Rare Fruits III Stamp

Rare Fruits of Malaysia

Malaysia possesses a rich diversity of tropical fruits. Besides the commercial fruits, there are many other fruit species which are grouped under rare fruits. Many of the rare fruit species have great potential but they are under exploited. The production of rare fruits is rather limited due to low number of trees available for each species. However, some of the potential rare fruits are sold at night markets, "pekan sehari" or along the roadsides. Most of the rare fruits are seasonal, but there are also species that are non-seasonal, producing fruits throughout the year.

They provide nutritional benefits and some of these species have unique medicinal value. Furthermore, due to its rarity, it provides good source of income.

These rare fruits are usually grown in home gardens or orchards. Among the fruits that can be found in home gardens are Cermai, Ceri Terengganu, and Durian Nyekak. Jentik-jentik grows in the wild and can be found in forests. Beruas is now being planted as landscaping trees in gardens or pathways.

Considered as treasures of the forests, it is important to cultivate the public's awareness on the value and importance of these rare fruit species as well as ensure that effective conservation and sustainable utilization of the diversity is undertaken so that the future generation is able to appreciate their uniqueness and specialty.

Terap Bulu (Artocarpus Sericicarpus)

Terap bulu is famous in Sarawak. The fruit is large, weighing between 450g - 800g and resembles that of nangka or cempedak. The shape is oval and is slightly orange in color with a strong smell. The whole fruit is covered with long, coarse hair and when ripe the fruit is soft and can be easily opened while the flesh and stalk can be easily pulled from the skin. The flesh, consisting of many small segments is white, soft, sweet, juicy and fragrant. Seeds can be eaten by frying without oil or boiled.

Cermai (Phyllanthus Acidus)

The small sized tree bears fruits in bunches from the branch or stalks and are non-seasonal. The fruit is small, measuring about 2 cm in width and 1.5 cm in length. When ripe, the fruit is yellow, translucent and shiny. The shape of the fruit is round and slightly flattened. The surface of the fruit has 6-8 lobes while the flesh is usually sour in taste with stony seed. Besides eating fresh, the fruit can be pickled, made into dried candy and used in rojak mixture.

Beruas (Garcinia Hombroniana)

The shape of the Beruas tree and its leaves very much resemble that of the mangosteen trees. The flowers are scented and blooms at the end of the branch in clusters of 6-8 blooms or flowers. Fruits are 4cm - 5cm in width and round shaped with pointed tips attached with the stigma. The skin is dark, red and shiny while the thin flesh consists of 8-10 segments and is white in color as well as sour in taste. The tree can be used as beautiful landscape plants.

Ceri Terengganu (Lepisanthes Alata)

The tree is non-seasonal and produces fruit throughout the year. The fruits are arranged closely and attractively in a big bunch of cluster of which each bunch consists of about 20 fruits. The fruits, about 2cm - 3 cm in width are dark red, shiny and round with pointed tip. Each fruit contains 1-3 pieces of seeds and its flesh is soft and tastes fairly sweet. The tree is small but can reach medium height. Its canopy spreads out and the purplish color of the young leaves adds to the attractiveness of the tree. Due to this Ceri Terengganu is usually planted for landscaping purposes.

Jentik-Jentik (Baccaurea Polyneura)

The trees are large, reaching up to more than 30 meters in height while the fruits are borne in large and long clusters hanging down from the branches. A bunch contains up to 10-20 fruits that are small in size with 2 cm in width and 2.5 cm in length and are orange in color. The skin is hard and brittle and is easily broken when clicked with fingers. The flesh, consisting of 1-3 segments is shiny and dark orange in color with sweet and acidic taste. The tree is seasonal, produce flowers and fruits only once a year.

Nyekak (Durio Kutejensis)

Nyekek can be found in the states of Sarawak and Sabah. The tree is medium in height, reaching 30 meters tall. Leaves are dark green on the upper surface with golden underside. Nyekak can be easily recognized through its big, dark red flowers. The fruit shape varies from round to oval and oblong while its size varies from small to big at 8 cm up to 13 cm in length and weighing from 300g to 940g. The skin is yellow with short and sharp thorns while the flesh is yellow to orange in color and can reach up to 7 mm in thickness. Nyekak fruit tastes creamy, sweet and less pungent in flavor whereas the seed is dark brown and shiny. An interesting trait of the fruit is that the flesh has no odor and it does not stick to the fingers. Another important characteristic of the Nyekak is that the calyx and its filaments are firmly attached to the base of the fruit.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 28-Mar-2006

Denomination : 30 Sen; 50 Sen, RM 1.00

Stamp Size : 29 mm X 34 mm

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 1.00 X 2

Miniature Sheet Size : 100 mm X 70 mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 29 mm X 34 mm

Perforation : Elliptical(14)

Sheet Content : 20 stamps

Paper : SPM,Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Hazel Design

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.30

Folder Value :RM 5.00

100th Anniversary of National Audit Institution Stamp

History of National Audit Institution

The Institution of Audit was first established in Malaya during the British Colonial administration in the early 19th century. During this period, the office of the Auditor General was formed separately in both the Federated Malay States and the Straits Settlements. In the year 1906, the first Auditor General of The Federated Malay States was appointed. He was responsible for the audit function of the four states centered in Kuala Lumpur. Both the institutions were merged in the year 1932 and placed under the Director of Colonial Audit, London. However, auditing and the preparation of the audit report were carried out by the Auditor of the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States, a newly established position in Kuala Lumpur. In 1957, when the Federation of Malaya attained its independence, the post of Director of Audit was abolished and the post of the Auditor General of the Federation of Malaya was established. The appointment as well as the responsibilities of the Auditor General is stipulated under Article 105 of the Federal Constitution and the Audit Act 1957.

National Audit Academy

Under the new organizational structure introduced in 2002, the Training Branch has been placed under the Research and Training Division, Corporate Management Sector and is responsible for managing, planning and implementing the training needs of the National Audit Department. The Training Program supports the Department's Strategic Plan that is to enhance the quality of audits, the capability of auditors to give advise and the mastering of ICT as well as nurturing excellence in the work environment. This branch coordinates Training Programs which encompasses various aspects in auditing, accounting, ICT and management. To strengthen our Training Program, the National Audit Academy was built at the cost of RM42.42 million. The Academy is located in the township of ENSTEK Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. This Academy was launched on 24 November 2005 and provides facilities such as classrooms, hostels, auditorium, quarters, mosque and recreational utilities.

National Audit Department Logo

The concept for the new logo is based on a combination of a stylized letter 'a' and modern graphic element. The letter represents Audit, which in turn is the main function of the National Audit Department. The letter is also the first letter in the alphabet and mirrors organizational excellence. The orbit on the other hand depicts the readiness of the National Audit Department to face the challenges of globalization while the diamond symbol represents the steadfastness of this organization in realizing the Nation's Vision. The yellow color represents the sovereignty of the king, the source of power of the National Audit Department. Maroon symbolizes the image and identity of the National Audit Department and blue represents the spirit of teamwork that is the philosophy of the employees of the Department. Red on the other hand, symbolizes the high spirit of the employees of the National Audit Department.

The first National Audit Department logo consisted of a shield and a divider with 13 stars representing the 13 different states in Malaysia. The Parliament Building is featured under the stars representing the place where the report of the Auditor General is tabled. The scales on top of the stars signify the principles of justice on which the activities of the Department are based. The book, keys and pen symbolize the accounting record for public funds kept by the Treasury and audited by the Department. This logo was used for 30 years until the year 2002.

Auditor General's Reports

From 1906 until 1959 the Auditor General's Reports were prepared in English. It was only in 1960 that the Auditor General's Report was prepared in two languages; English and Malay. Gradually after 1960, the audit reports were prepared in Malay. The earliest record of printed Auditor General's Report was in 1920. The format of the report gravitated more towards the verification of the financial statements figures and issues related to those statements. In the year 2000, the National Audit Department revised the format and contents of the Auditor General's Report by emphasizing on balanced reporting. Through this format, the Auditor General's Report not only highlight on the weaknesses of Governmental Agencies, but also the positive actions and improvements that were carried out. This approach has so far fostered better cooperation between auditors and auditees and successfully created a conducive audit environment as well as improving the process of auditing and reporting.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 14-Feb-2006

Denomination : 30 Sen; 50 Sen ( 2 Designs )

Stamp Size : 40 mm X 30 mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Creative & Communications House Sdn. Bhd.

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Folder Value : RM 5.00

Wild Duck Species Stamp

Duck is the common name for birds from the sub family Anatinae. It is the largest group of waterfowl (aquatic birds), and are normally found near water areas such as ponds, streams and rivers. They may be found in both fresh and saltwater areas. Ducks are related to swans and geese and are the smallest of them in size.

Ducks can live from 2 to 12 years, depending on species. The female incubates and rears the young. They have webbed feet which acts as paddles when they swim. Because of the webbed feet, ducks waddles instead of walks.

Ducks thrive on a variety of food sources like grass, aquatic plants, insects, fish and others. They breed quite easily, and have a lot of economic potential. There are now duck-based industries that farm and breed ducks for their meat, eggs and feathers.

Anas crecca

The Common Teal or Teal (Anas crecca) is common and widespread in Asia. This migratory duck spends the winters south to Africa and South Asia. Is is usually between 34 cm to 38 cm in length with a wingspan between 53 cm and 59 cm. The male has grey flanks and back, with a yellow rear end and a white-edged green speculum. The head is chestnut in colour with a green eye patch. The female is usually light brown. The common teal can be distinguished from most ducks by size and shape and the speculum (inner flight feathers) which is green. It commonly inhibits sheltered areas of wetlands and some tall vegetation. It usually feeds on plants. Their nests sit on the ground near water and under cover.

Cairina scutulata

The White-winged Wood Duck (Cairina Scutulata) is a species of dabbling ducks from the genus Cairina. This species is highly endangered, with a very small population numbering in the hundreds scattered around South-East Asia, India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This species live deep in the forest, near pools and marshes, nesting high in the trees. The White-winged Wood Ducks feed mainly at night on seeds, grains, rice, snails and fish. They have white head and neck with black spots. The bill is orange, mottle with black. The wings are tipped with white. The female is smaller than the male.

Anas acuta

The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a slender duck with long neck. The males can be differentiated from the females by their size and colour. The males are larger, with brown head, white neck and underparts, a greyish back and sides and long black, pointed central tail feathers. The smaller females have brownish head, grey bill and a slightly pointed tail. This species is common and widespread, often flocking in large groups. They prefer to reside near marshes and ponds. The Northern Pintail grazes on vegetation and the males are more aggressive than the females.

Anas clypeata

The Shoveler or Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) is widespread and breeds in the northern areas of Europe and Asia. It migrates to the south during the winter season. They can be found in small flocks. The species is distinguished by its large spatulate bill. The male has a green head, white breast and chestnut belly and flanks. The females are light brown with long broad bill and grey forewing. They flock in open wetlands and feed on plant food, using the bill to strain food from the water. They also eat mollusks and insects in the nesting season. The nest is usually close to water, formed by a shallow depression on the ground and lined with grass and feathers.

Phalacrocorax carbo

The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a type of duck from the cormorant family measuring 77cm to 79cm in length with a wingspan of 121 cm to 149 cm. It breeds mainly near coastlines. This species makes its nest from seaweed or twigs, usually on cliffs or in trees and feeds on a wide variety of fish caught at sea, rivers or estuaries. It is black in colour and has a longish tail with yellow throat patch.

Technical Details

Date of Issue : 26-Jan-2006

Denomination : 30 Sen ( 2 Designs ); 50 ( 2 Designs)

Stamp Size : 40 mm X 30 mm

Perforation : 14

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

Paper : SPM,Watermarked, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Sdn Bhd

Stamp Designer : Reign Associates Sdn. Bhd

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Presentation Pack Value : RM 4.00

Miniature Sheet Value : RM 2.00

Miniature Sheet Size : 100 mm X 70 mm

Stamp Size in Miniature Sheet : 40 mm X 30 mm

Folder Value : RM 5.00

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