Insects Series IIII Stamp

Insects - Series III

Insects inhibit a variety of surroundings, both aquatic and terrestrial. In addition to that, their ability to feed on a variety of plants and animals makes them the most common of all living things on earth. Insects that are beneficial to humans include those that are edible, provide us honey, wax, silk and various pharmaceutical compounds. Some insects such as dragonflies, functions as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem. However, insects are also pests in agriculture and some species are vectors of diseases such as malaria, yellow fever and dengue. Common household insects in Malaysia include cockroaches, ants, flies, mosquitoes and butterflies and grasshoppers in gardens.

Although the estimated number of species of insects on earth may range between 2 to 4 million species, actual number of species living in Malaysia is indeterminate. Some types of insects have been extensively studied for biomedical reasons and we know that Malaysia has at least 434 species of mosquitoes. This diversity is due to the fact that our tropical climate is very conducive to their breeding.

The diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia's insects warrant attention and requires us to ensure that their habitats are managed in a sustainable way for their continued existence, especially those of global significance.

30 sen Setenent

Lanternfly (Fulgora pyrorhyncha)

Lantern flies (lantern bugs) are very colourful with yellow, black, red, blue and green markings on their bodies. The most recognizable ones are those that have a prolongation of the head, as in the cased of this "Fiery-beaked" Lantern Bug. Several species of the Fulgora can be found in Malaysia, both in the understorey of natural forests and in fruit orchards. They are normally found on tree trunks in groups of two or three but can also be seen individually.

Cotton Stainer (Dysdercus cingulatus)

These bugs are well known pest of cultivated plants including rice, vegetables and fruits.. They are able to defend themselves against predators through a variety of methods including repulsive taste, camouflage and colour. Bright colours as in the case of Fruit Bugs is usually a warning sign that the bug is distasteful. This species is know to be a pest to cultivated crops such as lady's fingers (okra).

50 sen Setenent

Shorthorned Grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis)

Grasshoppers belong to the order Orthoptera (from the Greek word orthos meaning "straight" and ptera for "wing". Generally the hind legs are large and muscular and are specially developed for jumping. This species is common in cultivated fields and gardens, feeding on a wide range of plants and are treated as pests. Additionally, this grasshopper is also known to severely attack oil palm and rubber plantations during outbreaks, causing massive defoliation.

Longhorned Beetle (Rhaphipodus hopei)

This species is amongst the biggest longhorn beetles in Malaysia and can be found in hilly areas. The mandibles are straight with rough edges for cutting purposes and the legs are covered with sharp bristles. It is usually found on the bark of dead trees and is confined to forests above 750 metres above sea level. Considerable damage is caused annually to valuable timber trees, fruit trees and some cultivated crops by longhorn beetles.

Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi)

Interestingly, Malaysia has the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) - possibly the world's most beautiful butterfly, the Rajah Brooke's Birdwing, the highest number of species of stingless bees in the Asian tropics (about 35 species) and has a species of stick insect, Phobaeticus kirbyi, that is recognised as the longest insect in the world (up to 30 centimetres).

The brightly orange-coloured Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) is one of the most spectacular moth species in the world. The wings are very hairy and marked with "eye-spots" and the antennae are short and feathered. The caterpillars of this species are colourful, fat and hairy. About 22 species of Emperor Moths subsist on Borneo Island.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 7-Jul-2007

Denomination : 50 Sen ( Se-tenant ), 30 sen ( Se-tenant )

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Diffraction Foil & Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

First Day Cover Value : 30 sen

Presentation Pack Value :RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 5.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 5 July 2007, Thursday Press Release

INSECT STAMPS AND FIRST DAY COVER TO CONVEY THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Pos Malaysia will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on Insect Stamps – Series IIII on 7 July 2007. The special stamps and First Day Cover will feature the images of some of the most well known and unique insects in Malaysia.

One notable fact about insects is that they are the most diverse groups of animals on earth with the number of species ranging from two million to possibly four million, outnumbering the amount of all other animal species on earth, combined. In Malaysia alone, thousands of insect species exist and the diversity of the insect species in this country is made possible due to the range of habitats and climate in Malaysia.

Insects inhabit a variety of surroundings, both aquatic and terrestrial. Their ability to feed on a variety of plants and animals, makes them the most common of all living things on earth. Insects that are beneficial to humans include those that are edible, provide us honey, wax, silk and various pharmaceutical compounds. Some insects, such as dragonflies, functions as a good indicator of the health of an ecosystem.

“Though they may be small and some are virtually unseen by the naked eye, these tiny but mighty creatures exists at the heart of a healthy environment and perform a vast number of functions to support our ecosystem. The insect species featured in the third series of Insect Stamps are some of the most remarkable and fascinating species in Malaysia that exist in a variety of habitats such as natural forests, orchards and plantations, and I’m proud to note that some of the insects featured in the stamps have attained global significance due to their uniqueness,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Managing Director of Pos Malaysia.

“The world had recently celebrated World Environment Day on June 5th, and we would like to remind our customers and all Malaysians on the importance of ensuring that the natural environment is managed in a sustainable way to ensure the continued existence of this unique group of animals. Pos Malaysia have always been in support of the initiatives in conserving the environment and through the production of our stamps and other philatelic items we hope to be able to convey the positive message to our public in addition to enhancing their knowledge on our natural world, ” Dato’ Idrose added.

The stamps, 30mm X 40mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in ‘se-tenant’ and in two denominations, 30sen and 50sen, featuring the following :

• 30sen : Lantern Bug / Serangga Tanglung (Fulgora pyrorhyncha)
  Lantern flies (or lantern bugs) are very colourful, with yellow, black, red, blue and green markings on their bodies. The most recognizable ones are those that have a prolongation of the head, as in the case of this ‘Fiery-beaked’ Lantern Bug. Several species of Fulgora can be found in Malaysia, both in the understorey of natural forests and in fruit orchards. They are normally found on tree trunks in groups of two or three, but can also be seen individually.
  



• 30sen : Fruit Bug / Pianggang Perosak Buah (Dysdercus cingulatus)
  Bugs are well known pests of cultivated plants, including rice, vegetables and fruits. They are able to defend themselves against predators through a variety of methods including taste, camouflage and colour. Bright colours, as in the case of the Fruit Bug, is usually a warning sign that the bug is distasteful. This species is known to be a pest to cultivated crops such as lady’s fingers (okra).
  



• 50sen : Valanga Grasshopper / Belalang Kunyit (Valanga nigricornis)
  Grasshoppers belong to the order Orthoptera (from the Greek orthos meaning ‘straight’ and pteron for ‘wing’. Generally, the hind legs are large and muscular and are specially developed for jumping. This species is common in cultivated fields and gardens, feeding on a wide range of plants and is treated as a pest. Additionally, this grasshopper is also known to severely attack oil palm and rubber plantations during outbreaks, causing massive defoliation.
  



• 50sen : Longhorn beetle / Kumbang Sesungut Panjang (Rhaphipodus hopei)
  This species is amongst the biggest longhorn beetles in Malaysia and can be found in hilly areas. The mandibles are straight with rough edges for cutting purposes and the legs are covered with sharp bristles. It is usually found on the bark of dead trees and is confined to forests above 750 metres. Considerable damage is caused annually to valuable timber trees, fruit trees and some cultivated crops by longhorn beetles.

A distinctive feature in the new stamp collection is the Miniature Sheet, where the image of the Emperor Moth is highlighted with hologram printing with diffraction foil. The Miniature Sheet, 120mm x 70mm in size at RM5, features :

• Emperor Moth / Rama-rama Emperor (Antheraea helferi)
  Interestingly, Malaysia has the largest moth in the world, the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) - possibly the world’s most beautiful butterfly, the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing, the highest number of species of stingless bees in the Asian tropics (about 35 species) and has a species of stick insect, Phobaeticus kirbyi, that is recognised as the longest insect in the world (up to 30 centimetres).
  The brightly orange-yellow coloured Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) (pictured in the Miniature Sheet) has a huge wingspan and is one of the most spectacular moth species in the world. The wings are very hairy and marked with ‘eye-spots’ and the antennae are short and feathered. The caterpillars of this species are colourful, fat and hairy. About 22 species of emperor moths (Antheraea helferi) subsist in Borneo.

First Day Cover at 30sen each and Presentation Pack at RM4.00 each, can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.

>>> Read more about "Insects Series IIII Stamps" <<<

Traditional Children's Folk Tales Stamp

Sang Kancil and the Crocodiles

Sang Kancil is know as the smartest animal in our jungle and this is the story of how he trick the crocodiles. Wager to taste the fruits in the orchard on the other side of the river, he informed the crocodiles that Raja Sulaiman has ordered Sang Kancil to do a headcount as he wanted them to give them a gift. Sang Kancil ordered them to form a queue stretching all the way across the river. Deftly, he jumped on them until he crossed the river. Upon reaching the opposite bank of the river, he cheekily told the crocodiles that he had tricked them and that there were no gifts forthcoming from Raja Sulaiman. The crocodiles became angry and until today bear a grudge.

Sang Kancil Helps Kerbau

This tale is about an ungrateful crocodile called Sang Bedal. Trapped under a fallen tree, Sang Bedal's cries for help were heard by Sang Kerbau. Using his horns, Sang Kerbau freed the crocodile. The wily crocodile then decided to make a meal of Sang Kerbau and swiftly captured the latter's legs. During the scuffle, Sang Kancil happens to walk by and devised a way to help Sang Kerbau. Feigning disbelief, he asked Sang Kerbau to demonstrate how he removed the fallen tree off Sang Bedal. His leg freed from the crocodile, Sang Kerbau upon Sang Kancil's instruction dropped the tree back on the crocodile. The ungrateful Sang Bedal, who does not appreciate a good deed, was trapped under the tree again.

Bawang Putih Bawang Merah

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Bawang Merah who lived with her stepmother and stepsister named Bawang Putih who always abused her. One day, she heard the call of a carp fish from the well who wanted to help her. Unfortunately, her stepmother and stepsister found out. They caught the fish and cooked it. Bawang Merah's mother appeared to her in her dreams and told her about the fish. She told her Bawang Merah to bury the fish bones. Bawang Merah buried them and amazingly a tree with a golden swing grew before her eyes. One day while happily swinging on her golden swing, her melodious voice attracted the attention of a prince who was passing by and who eventually married her and they lived happily ever after.

Badang

Once there was a young man called Badang who discovered he was not able to catch any fish from the rivers for the past three days. Realising that someone was stealing his fish, he decided to keep watch. At midnight, he saw a strange form with red shinning eyes and beard that reached to its stomach emerge and it quickly devoured his fish. Badang grew angry and rushed at the creature to kill it. Pleading for its life, it promised to make Badang strong by eating the fish he threw up and ran away. Still angry, Badang grabbed a huge branch and to his amazement broke it easily. Eventually, Badang found he had great strength and used it to help the people. The King found out and appointed Badang as his warrior.

Mat Jenin

This is a story about Mat Jenin, a daydreamer. After he picked 50 coconuts and while resting comfortably on a coconut palm leaf, Mat Jenin starts to daydream. The money from selling the coconuts will be used to buy twenty chicken eggs. Once hatched, they will be sold for goats and later the goats for some cow and a horse. While riding on the horse, he met a princess and they ride the horse together. While galloping, the horse suddenly stumbles. Mat Jenin opens his eyes and found himself floating in the air on the palm leaf. He makes a safe landing and a neighbour who witnessed the incident said "Only hard work pays, daydreaming only brings disaster."

Si Tanggang

This story is about an ungrateful son called Si Tanggang and the consequences of his disloyalty to his parents. One day, Si Tanggang was captured and put to work on a ship. The Captain grew found of him and eventually made him his son-in-law, as well as the ship's captain. One day, caught in a storm, Captain Tanggang was forced to moor his ship in the village his parents lived. When they came to meet Si Tanggang, he was embarassed they looked so old and refused to acknowledge them. Saddened by the son's behaviour, his mother cried out to the heavens. Suddenly lightning, strong wind and waves tore the ship to pieces. Captain Tanggang, his wife and crew were turned to stone.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 26-Jun-2007

Denomination : 50 sen Setenant, 30 sen Setenant

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 50mm x 40mm

Booklet : 30 sen x 10

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Silver foil hotstamping & 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

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 5.00

Stamp Booklet Value : RM 3.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 22 Jun 2007, Friday Press Release

TRADITIONAL CHILDREN’S FOLK TALES DEPICTED IN STAMPS AND FIRST DAY COVER

Pos Malaysia will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on Traditional Children’s Folk Tales on 26 June 2007. The special stamps and First Day Cover will feature the images of famous characters in traditional children’s folk tales.

Traditional children’s folk tales form an integral part of traditional literature which should be known and enjoyed by all children. Aside from their entertainment value, these traditional folk tales will enrich their lives with the many moral values that form a big part of these stories. Through these stories, children today have the opportunity to experience the past as well as gain knowledge on the lives, beliefs and the important values of the people of the ancient times. These traditional stories which contain good motivating elements and usually illustrate a principle or value children can relate to and learn, will inspire as well as inculcate moral values that will remain with them through adulthood.

Si Tanggang, Mat Jenin, Si Badang, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah and the widely popular children’s tale on a manikin mouse deer called “Sang Kancil” are only some of the traditional children stories that are well-loved and widely known by all Malaysians.

“Children’s folk tales are an example of the enduring tradition of elders teaching the young on the importance of having strong and positive moral values through the subtle method of storytelling. The traditional folk tales have been passed on from generation to generation and until now, it is enjoyed by Malaysians of all ages,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Managing Director of Pos Malaysia.

“It is indeed a pleasure for Pos Malaysia to depict some of the most well-known traditional children’s folk tales in the form of stamps and First Day Cover and we hope that our customers will take this opportunity to add these unique stamps into their collection. Moreover, the production of these stamps supports Visit Malaysia 2007’s initiative of promoting our culture and traditions to our visitors from abroad. Thus, we would like to invite them to purchase the stamps and First Day Cover as a token of remembrance of Malaysia’s fascinating culture and tradition,” Dato’ Idrose added.

The stamps, 40mm X 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in strips of four, where each stamp denomination is 50sen featuring the following :

• Sang Kancil and the Crocodile
  Sang Kancil is known as the smartest animal in the jungle and this is the story about how he tricked the crocodiles. Eager to taste the fruits in the orchard on the other side of the river, he informed the crocodiles that Raja Sulaiman had ordered Sang Kancil to do a head count as he wanted to give them a gift. Sang Kancil ordered them to form a queue stretching until the other end of the shore. Deftly, he jumped on them until he crossed the river. Upon reaching the shore, he happily told the crocodiles that he had tricked them and there were no gifts forthcoming from Raja Sulaiman. The crocodiles became angry and until today bear a grudge.
  
• Sang Kancil Helps Kerbau
  This tale is about an ungrateful crocodile called Sang Bedal. Trapped under a tree, Sang Bedal's cries for help were heard by Sang Kerbau. Using his horns, Sang Kerbau freed the crocodile. The wily crocodile decided to make a meal of Sang Kerbau and swiftly captured the latter's leg. During the scuffle comes Sang Kancil, who cleverly devised a way to help Sang Kerbau. Feigning disbelief, he asks Sang Kerbau to demonstrate how he removed the tree off Sang Bedal. His leg freed from the crocodile, Sang Kerbau upon Sang Kancil's instructions dropped the tree back on the crocodile. The ungrateful Sang Bedal, who does not appreciate a good deed was trapped under the tree again.


• Bawang Putih Bawang Merah
  Once upon a time there was a girl named Bawang Merah who lived with her stepmother and stepsister named Bawang Putih who always abused her. One day, she heard the call of a carp fish from the well who wanted to help her. Unfortunately, her stepmother and stepsister found out. They caught the fish and cooked it. Bawang Merah's mother appeared in her dreams and told her about the fish. She told Bawang Merah to bury the fish bones. Bawang Merah buried them and amazingly, a tree attached with a golden swing grew before her eyes. One day while happily swinging on her golden swing, her melodious voice attracted the attention of a prince who eventually married her and they lived happily ever after.


• Badang
  Once there was a young man called Badang who discovered he was not able to catch any fish from the rivulet for the past three days. Realising that someone was stealing his fish, he decided to keep watch. At midnight, he saw a strange form with red shinning eyes and beard that reached to its stomach emerge and it quickly devoured his fish. Badang grew angry and rushed at the creature to kill it. Pleading for its life, it promised to make Badang strong by eating the fish he threw up and ran away. Still angry, Badang grabbed a huge branch and to his surprise, broke it easily. Eventually, Badang found he had great strength and used it to help the people. The King found out and appointed Badang as his warrior.

Another special feature of the new stamp collection is the Miniature Sheet, where the image is accented with silver hot stamping. The Miniature Sheet, 100mm x 70mm in size at RM5, features :

• Si Tanggang
  This story is about an ungrateful son called Si Tanggang and the consequences of his disloyalty to his parents. One day, Si Tanggang was captured and put to work on a ship. The Captain grew fond of him and eventually made him his son in-law as well as the ship's Captain. One day, caught in a storm, Captain Tanggang was forced to moor his ship in the village his parents lived. When they came to meet Si Tanggang, he was embarassed they looked so old and refused to acknowledge them. Saddened by her son’s behaviour, his mother cried out to the heavens. Suddenly lightning, strong wind and waves tore the ship to pieces. Captain Tanggang, his wife and crew turned into stone.

First Day Cover at 30sen each, Stamp Booklet at RM3.00 each and Presentation Pack at RM4.50 each, can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.

Clock Towers Series II Stamp

Wherever in the world they may be, clock towers fascinate us and invariably become landmarks within their respective localities. From the Russian Kremlin’s Spasskaya Tower to London’s Big Ben, such towers have added aesthetical value to the landscape and skylines of cities, towns and villages across the globe. Malaysia has no shortage of these interesting and functional pieces of architecture, with many of them spread throughout the country and each with its own story to tell.

Pos Malaysia takes great pleasure in introducing more such stories in this second series on Clock Towers.

Many of Malaysia’s clock towers are of historical interest. They were built mainly during the heyday of the nation’s colonial past. Many became the most enduring aspects of the municipal buildings of which they were part. Yet others were constructed as free-standing structures, often in commemoration of an important date or event and usually located along a major thoroughfare within the town or village concerned. It was also not unusual for many of these clock towers to be built under the financial auspices of well-to-do private individuals of the Malaysian society.

The towers served their earlier purpose well, to tell time to generations of people in an era when wristwatches and house clocks were not generally the order of the day. Today, they tell of those times when they were built, when the Malaya then was dramatically different from what Malaysia has now becomes.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 6-Jun-2007

Denomination : 30 Sen; 50 Sen; RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 30mm x 50mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Postal Card Value : 80 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00




POS Malaysia 6 Jun 2007, Friday Press Release

TIMELESS COLLECTION OF MALAYSIAN CLOCK TOWERS FEATURED IN NEW STAMPS AND FIRST DAY COVER

Pos Malaysia today issued a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on “Clock Towers – Series II” on 6 June 2007. The special stamps and First Day Cover is the second series produced by Pos Malaysia and will feature the images of historical clock towers in Malaysia. YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Prime Minister of Malaysia launched the stamps during the Official Opening of SMIDEX 2007 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC).

Many of Malaysia’s clock towers are of historical interest. They were built mainly during the heyday of the nation’s colonial past. Many became the most enduring aspects of the colonial municipal buildings of which they were part. Yet others were constructed as free-standing structures, often in commemoration of an important date or event, and usually located along a major thoroughfare within the town or village concerned. It was also not unusual for many of these clock towers to be built under the financial auspices of well-to-do private individuals of the Malayan society.

The towers served their earlier purpose well, to tell time to generations of people in an era when wristwatches and house clocks were not generally the order of the day. Today, they tell of those times when they were built, when the Malaya then was dramatically different from what Malaysia has now become.

“The historical clock towers of Malaysia have withstood the test of time to witness the changes in the nation’s chronicle from the colonial days until the present time and it is a pleasure for Pos Malaysia to portray these historical monuments in our stamps and First Day Cover. This is a continuance of Pos Malaysia’s efforts to enhance the public’s knowledge on the history of our nation through the depiction of historical buildings in our philatelic items,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Managing Director of Pos Malaysia.

The stamps, 30mm X 50mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in three denominations :

• 30sen : The J.W.W Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
  
  This ornately constructed clock tower was built in 1909 in memory of J.W.W. Birch, the first Resident of the British colonial administration in Perak. He was assassinated in the early upsurge of Malaysian nationalism that eventually led to the nation’s freedom from colonial governance. The original presentation of the History of Civilisation around the faces of the tower, which also depicted the Prophet Muhammad, was regarded as controversial and subsequently altered in the 1970s. In spite of the change, this clock tower remained as a significant link to the nation’s past.
  

• 50sen : The Atkinson Clock Tower, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
  
  Completed in 1905, the Atkinson Clock Tower is one of the oldest buildings in Kota Kinabalu. As with many such towers constructed during the era of British Malaya, it was built in commemoration of an important member of the colonial administration. In this case, it was in memory of the first Resident of Sabah, a certain Francis George Atkinson, who unfortunately passed away at the age of 28 from malaria (curiously, called ‘Borneo Fever’ in those days). It originally also served as a lighthouse of sorts, giving positional information to vessels navigating the port of Jesselton, the old name of Kota Kinabalu.
  

• RM1.00 : Alor Setar Clock Tower, Kedah.
  
  This eye-catching clock tower was built in 1912 and bears distinctive Moorish influences which some say reflects a blend of Hindu and Islamic motifs. Located along Jalan Putera, near Masjid Zahir, the tower’s function and destiny appear closely linked with that of the mosque, with its various calls to prayer coordinated with the time as indicated on the clock face. This interesting clock tower rises aesthetically into the heights and gives the town of Alor Setar a major landmark which is both historic and visually pleasing.

Also available is a specially produced Postal Card, priced at 80sen each (inclusive of stamp) which features :

• Medan Pasar Clock Tower, Kuala Lumpur. & State Mosque of Kelantan Clock Tower, Kota Bharu
  
  The Medan Pasar clock tower was erected in 1937 in commemoration of the coronation of King George IV. The original memorial plaques were removed some time after Merdeka but the tower remains steadfast until today, right in the middle of the road, in this still very commercial and bustling old quarter of Kuala Lumpur. The sunburst motif at the base of the tower puts it in the mood and style of European art deco, not very commonly found in other clock towers.
  
  In contrast, the State Mosque of Kelantan Clock Tower is Islamic at heart, with its Moorish domes and arches. The proportions are formal and strong, lending an official air to the distinctive structure at the heart of Kota Bharu.

First Day Cover at 30sen each and Presentation at RM4.00 each, can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.

Air Transportation in Malaysia Stamp

Air Transportation in Malaysia

From hot air balloons to eagle-powered contraptions, for centuries, man's dream has been to touch the sky. Thanks to pioneering individuals in the early 20th century, flying became a reality. Stamps featuring air transportation in Malaysia issued as a tribute to our country's involvement in aviation, showcasing five aircrafts from different sectors, each bearing its own significance in history.

GAF N22 Nomad

The GAF N22 Nomad is a twin-engine, multipurpose utility transport. A star in its own right, the aircraft was not only featured in a television series, but its design also served as a foundation for future coastal patrol aircraft.

de Havilland Canada DHC 7-110

Also fondly known as the Dash 7, the short take-off and landing DHC 7-110 is a versatile aircraft capable of flying and landing in city areas. Thanks to the noise restrictions in the 70s, DHC 7-110 was built with slower rotating blades to substantially reduce its sound.

Shorts SC.7 Skyvan

A utility box-car aircraft, it is used mainly for short-haul freight, cargo transport and sometimes even for sky-diving. The aircraft's amazing landing capabilities makes it popular and highly sought after by a variety of civilian operators.

Airspeed Consul

In 1947, Malaysia's inaugural commercial flight seated only 5 passengers in the twin engine Airspeed Consul, flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. The Airspeed Consul has since made way for more technologically advanced aircraft.

Douglas DC-3

The new technology of its time brought a vastly improved aircraft - the Douglas DC-3. The aircraft's significantly reduced flight time popularized air travel, and in 1947, our country's pioneering commercial airline carrier added the 21-seater to its steadily-growing fleet.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 24-May-2007

Denomination : 30 Sen; 50 Sen ( 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

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Bates Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 1.00 x 2

Aerogramme Value : 50 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 22 May 2007, Tuesday Press Release

STAMPS TO FEATURE THE AIRCRAFTS THAT SHAPED MALAYSIA’S AVIATION INDUSTRY

Pos Malaysia will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on “Air Transportation in Malaysia” on 24 May 2007. The special stamps and First Day Cover feature the different models of aircrafts that shaped the aviation industry of Malaysia.

From hot air balloons to eagle-powered contraptions, for centuries, man’s dream has been to touch the sky. Thanks to pioneering individuals in the early 20th century, flying became a reality. The stamps featuring the air transportation in Malaysia are issued as a tribute to our country’s involvement in the aviation industry, showcasing five aircrafts from different sectors, each bearing its own significance in history.

“The development of air transportation in Malaysia has greatly enhanced the people’s convenience in travelling locally and abroad. Through the stamps, we would like to share the knowledge with our customers on the earlier aircrafts that were used for air travel during the earlier period in the development of our aviation industry,” said YBhg Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia.

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 : Shorts SC.7 Skyvan
  A utility box-car aircraft, it is used mainly for short-haul freight, cargo transport and sometimes even for skydiving. The aircraft’s amazing landing capabilities makes it popular and highly sought after by a variety of civilian operators.
• 50sen : GAF N22 Nomad
  The GAF N22 Nomad is a twin-engine, multipurpose utility transport. A star in its own right, the aircraft was not only featured in a television series, but its design also served as a foundation for future coastal patrol aircraft.
• 50sen : de Havilland Canada DHC 7-110
  Also fondly known as the Dash 7, the short take-off and landing DHC 7-110 is a versatile craft capable of flying and landing in city areas. Thanks to the noise restrictions in the 70s, Dash 7 was built with slower rotating blades to substantially reduce its sound.

Also available is Miniature Sheet, 10mm x 70mm in size, at RM1 X 2 which features : l

• Airspeed Consul
  In 1947, Malaysia’s inaugural commercial flight seated only 5 passengers in the twin engine Airspeed Consul, flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. The Airspeed Consul has since made way for more technologically advanced aircrafts.
  
• Douglas DC-3
  The new technology of its time brought a vastly improved aircraft – the Douglas DC-3. The aircraft’s significantly reduced flight time popularised air travel, and in 1947, our country’s pioneering commercial airline carrier added the 21-seater to its steadily growing fleet.

First Day Cover, Presentation Pack and Aerogramme, each at RM0.30, RM4.00 and RM0.50 respectively, can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.

Frogs of Malaysia Stamp

Frogs of Malaysia

Frogs or Toads, are collectively known as the Amphibians. Amphibians are animals that spend part of their lives in water and part of their lives on land. What makes an amphibian unusual among the other vertebrates is its skin, which acts not only as a protective layer but also as a respiratory organ. The frogs' or toads' distinctive features include a short, often stocky body, no tail, long hind legs and short front ones, large bulging eyes and a very wide mouth.

Another distinctive characteristic of frogs or toads is their complex life cycle. With a few exceptions, frogs or toads begin life as aquatic larvae, or tadpoles, and undergo a complicated series of changes called metamorphosis, as they assume the form of a frog or toad. Frogs or toads depend on water, not just for breeding, but also for basic survival. Malaysia is among the top 20 countries with the most amphibian species including frogs and toads. The existence of frogs and toads are beneficial to mankind as they consume insects and thus provide assistance in controlling the population of pests.

Horned Toad (Megophrys nasuta)

Megophrys nasuta have specific features that are different from other types of frogs. The "horn" is a very wide, pointed, with triangular projection from the edge of the eyelid. The hind legs are shorter than the front legs and normally males are often substantially smaller than females. The color is light clay to reddish brown, with one or two dark spots on the back. Using its leaf-like appearance for camouflage, Megophrys nasuta is virtually undetectable in the leaf litter of the forest unless it moves. This animal is perfectly designed to fit with its surroundings.

This species live in flat to steep rain forest with thick bamboos, where the area is damp and cool and is commonly found throughout Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia.

Spotted Tree Frog (Nyctixalus pictus)

This type of frog is small with relatively long snout and long hind limbs. The skin on the back, head and the upper surface of the limbs is rough, with many small spiny bumps. The body is reddish cinnamon brown or pale red, with white spots scattered on its back, along the edge of the snout and even on the upper eyelid. The upper half of the iris of the eye is white while the lower half is brown. This is one of the most distinctly colored and cannot be mistaken for any other species. The size of this species are almost the same except for the females which are slightly larger than the males.

Nyctixalus pictus lives in primary and old secondary forest and can be found most often in hilly terrain near water at all parts of Borneo except Brunei, southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Philippines.

Brown Tree Toad (Pedostibes hosii)

Brown Tree Toad or its scientific name, Pedostibes hosii has a large, stout body with a thick bony ridge behind the eye and connected to a small paratoid gland. The fingers are long and distinctly shaped, probably an adaptation to climbing. The top of the head is smooth and the back has a few scattered warts. The females' size is bigger than males. The color for the male are light brown while the females are black or dark purple with a pattern of yellow spots. It can be found mostly in undisturbed forests, but may be found on old secondary habitants. The species can be found in all parts of Borneo and also in Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand.

Lesser Swamp Frog (Rana laterimaculata)

The size of frog from ranidae family is small and medium. It has a pointed head and snout projecting slightly in profile. The fingers are long and the tips are slightly dilated. It also has small, low and rounded glandular warts on the surface of the skin and scattered oval glands at the sides. Rana laterimaculata has a light line on the upper lip that continues from below the eye to below the eardrum. Its dorsal color can vary from medium reddish-brown to very dark brown and the underside is creamy colored. Swampy areas, primary and secondary forests are the natural habitats of this species and are easily found in West Malaysia, Singapore and the Borneo Islands.

Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus)

Wallace's flying frog is a very large tree frog with an almost rounded snout and very large hands and feet. The fingers and toes are fully webbed. The color of the body is shiny green with lighter yellow on the lateral sides as well as on the toe pads and snout. The hind limbs are relatively larger than the front limbs and provided added trust upon jumping.

The males are slightly smaller than the females. This species is a resident of primary or logged forests at low elevation. It descends down from the forest canopy to breed at turbid pools of water. It is also found on low tree branches near rain puddles by the logging area after heavy rain. Wallace's flying frog can be found in Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak. The species can also be found in southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 3-May-2007

Denomination : 30 Sen ; 50 Sen (2 Designs)

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Miniature Sheet Denomination : RM1.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 35mm x 35mm

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

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 1.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 30 April 2007, Tuesday Press Release

UNIQUE FROG STAMPS EXPECTED TO BE A ‘TOAD’AL SENSATION AT POST OFFICES ACROSS THE NATION!

Pos Malaysia will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover on “Frogs of Malaysia” on 3 May 2007. The special stamps and first day cover features a unique collection of images of the species of frogs that can be found in Malaysia.

Frogs and toads are collectively grouped as Amphibians, animals that spend part of their lives in water and part of their lives on lands. An unusual trait of amphibians that sets them apart from other vertebrates is its skin that functions not only as a protective layer but also as a respiratory organ. Another distinctive characteristic of frogs and toads is their complex life cycle. With a few exceptions, frogs and toads begin life as an aquatic larvae or tadpoles and undergo a complicated series of metamorphosis as they assume the form of the adult frog or toad.

“Malaysia is among the 20 countries that have the highest number of amphibian species including frogs and toads. The frogs and toads featured in our new collection of stamps and First Day Cover are some of the most unique and rare species, that can only be found in forests and mangrove swamps across the country. Through our stamps and First Day Cover, we hope that the public can learn more about these colourful and interesting amphibians as well as their unique traits and characteristics,” said Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Group Managing Director / CEO of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

“Pos Malaysia is committed towards spreading positive message to the customers as well as the general public through our stamps and philatelic items. For the Frogs of Malaysia stamp collection, we hope to convey the message on the importance of conserving our nature so that we do not destroy their fragile habitats and ensure that the future generation is able to enrich their knowledge about these unique frogs and toads,” Dato’ Idrose 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 : Brown Tree Toad / Kodok Pokok (Pedostibes hosii)
  The Brown Tree Toad has a large, stout body with a thick bony ridge behind the eye and connected to a small paratoid gland. The fingers are long and distinctly shaped, probably an adaptation to enable this species to climb trees. The top of its head is smooth and the back has a few scattered warts.
  
  The female’s size is bigger than the male, while the colour difference between both genders is light brown for male and black or dark purple with a pattern of yellow spots for female. It can be found mostly in undisturbed forests, but may also be found in old, secondary forests. The Brown Tree Toad can be found in all parts of Borneo as well as in Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand.
• 50sen : Horned Toad / Katak Tanduk (Megophrys nasuta)
  Megophys nasuta have specific features that are different from other types of toads. The ‘horn’ is very wide and pointed, with triangular projection from the edge of both eyelids. The hind legs are shorter than the front legs and normally males are substantially smaller than females. The colour is light clay to reddish red with one or two dark spots on the back.
  Using its leaf-like appearance for camouflage, the Horned Toad is virtually undetectable in the leaf litter of the forest unless it moves. The animal is perfectly designed to fit in with its surrounding.
  
  The Horned Toad lives in flat to steep rain forest where thick bamboo grows and the area is damp and cool. It is commonly found throughout Borneo, Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia.
• 50sen : Spotted Tree Frog / Katak Perang (Nyctixalus Pictus)
  Spotted Tree Frogs is small with relatively long snout and long hind limbs. The skin on the back, head and upper surface of the limbs is rough, with many small, spiny bumps. The body is reddish cinnamon brown or pale red with white spots scattered on its back and, along the edge of the snout and even on the upper eyelid.
  
  The upper half of the iris of the eye is white while the lower half is brown. This is one of the most distinctly coloured and cannot be mistaken for any other species. The size of Spotted Tree Frogs is almost the same with the exception of the female being slightly larger than the male.
  
  Spotted Tree Frogs lives in primary and old secondary forests and can be found most often in hilly terrains near water areas at all parts of Borneo except for Brunei, southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and the Phillipines.

Also available is Miniature Sheet, 10mm x 70mm in size, at RM1 which features :

• Lesser Swamp Frog / Katak Paya (Rana (baramica) laterimaculata)
  The size of frogs from the Ranidae family is small and medium. The Lesser Swamp Frog has a pointed head and snout that project slightly from the profile while the fingers are long with slightly dilated tips. It also has small, low and rounded glandular warts on the surface of the skin and scattered oval glands at the sides.
  
  Lesser Swamp Frogs has a thin line on the upper lip that continues towards the lower part of the eye and below the eardrum. Its dorsal colour can vary from medium reddish-brown to very dark brown while the underside is creamy coloured.
  
  Swampy areas, primary and secondary forests are the natural habitat of this species and can be easily found in West Malaysia, Singapore and the Borneo Islands.
• Wallace’s Flying Frog / Katak Pokok Terbang Wallace (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus)
  Wallace’s Flying Frog is a very large tree frog with an almost rounded snout and very large hands and feet. The fingers and toes are fully webbed while the colour of its body is shiny green with light yellow on the lateral sides as well as on the toe pads and snout. The hind limbs are relatively larger than the front limbs that provide added thrust upon jumping.
  
  The males are slightly smaller than the females. Wallace’s Flying Frogs lives in primary or logged forests at low elevation. It can also be found on low tree branches near rain puddles by the logging area after a heavy rain. It descends from the forest canopy to breed at muddy pools of water. Wallace’s Flying Frog can be found in Kalimantan, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, southern Thailand, Sabah and Sarawak.

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

>>> Read more about "Frogs of Malaysia Stamps" <<<

Installation His Majesty Yang Di-Pertuan Agong XIII Stamp

His Majesty Al-Wathiqu Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni A;-Marhum Si;tan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah was born on 22nd January 1962 in Kuala Terengganu. His Majesty is the eldest prince in the family of seven siblings.

His Majesty received his early education at Sultan Sulaiman Primary School and later at Sultan Sulaiman Secondary School in Kuala Terengganu before going overseas to further his studies at Geelongs Grammar, Victoria, Australia from 1980 to 1981. Later, His Majesty pursued a degree course at the US International University - Europe in London and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in International Relations on 9th June 1988.

His Majesty's life is not restricted to the palace and on 15th December 1981, His Majesty was appointed as the Assistant Land Levy Collector, working for a year at the District Land Office in Kuala Terengganu. The experience gained from working at the District Land Office proved to be beneficial for His Majesty before leaving for His Majesty's studies abroad.

Prior to his military courses abroad, His Majesty enrolled in a Pre-Army Course at Kem Sebatang Karah, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan for 3 months beginning 18th May 1981. Subsequently His Majesty followed the PRE SMC (E) military course at the Army School of Languages from 2nd November 1982 to 31st May 1983, also the SMC 33 course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, England frrom 3rd May 1983 to 9th December 1983. His Majesty was commissioned to the rank of Honorary Lieutenant in the Royal Cavalry on 1st March 1984.

His Majesty was appointed as the Crown Prince of the State of Terengganu Darul Iman on 6th November 1979 and later as the Acting Sultan of Terengganu on 20th June 1986 and for a second time from 21st October to 8th November 1990. His Majesty was appointed as the President of the Council for Islam and Malay Culture of Terengganu from 1st June 1991 till 31st December 1995.

His Majesty married Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku NurZahirah on March 1996in Kuala Terengganu. The Royal couple is blessed with two princesses and two princes.

His Majesty was conferred the dignitary titles of:

• Darjah Kerabat Malaysia (D.K.M.)

• Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Terengganu Yang Amat Di Hormati (S.P.M.T.)

• Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor (S.P.M.J.)

• Darjah Seri Setia Sultan Mahmud Terengganu Yang Amat Terpuji (S.S.M.T.)

• Darjah Utama Kerabat Terengganu (D.K.T.)

• Darjah Kerabat Baginda Tuanku Syed Putera Jamalullail (D.K. Perlis)

• Darjah Kerabat Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Dihormati (D.K. Johor)

• Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (D.M.N.)

• Darjah Kerabat DiRaja Terengganu Yang Amat Mulia ((D.K.R.)

• Darjah Setia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Yang Amat Terpilih (S.S.M.Z.)

• Darjah Kerabat Negri Sembilan Yang Amat Dihormati (D.K. Negri Sembilan)

• Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati Negeri Kedah Darul Aman (D.K. Kedah)

• Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati (Al-Yunus) (D. K. Kelantan)

• Darjah Kerabat Yang Dihormati Selangor (D.K. Selangor)

• Darjah Seri Utama Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Yang Amat Terpilih (S.U.M.Z.)

As a Ruler who is very concerned about the welfare of his people, His Majesty Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin makes the effort to go to all mosques in Terengganu for Friday prayers to forge closer ties with his subjects. His Majesty also continues with the practice of giving alms to orphans and the poor every Friday as was done by his late father Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah.

His Majesty is also very active in sports like football, golf, tae-kwan-do, scuba diving and equestrian which he has developed deep interest in since he was six years old.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 26th April 2007

Denomination : 30 sen, 50 sen & RM1

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Prof Dato Zahabuddin Raja Yaacob

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Folder Value : RM 5.00

POS Malaysia 24 April 2007, Tuesday Press Release

POS MALAYSIA ISSUES STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE THE INSTALLATION OF THE SERI PADUKA BAGINDA YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG XIII

Pos Malaysia Berhad will issue new stamps and First Day Cover to commemorate the installation of His Majesty Al-Wathiqu Billah Al-Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni AlMarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah as the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIII. The stamps will be sold to the public on 27 April 2007 for states having their weekend off on a Sunday and on 28 April 2007 for states having their weekend off on a Friday. The Commemorative Stamps will feature a collection of the portraits of His Majesty Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

“Pos Malaysia is deeply honoured by the opportunity to issue the commemorative stamps in conjunction with the installation of the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong XIII and we believe that the sense of pride will be felt by all Malaysians. This documentation of the most significant royal occasion in Malaysia through our stamps and First Day Cover will be a valuable collection to the stamp enthusiasts not only in Malaysia but also from other countries,” said Dato’ Idrose Mohamed, Group Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad.

The stamps, 30mm X 40mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in three denominations : 30sen, 50sen and RM1.00.

First Day Covers at 30 sen each and Presentation Pack at RM4 each are available at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5 each is only available at selected post offices.