'servant of dots'. Traditionally, batik producers used wooden or metal blocks to stamp designs on to the surface of the cloth. Batik produced in this manner is known as 'Batik Cap'. The current trend however, favors the use of an implement called the 'Canting' which enables the maker to draw designs rather freely. This handcrafted Malaysian batik has been well received. It has its own unique identity in the world of batik. Handcrafted Malaysian batik is exclusively produced. It is usually contemporary and modern in concept. The designs created are inspired by various elements such as traditional wood carving motifs, Sarawak ikat 'Pua' design, local floral and fauna in stylized forms rendered in a spectrum of colors. Malaysia batik is now available on a variety of textiles. Malaysia batik has impacted and commands a bigger presence in the international fashion scene.

Binaan Asasi / Foundation Building

The basis of this creation is derived from the most organic form, the roots. Symbolically the root depicts firm symbiotic relationship motif between trees with soil and rocks. The green background in this design monopolizes the whole space whilst the leaves and trees portray the aspiration of Malaysian Batik to penetrate the global market. This design combines practical values and the aesthetics of Malaysian batik with the intention to promote the rich, gentle yet universal Malaysian Cultural values. All selected elements put together in this design are combined to present batik as a world class creation.

Persona Sutera / Silk Personna

Batik creation should use contemporary materials. This thought triggers the concept of this design. Freehand strokes or 'Canting' technique are still widely used in order to get a truly exclusive impact. Malaysian flowers such as orchids and ferns have inspired this design. The use of bright colors enliven as well as increase the exclusivity of this design. The silk fabric used adds to the beauty of the batik and has drawn international attention to Malaysia batik.

Malaysia Bersatu / United Malaysia

The design for this stamp which is based on the colors of the national flag, focuses on the effects of wax crackles. Crackles or 'retak seribu' happens as an incidental outcome of dye seepage through the resist wax during the multiple boiling in the dying process. This crackling visual textures are then combined together in a series of overlapping colors which are rendered using the 'dry-brushing' technique. The overall creation aim to reflect a blend of influences inspired from the design elements in the textiles originating from the Malay Archipelago, China and India. They are essentially a composite heritage from the various ethnic components in Malaysia.

Penyatuan / Convergence

'Pucuk Rebung' and 'Bunga Tanjung' are two of the more commonly used motifs in traditional Malay decorative designs especially in woven fabrics. These two are combined and adapted in a stylized geometric floral arrangement in order to create contemporary design without jeopardizing their originality. The wax crackles and multiple layering techniques are again the emphasis in the design execution. Vibrant colors are preferred to create a strong visual impact for a lasting impression.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 2-Dec-2005

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

Stamp Size : 30 mm x 40 mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 30 mm x 40 mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 100 mm x 70 mm

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd

Stamp Designer : Gempita Maju Sdn Bhd

Batik Motifs Designers : Winners of Piala Seri Endon 2003 & 2004

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00