Ornamental Fish - Fighting Fish Stamp

Date of Issue : 26-April-2003

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Animal Stamp; Malaysia Fish Stamp


Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm




Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm




Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm




Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Betta splendens is a kind of fighting fish, which are produced through the cross-breeding of fighting fish from Malaysia, Thailand and Kampuchea. These cross-bred species is a very popular ornamental fish. They are not breed naturally in this country instead are bred using the standard Betta breeding techniques. Breeding and selection of commercial Betta splendens are actively pursued in this country. The new strains are actually originated from unattractive, greenish and short-finned fish that is still bred in Thailand for fighting. Hybridizations amongst different strains are commonly carried out to produce attractive new hybrids, in fact often resulting in brilliant colored Betta splendens with different shapes of fins. Betta splendens are usually peaceful with other fish of its own size. However, the males are very aggressive with one another. To prevent fighting, they are normally kept solitary in transparent small containers.



Local Fighting Fish (Betta Imbellis)

Denomination : 50SEN

Stamp Size : 34mm x 29mm

They are found in clear stagnant acidic water especially in paddy fields, rubber estates or coconut plantations. Quite peaceful among each other compared with the common fighting fish. Male is brightly colored with green to greenish blue scale. A prolific bubble-nest builder if supplied with live food. This species can easily be bred and adapt in an aquarium environment if provided with acidic cold water and a lot of vegetations.



Red Fighting Fish (Betta Coccina)

Denomination : 50SEN

Stamp Size : 34mm x 29mm

A very timid fighting fish is known as a dwarf Betta. The fish is endemic to highly acidic black water area. After conditioning the wild, the fish manage to tribe well in neutral aquarium water. The fish can spawn in the tank by providing a conducive environment and hiding place such as bogwoods or water vegetation. They spawn in hollow PVC tubes or submerged bogwood. A single pair can produced about 30 offspring.



Ornamental Fish Miniature Sheet

Denomination : 50sen + 50sen

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

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Butterflies of Malaysia Stamp

Date of Issue : 6-Feb-2007

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

Pos Malaysia team announced that they will issue a set of special stamps and First Day Cover featuring butterflies of Malaysia.

These special stamps and First Day Cover are on sale on the April 24 and aims to show off the eight of the rarest and most stunning unique winged creatures. These butterflies have some of the most alluring names – Smaller Wood Nymph, Malayan Lacewing, Malay Red Harlequin, Glorious Begum, Green Dragontail, Blue Glassy Tiger, Common Rose and Five-Bar Swordtail.

Themed ‘Butterflies of Malaysia’, they attempt to convey a message of conservation to the public. “We aim to increase preservation awareness of the butterfly habitats for future generations by portraying these butterflies in the stamps,” said Manager of Business Development and Marketing, Yasmin Bt. Ramli.

The butterfly collection will be the third issue this year and this will be a very unique issue because, for the first time in the world, there is a die cut stamp in the shape of a Five-Bar Swordtail she added.

Among the items of sale are 20pieces of RM 0.30, RM 0.50 and RM 1 stamps (RM 6, RM 10 and RM 20 respectively), miniature sheet (120mm x 70mm) enhanced with special die cut (RM 5), First Day Cover (RM 0.30), stamp book (RM 3) and Pos Malaysia folder (RM 5.50). A complete set that includes all of the above is sold for RM 52.50 at Pos Malaysia offices nationwide.

Malaysia has about 1,000 butterfly species and about half of these are restricted to habitats from sea level to 750 metres above sea level. Although some species can be easily seen in parks, gardens and other secondary vegetation, most Malaysian butterflies are forest dwellers. Some butterflies are habitat-specific and exist only in a specific ecosystem type.

Butterflies are generally day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera, with often colourful wings. Butterflies feed primarily on nectar from flowers and play an important role as one of the major agent of pollination. However, caterpillars are known to destroy crops and they are considered pests in these circumstances. Butterfly viewing is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Some species are threatened by collection and habitat loss and require protection by law.

Common rose (Atrophaneura aristolochiae)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Seen in the lowland forests throughout Malaysia, this beautiful butterfly is distasteful to most insectivorous birds and exhibits warning colours. The larvae have thick fleshy tubercles and is grayish red in colour.



Smaller Wood Nymph (Ideopsis gaura perakana)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

This butterfly is more commonly found in forested hills and less seen on the plains. It has an attractive wing pattern of dark markings over a light wing base. Males are darker in colour than females and have narrower wings.



Malayan Lacewing (Cathosia hypsea hypsina)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Males of this species have a pinkish bloom on the orange area of the upperside of the wing and females are more yellow in colour. Eggs are laid, many at a time and the emerging young larvae are wine-red coloured.



Green Dragontail (Lamproptera meges)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

With is wings beating rapidly and its long drooping tail: this butterfly books like a dragonfly in flight. Coupled with partly-transparent wings, this species is unlike almost all other butterflies. It is considered vulnerable and in need of protection in Peninsular Malaysia.



Blue Glassy Tiger (Ideopsis vulgaris)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

This butterfly is common in scrubland and the fringes of forests. It is also found in coastal mangrove areas. Due to certain plants that it feeds on, this species is known to be distasteful to birds.



Malay Red Harleguin (Paralaxita damajanti damajanti)

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

This species lives at moderate elevations on the hills and are usually in dense forests. The females are paler than the males. The underside is beautifully marked with black streaks crossed with metallic blue.



Glorious Begum (agatasa calydonia calydonia)

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

This butterfly is rare in Peninsular Malaysia. It frequents more open forests and is often encountered at low to moderate elevations and are attracted to rotten fruit. The females are larger, paler and have broader wings than males.



Five-bar Swordtail (Graphium antiphates)

Denomination : RM5

Stamp Size : 50mm x 40mm

This species is commonly seen on roads and forest clearings and males are sometimes seen congregating on moist spots. It is known for its swiftness in flight. The larva in its early stages is pure white marked only with thin transverse lines of black or dark green



Five-bar Swordtail (Graphium antiphates) Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM5

Miniature Sheet Size : 120mm x 70mm

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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).

Moonrat (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.



Malay 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.



Golden 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.



Flying 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.



Slow 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.



Tarsier (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





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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.

Lantern 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.



Fruit 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).



Valanga 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.

Longhorn 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.



Emperor 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

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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.

Brown 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.



Horned 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.



Spotted 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.



Lesser 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

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