Spiga

Nocturnal Animals Stamp

Date of Issue : 13-Mar-2008

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Animal Stamp; Malaysia Nocturnal Animal Stamp

Pos Malaysia has come up with special glow-in-the-dark stamps featuring unique nocturnal animals. Pos Malaysia has been dedicated in helping to enhance the public's knowledge about nature. These stamps were printed in two stages; one to print the actual stamp and the second time to layer on the coat of special glow-in-the-dark ink. The new stamps are also is a tool to create awareness among the people about nocturnal animals.

These stamps come in a miniature sheet measuring 120mm by 70mm and feature the Slow Loris (Kongkang) (RM3) and the Tarsier (Kera Hantu) (RM2).

Four other stamps, measuring 50mm x 30mm, feature the Moonrat (Tikus Ambang Bulan) (30 sen), Malay Badger (Teludu) (30 sen), Golden Cat (Kucing Tulip) (50 sen) and Flying Fox (Keluang) (RM1).

Nocturnal Animal 30sen Moonrat StampMoonrat (Echinosorex gymnurus)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

Generally solitary, this small mammal is strictly terrestrial and confined to the forest floor, often frequenting areas by the streams and is known to be active by day. It has a very strong body odour in the wild. Earthworms, beetles, spiders and snails are amongst the things it feeds on.



Nocturnal Animal 30sen Malay Badger StampMalay badger (Mydaus javanensis)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

The Malay badger is a terrestrial animal and is known for its very strong odour. It sleeps in underground burrows and feeds mainly by digging into the ground for food such as earthworms and insect larvae. Although found in mature forests, it is apparently more frequently seen in secondary forests and open ground such as gardens.



Nocturnal Animal 50sen Golden Cat StampGolden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

Little is know on the ecology and life history of this medium sized cat. Its coat of golden colour is largely unmarked and adults can weigh as much as 12 kilogrammes. Although terrestrial, it can apparently climb trees when necessary. Its prey includes mousedeer, birds, lizards and other small animals.



Nocturnal Animal RM1 Flying Fox StampFlying Fox (Pteropus vampyrus)

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

This is the largest bat in Malaysia bat in Malaysia and a full-grown adult can weigh more than a kilogramme. Large roosting colonies of this bat are often found in mangroves or nipah palm. This bat is known to fly long distances to feed on flowering or fruit trees and it is an important pollinator of many forest trees including durians.



Nocturnal Animal RM3 Slow Loris StampSlow loris (Nycticebus coucang)

Denomination : RM3

Largely arboreal, this primate which can weigh almost a kilogramme, is often found alone although couples with dependent young are sometimes seen. It feeds on small animals, mostly insects and on pulpy fruits. It lives in mature and secondary forests as well as in gardens and plantations.



Nocturnal Animal RM2 Tarsie StampTarsier (Tarsius bancanus)

Denomination : RM2

This small primate of less than two kilogrammes is active from ground level to al least seven metres and generally leaps from tree to tree. It feeds mainly on large insects and is often solitary. Tarsier is known to make high pitch calls frequently and can be found in both mature and secondary forests.




Nocturnal Animals glow-in-the-dark Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM5

Miniature Sheet Size : 120mm x 70mm

Nocturnal Animals Miniature Sheet



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Insects Series IIII Stamp

Date of Issue : 7-Jul-2007

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Animal Stamp; Malaysia Insect Stamp; Malaysia Hologram Stamp

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.

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

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. 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.

Insects Series 30sen Lantern Bug StampLantern Bug (Fulgora pyrorhyncha) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

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.



Insects Series 30sen Fruit Bug StampFruit Bug (Dysdercus cingulatus) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

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).



Insects Series 50sen Valanga Grasshopper StampValanga Grasshopper (Valanga nigricornis) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

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.


Insects Series 50sen Longhorn Beetle StampLonghorn beetle (Rhaphipodus hopei) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm

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.



Insects Series RM5 Emperor Moth StampEmperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) Stamp

Denomination : RM5

Stamp Size : 50mm x 38.5mm

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.



Emperor Moth (Antheraea helferi) Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM5

Miniature Sheet Size : 120mm x 70mm

Insects Series RM5 Emperor Moth Miniature Sheet Stamp



Frogs of Malaysia Stamps

Date of Issue : 3-May-2007

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Animal Stamp; Malaysia Amphibian Stamp

Malaysia is among 20 countries with a high number of amphibian species, including frogs and toads. The frogs and toads featured in this series of stamp collection are most rare found in the word forests and mangrove swamps across the country.

Pos Malaysia Bhd released a set of special stamps called Frogs of Malaysia on Thursday at post offices nationwide. By releasing these stamps, it convey the importance of conserving nature for our future generations, as well as to educate the public about these colorful and unique amphibians.

The stamps are available in two denominations. The Brown Tree Toad stamps cost 30 sen each while the Horned Toad and Spotted Tree Frog stamps cost 50 sen each. Another stamp, featuring the Lesser Swamp Frog, is available at RM1.

Frogs O fMalaysia 30sen Brown Tree Toad StampBrown Tree Toad (Pedostibes hosii) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

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.



Frogs Of Malaysia 50sen Horned Toad StampHorned Toad (Megophrys nasuta) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

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.



Frogs Of Malaysia 50sen Spotted Tree Frog StampSpotted Tree Frog (Nyctixalus Pictus) Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

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.



Frogs Of Malaysia RM1 Lesser Swamp Frog StampLesser Swamp Frog (Rana (baramica) laterimaculata) Miniature Sheet Stamp

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 35mm x 35mm

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 (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus) Miniature Sheet

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.



Lesser Swamp Frog, Wallace’s Flying Frog Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM1

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Frogs Of Malaysia Miniature Sheet Stamp



Bridges of Malaysia Stamps

Date of Issue : 28-Feb-2008

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Architecture Stamp; Malaysia Bridge Stamp

Malaysia Historical bridges will be the theme of Pos Malaysia's first batch of special collector stamps this year, to be issued on Thursday at all Post Malaysia offices nationwide.

Bridges are an important element in establishing communication links between towns and cities that are separated by difficult terrains or rivers. The role of bridges has been important in the economic and social development of Malaysia enabling transportation links in moving people and goods.

This series showcase these innovative bridges. This collection of historical structures that have played a major role in the growth of industries like tin mining, rubber and the overall economy of the nation are given due recognition.

Four historical bridges in Malaysia are featured in the stamp designs. The stamps, 50mm X 30mm in size is printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermark, phosphor coated paper and are available in 30sen, 2 designs for 50sen and RM1.00 denomination.

Malaysia Bridges 30sen Merdeka Bridge StampMerdeka Bridge, Butterworth – Kedah Stamp

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

The Merdeka Bridge, built in 1955, was officially launched in 1957, the year Malaya achieved independence. Spanning the Sungai Muda, the longest river in Kedah, the bridge serves as a major link for transportation of goods and people. The river also marks the border between Penang and Kedah. Sungai Muda also provides water for consumption and irrigation of rice fields to Penang’s province of Seberang Perai. This concrete truss girder bridge was designed and built by the Malaysian Public Works Department.



Malaysia Bridges 50sen Victoria Bridge StampVictoria Bridge in Karai, Perak Stamp

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

The oldest railway bridge in Malaya is the Victoria Bridge in Karai, Perak. Built in 1897 by the Perak State Railway, it was the most advanced bridge in terms of its engineering in the Far East at that time. This bridge provided a communication link for the growth of the tin mining industry and the development of the mining towns in the Malayan Peninsular. With the opening of this bridge, the whole of the west coast from Perai to Johor Bahru was linked by rail.



Malaysia Bridges 50sen Kota Bridge StampKota Bridge, Klang, Selangor Stamp

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

The city of Klang is divided by the Klang River and was linked by the Brickfield Bridge built in 1907. It was destroyed in 1941 during World War II, resulting in great difficulty in transportation and communication, especially for goods transported from Klang Port to other cities. In 1958 a double decker bridge was constructed, the first such bridge in Malaya, with a pedestrian walkway at the lower half. This double decker truss girder bridge was named the Kota Bridge (Jambatan Kota).



Malaysia Bridges RM1 Sungai Segamat Bridge StampSungai Segamat Bridge, Johor Stamp

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 50mm x 30mm

This bridge was build in 1933, to provide means of transportation to the Segamat district as an initiative by the government to develop the district for its agricultural activities and to boost its economy. The Sungai Segamat Bridge is a Steel Pratt Girder Bridge type with the length of 99.43 metres. It provides railway crossing over the Segamat River.



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