Unique Birds of Malaysia Stamp

Birds have often captivated the imagination and inspiration of mankind. From watching and studying this winged wonders, mankind has learned to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these creatures.

Malaysia has over 742 species of birds, totaling, about 7% of the worlds population. Approximately 63 of these species are endemic (found no where else in the world) to our country.

Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant

The Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron malacense) is one of the gems of Malaysia's bird species and is now on the list as one of the of the four species special or endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. Previously widespread in Thailand and Sumatra, today they are only confined to Central Peninsular Malaysia. The Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant is medium-sized, up to 53 cm long, brownish with blue-green oceilli on its wings, back and tail. It has elongated glossy green crest and bare orange facial skin. The female is smaller and its colours duller. Due to ongoing threats of habitat loss, poaching, small population size and limited range, the Malaysian Peacock-Pheasant is now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN List ot Threatened Species.

Milky Stork

Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea) is a large wading bird of freshwater habitat, living in wetlands and wet farmlands across southern Asia. They are also found on the coast, where intertidal wetlands provide food and refuge. Milky Stork can reach a length of 97cm and has a thick, yellowish bill and blackish flight feathers. Both sexes look almost alike. this species can be found in Kampuchea, Peninsular Malaysia and most of the larger Indonesian Islands.

Malaysian Whistling Thrush

The Malaysian Whistling Thrush (Myophonus robinsoni) if one of the four endemic birds of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a rare and reclusive bird found in broadleaf evergreen forest, preferring streams as well as hills and highlands. About 26cm in size, the thrush has a small yellowish bill, bright metallic blue and black wings and body. Both sexes look alike. The resident species has also be classified by IUCN as Vulnerable.

Wreathed Hornbill

The Wreathed Hornbill (Aceros undulatus) is a colourful species of hornbill found in forests from far north-eastern India and Bhutan, east and south through mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda.

It is about 70 to 100cm in size, with both sexes looking almost alike. These birds prefer broad-leaf evergreen mixed deciduous forests and forest on islands and are found at a maximum elevation of about 1,800 metres.

This species has a large range with an estimated global Extent of Ocurrence of 1 million to 10 million km square. Globally, the Wreathed Hornbill is classified by IUCN as "Least Concern" because presently, it numbers seems to be stable.

Plain-pouched Hornbill

Worldwide, there are about 54 recognised species of hornbills and Malaysia is home to 10 species.

The Plain-pouched Hornbill (Aceros subruficollis) has a rather black body and a pouch without any visible marking, hence the name "plain-pouched". The females have a blue pouch while the males have a yellow pouch. Overall, the Plain-pouched Hornbill closely resembles the Wreathed Hornbill except for the lack of corrugations on its beak and the lack of any visible marking on its pouch.

Plain-pouched Hornbills are found at deciduous, dry and humid evergreen forests, mainly in the lowlands and even hills to about 1,000 m elevations. It has a varied diet, mainly comprising of fruits, but also invertebrates and small vertebrates. Plain-pouched Hornbills makes its habitat in the area between south-east Myanmar to northern Peninsular Malaysia.

Globally, the Plain-pouched Hornbill is classified as Vulnerable. The mass movement of the Plain-pouched Hornbills across the Belum-Temengor landscape has occurred over a decade since its discovery.

The highest number of Plain-pouched Hornbills in the world was documented by the MNS in 2008 at Temengor with a total of 3,261 individuals.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 21st January 2009

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

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : RM5 (Embossed)

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Teh Yew Kiang

Premier Schools Stamp

Premier Schools are schools that are over 100 years old which have been selected and awarded as cluster schools due to their achievements in the academic and co-curriculum fields. These schools have produced many national leaders, corporate figures, professionals, sportsman and scholars who have contributed significantly to the growth of Malaysia in this era of globalisation.

SMK St. Thomas

SMK St. Thomas is the oldest school in Sarawak. Founded in 1948 by Reverend Francis Thomas Mcdougall, St Thomas. This school was originally located at Sungei Sarawak. It subsequently moved to its present location known as College Hill situated in the center of Kuching City.

St. Thomas has created history for Sarawak by becoming a pioneer in many aspects and winning awards at the national level. In 2006, SMK St Thomas was officially recognised as a “Sekolah Lestari” due to it being an environment friendly school.

SMK Victoria

SMK Victoria, better known as Victoria Institution was officiated on 14th August 1893 by Mrs. Hood Treacher, wife of the then Resident of Selangor. SMK Victoria is today a five-star smart school and its 115 years of excellence has resulted in the school being selected as a cluster school in 2007.

SMK Convent Bukit Nanas

SMK Convent Bukit Nanas is a well-known premier girl’s school in Kuala Lumpur. Built in 1899, this school with its English Gothic architecture is situated on a two-acre site near the peak of Bukit nanas Forest Reserve.

SMK Bukit Nanas consistently excelled in the academic and co-curriculum fields. In 2007, this school was selected as a cluster school.

SM All Saints

SM All Saints was established as King Edward VII School on 22nd December 1903 and officiated by the Governor E. W. Birch. The new building was built in 1909 in Likas and was officiated by the the Governor Sir Ralph Hone.

SM All Saints has played a major role in the growth of education in Sabah and has been awarded as a premier school.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 16th December 2008

Stamp Value : 50 sen (4 Designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design

Malaysian Cartoons - Lat Stamp

The younger generation of Malaysian youth will know Lat as the creator of the animation series, Kampung Boy that is shown on Astro Network. The 26-episode animation series from the cartoon book Kampung Boy that was published in 1979 is very popular ever since it was shown in 1998. This animation series is also shown over television in Canada and Germany, and has won The Best Animation Award in Annecy animation Festival, France in 1999.

On the other hand, the older generation knows Lat since the 1960's when he became the cartoonist for Berita Minggu newspaper. Since 1974 until today, Lat has been drawing his cartoons in the NST Newspaper.


The Kampung Boy

The Kampung Boy, a cartoon book published in the 1970's is based on the life of it's creator, Malaysia's renowned cartoonist Dato' Mohd Nor Khalid also famously known as Lat. It tells the life story of a child born and raised in a typical Malaysian village in the 1950s and 1960s, according to the traditional Malay life, living in harmony with nature. The cartoon portray the lighter side of family life, school and home-made games in a rural environment.


Home-made Games

Riding the upih pinang (pinang frond) was one of the most memorable games in the good old days which brought fun and laughter, especially to those who were "passengers". There were a lot more do-it-yourself games played by the children of yesteryears that are featured in another book titled "Kampung Boy - Yesterday and Today"


The Fierce Teacher

One of the favourite and well known characters of Lat's cartoon is Mrs. Hew, Lat's strict teacher. Students of yesteryear were very afraid of their teachers, who played a major role in educating the children. In real life, Mrs. Hew, who is very pretty unlike the cartoon drawing, was one of the many teachers who gave encouragement to Lat to pursue his interest in art as well as to improve the quality of his drawings.


Town Boy

Town Boy tells the story about a group of youths and the friendship they shared although they were from different racial and cultural background. It was in fact the different background but same interests that made them become close friends, thus creating funny situations. In Town Boy, it was music that brought Mat and Frankie together.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 1st December 2008

Stamp Value : 50 sen (Strip of 4)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Miniature Sheet Size : RM5

Stamp Booklet : 30 sen x 5 x 2 (RM3)

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

Seashells of Malaysia Stamp

Seashells are the hard protective layer of a marine animal, typically that of marine invertebrates. Seashells are commonly attributed to marine molluscs which has various sub-categories such as gastropods (e.g. snails), bivalves (e.g. clams) and chitons.

Seashells are commonly found deposited along the sea shore by waves and tides. Only the shells are washed up onto the beach empty and clean, the animal already having died and rotted away or have been eaten b predators or scavengers. Seashells come in a variety of shape, sizes and colours depending on the species. The presence of a particular species in the area is usually indicative of the water quality and hydrology.

Collecting empty seashells b beachcombers is a harmless hobby but the majority of seashells are collected alive and in bulk for commercial trade and this exploitation causes negative impact on the rarer species.

This species is typically found on sandy banks, inside barrier reefs. During the day, they burrow down into the sand and at dusk move out to hunt.


Burnt Murex (Chicoreus brunneus) - 30 sen

Normally found in coral reef areas in Malaysian waters and well-known for its beautiful spines. It is a carnivore which feeds on bivalves.


Frog Shell (Tutufa rubeta) - 50 sen

This species usually hides among shallow reefs or rocks using its rock-like shell as a great camouflage.


Triton's Trumpet (Charonia tritonis) - 50 sen

This species feeds on starfish. Traditionally, it is used as a trumpet by natives of other cultures.


Venus Comb Murex (Murex pecten) - RM2

This species is normally found on sandy sea beds. It has more than 100 spines which protect it from predators and also prevent it from sinking into the soft sandy sea bed.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 11th November 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen (2 designs) & 50 sen (2 designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet : RM2

Miniature Sheet Size : 90mm x 60mm

Stamp in M/S Size : 60mm x 40mm

Presentation Pack : RM4

Folder Value : RM 5.50

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design

National Angkasawan Programme Stamp

National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovations has been given the responsibility of commissioning the process of selecting the national astronaut (Angkasawan Negara). The process reached its peak when two out of the four final candidates was chosen and announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia before they go through the Astronaut Training Program for 18 months in Russia.

The Malaysian people and the country has benefited from this program mainly in the fields of science and technology. This include Space Medicine, Aviation Medicine, Life Science, Environmental Science and Physics where scientists are able to involve themselves to create and design experiments that could be carried out in a unique enviroment. These researchers will benefit selected industries such as in the medical and Aerospace Industries while working towards achieving a scientific society.

This is a pioneer program for this country to cater the next generation into exploring new technologies that is capable of bringing into existence another advantage for Malaysia to compete in the global arena.

30 sen - Soyuz TMA-11
Rocket brought first Malaysian Spaceman to the International Space Station on 10th October 2007.

50 sen - Micro-gravity Science Experiment
One of the objectives of the National Space Program is to send Malaysian Spaceman to ISS and conduct beneficial activities to the country and its people especially in science and technology development for both the present and in the future. The major activity in the International Space Station involves conducting microgravity science research. Some of the experiments that were conducted are regarding cells, microbes and protein in space.

50 sen - International Space Station (ISS)
The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest International scientific project ever produced. It's an outcome of collaboration between countries such as the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and other eleven European countries. The station is generated by solar power which will produce 110 kilowatts of power once it is equipped. Laboratory and habitation modules will support a permanent international crew of seven astronauts. ISS will act as a platform for Earth and space observation and the experiments conducted on board will help produce new materials and pharmaceutical products. which can only be carried out in a microgravity environment.

Miniature Sheet RM2 - Liftoff
Malaysian Spaceman, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Syukor Al-Masrie was lauched to space at 9.21 p.m. (Malaysian Time) on 10th October 2207 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on board the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket. This marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's history where for the first time ever, a Malaysian was successfully able to go to outer space and this is indeed a catalyst for future space exploration projects.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 21st October 2008

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

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.

Unique Flowers Stamp

There are many varieties of flowers found in Malaysia and there are some species that are attractive and unique due to their special shape or rare fragrance. Most traditional Malay landscape comprise of plants with fragrant flowers, leaves and wood. In fact, most traditional poetry refer to these unique traits.

The issuance of this Unique Flower stamps is an effort to increase the awareness of such flowers as well as to popularize Malaysian flowers.

Kenerak (Goniothalamus tapis) - 30 sen

Kenerak is a shrub or small tree up to 3 metres high with ascending branches and short twigs forming conical or uneven crown. Leaves are oblong in shape, widest near apex and bluntly tipped, 12 to 24 cm long, 6 to 11 cm wide, dull yellow green. Flowers grow solitary on leaf twigs hanging from short stalks. Calyx is green in colour, and outer petals are cream white or pale yellowish and very fragrant. The fruits are ellipsoid, 1.2cm long, red in colour and turn purplish black as it ripens.

Kenerak is often planted in Malay villages, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu. The flowers are often sold in the markets.

Climbing Lily (Gloriosa superba) - 30 sen

This plant is a species of lily that climbs up to 2.5 metres in height, aided by tendril-like tips at its narrow lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are attractive and unique with narrow yellow and red curly edged petals. When it blooms, the flower turns inside out and points upwards with the stamens and pistil more or less horizontal. The plant has underground bulb which is poisonous.

The plant is cultivated in Malaysian gardens for its unique and attractive flowers. Malays call it Bunga Kembang Songsang because when the flowers are fully bloomed the petals are inverted.

Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) - 50 sen

Rangoon Creeper is a climbing shrub and planted as ornamental plant because of its unique flowers. It can also be found growing wild, escaped from cultivation. The flowers are very attractive and borne in short clusters. the flower tube is 5 cm long and the petals are white but turn red when matured. The flower blooms at bight and very fragrant.

The plant is often planted as climber on fences, on specially prepared pergola or left to climb on big trees.

Banana Shrub (Michelia figo) - 50 sen

The shrub is about 1 to 2 metres high, branched to form bush-shaped canopy. The leaves are elliptical in shape, 5 to 10 cm long, 2 to 6 cm wide with short petiole and dark green in colour. The flowers are about 3 to 4 cm in diameter when fully opened, the bracts are brownish and hairy and the petals are yellowish white with slightly purplish base. The flowers are fragrant reminiscent of banana. In Malaysia the plants seldom bear fruits.

The Chinese community use the flowers to fragrant tea and the Malays use the flowers in aromatic bath and potpourri.

Gooseneck Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) - RM5

A slender herb under the family of cactaceae grows up to 1 to 3 metre. It has a short main stem and long irregular branches that are flat and look like leaves that are jointed with edges that are scalloped , green or slightly brownish, about 6 to 10 cm with 20 to 25 cm long. The large white flowers are nocturnal, very fragrant with slender curved red tubes and red to yellow sepals and numerous white linear or ovate petals. The white stamens are numerous and the style is yellowish white or red and tipped with a lobed stigma.

The Chinese believe that Keng Hwa brings luck and used to grow them in big pots and placed them in front of their houses. It is associated with the belief that when the flowers open at midnight, fairies come out and bring luck.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 9th October 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen (setenent) & 50 sen (setenent)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet (Spot Varnish) : RM5

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design


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