Islands & Beaches Of Malaysia Series II

Date of Issue : 28 June 2003

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Island Stamp; Malaysia Beache Stamp



Sipadan Island

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm





Sipadan Island

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm





Sipadan Island

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm






Sipadan Island

'I have seen other places like Sipadan-45 years ago-but no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art.' That is how Jacques Costeau, the legendary French undersea Islands Beaches First Day Coverexplorer, described his first visit to Sipadan.

Little wonder the island is considered one of the tip five diving destinations in the world. It offers swirling tornados of barracudas, jacks and hammerhead sharks, schools of brilliantly-hued reef fish and dozens of sea turtles swimming placidly in the crystal-clear waters. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems.

Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Like many tropical islands it is heavily forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600 meters from the seabed.

A unique feature of Sipadan is the so-called 'turtle tomb', an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain the skeletons of turtles than became disoriented and then drowned. Divers can and do explore this cavern, but caution is advised!

April through October is the best time to visit. The rainy season is November to March. The water temperature ranges from 79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (26oC to 30oC) year round.



Ligitan Island

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm





Ligitan Island

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm





Ligitan Island

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 30mm x 40mm






Ligitan Island

Ligitan island is surrounded by very large reefs which forms the Ligitan group islands on the edge of the continental shelf. While Sipadan has achieved worldwide fame, Ligitan island is the great 'secret' of the international diving community. It is the thrill of diving in unexplored waters that brings the world's best divers here to sample Nature in her most pristine form.

The underwater scene here is completely different from Sipadan's. It is a macroworld of great interest featuring rare fauna including dragonets, fire gobies, wasp or leaf fish, gurnards, the odd 'little dragonfish' or seamoth, the tame crocodile fish, giant frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, ribbon eels, mantis shrimp and crab-eye gobies, to name just a few. Indeed, the Ligitan group is regarded as one of the world's top destinations for underwater nature photography. There is certainly no shortage of subject matter!

The many other unexplored reefs here offer great potential, and with the growth of a tourism Islands Beaches First Day Coverinfrastructure, this island will soon offer their delights to more and more travelers from around the world.



Ligitan Island & Sipadan Island

Denomination : RM0.50 x 2

Miniature Sheet Size : 70mm x 100mm




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Cultural Instruments & Artefacts II Stamp

Date of Issue : 10th June 2008

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Cultural Instruments Stamp; Malaysia Artefacts Stamp

As used to modern food processors and blenders as we are, it's easy to forget the implements that were used not too long ago. In order to preserve this heritage, Pos Malaysia is issuing its second series of stamps depicting old implements and cultural artefacts. The stamps come in three designs and two denominations of 30 sen and 50 sen. The 30 sen stamps feature the stone grinder while the 50 sen stamps will feature the supu (tobacco container) and the coconut scraper. Two of the stamps will have the standard 40mm x 30mm measurements while the third is the first triangular stamp to be printed in the country.



Stone Grinder

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

"Batu giling" or stone grinder is a traditional tool consisting of two parts made of stone, referred to as "mother" and "child". The "mother" is the millstone or base part of the grinder where the chilli or spices are placed, whereas the "child" is the smaller piece of stone used to roll onto the base stone to crush and grind the said spices. Using this stone grinder will produce a fine and well grounded paste of spices or chilli.



Supu

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

"Supu" is a small container used to keep tobacco. Made of silver and beautifully decorated with fine carvings, it is also used as a decorative accessory by the Bajau community in the district of Kota Belud, Sabah. Amongst the Dusun Tindal community, it is known as "kuapu" and is used as a decorative accessory for the bride and bridegroom's wedding costume.



Coconut Grater

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

"Kukur kelapa" or coconut grater is a tool used to grate or scrape the flesh of the coconut from its shell. The traditional coconut scraper is shaped out of a piece of wood for the seat and at the end is a sharp-edged metal spur. Creativity from the artistic Malays have resulted in the "Kukur kelapa" carved based on the design of a four-legged animal complete with the tail and other carvings of nature-inspired motives such as plants.

The coconut grater was once a very important tool in every Malay household as coconut milk is an essential ingredient in Malay cooking. Although its usage by the city folk have reduced due to the preference of electric tools, this tool is still much in use in the outskirts.

Some myths about "kukur" is that it is either male or female. Women are not allowed to use male "kukur" especially during major feasts.


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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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100th Anniversary of St. John Ambulance, Malaysia Stamp

Date of Issue : 22-May-2008

Stamps Classification : Malaysia St. John Ambulance Stamp

Pos Malaysia issue a set of Commemorative Stamps and First Day Cover as part of the celebration of the 100th Anniversary St. John Ambulance of Malaysia on the 22 May 2008. The Commemorative Stamps and First Day Cover will feature the images of related to the identity of St. John Ambulance of Malaysia.

The St. John Ambulance Association (SJAA) was the first foundation of the Order of St. John to be established in the then Malaya in 1908 and was confined to the Army and the Malayan Railways. From 1938, St. John Ambulance Brigade (SJAB) divisions were formed in schools, government establishments and in .all the states in Malaya. During the Japanese occupation, members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade were involved in first aid, air defence exercises and Medical Auxiliary Service (MAS).

Following the surrender of the Japanese Army, the St. John Ambulance Association and the St. John Ambulance Brigade were resuscitated on 12 September 1945. In 1959, the St. John Ambulance Headquarters in London proposed the, setting up of a St. John Council in Malaya. In 1971, the Association and the Brigade were merged to streamline the activities of both

organisations in West Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Act 74 in the Laws of Malaysia, the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (Incorporation) Act, 1972, was passed in Parliament and came into force on 31 August 1972. The St. John Ambulance of Malaysia are now providing first aid and nursing services for the Malaysians across the country.

Throughouf the 100 years of its establishment, the chronicle of the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia is very much intertwined with the nation's history. Pos Malaysia Berhad is proud to acknowledge this organisation's tireless efforts of providing emergency, First Aid and humanitarian services to Malaysians through the issuance of the Commemorative Stamps and First Day Cover," said Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid, Acting Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of Pos Malaysia Berhad. "We hope that the public will join in the appreciation to the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia for its various contributions to Malaysians from all walks of life by purchasing these stamps and First Day Cover," Datuk Abu Huraira added. The stamps, 40mm x 30mm in size, are printed in sheets of 20 on SPM watermarked, phosphor coated paper and are available in 3 denominations featuring the following:



Ambulance Service

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Since 1966, St. John Ambulance of Malaysia mobilised its ambulances and members at major highways during the Major Festival celebration of Chinese New Year and Hari - Raya Aidil Fitri to provide ambulance service to motor vehicle accident victims. Through this service, St. John Ambulance was able save more lives and creates awareness amongst drivers on road safety. St. John Ambulance of Malaysia also provides Emergency and Non- Emergency Ambulance Service in the major towns in Malaysia.



For The Service of Mankind

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

The name St. John Ambulance or better known as "St. John" is synonymous with First Aid and other humanitarian services in Malaysia as well as all over the world. As the leading First Aid organisation in Malaysia, the St. John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM) has been rendering First Aid and Home Nursing services to the needy in almost all public and private events throughout the country. Our motto "Pro Utilitate Hominum" - For the Service of Mankind - is a century-old tradition of serving the sick and the suffering. Our members are ever ready to serve during disasters like floods, fires, landslides and plane crashes.



Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

Denomination : RM1.00

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

When a person is not breathing and has no sign of life, we must perform artificial ventilation with chest compression. This is known as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR. The correct CPR Technique is vital in saving a casualty whose heart has stopped. St. John Ambulance conducts CPR and First Aid classes for the public. First Day Cover at 30sen each can be purchased at all post offices nationwide. Folders at RM5.50 each is only available at selected post offices.


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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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Unique Marine Life Stamp

Date of Issue : 6-Feb-2007

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Marine Life Stamp; Malaysia Fish Stamp

The South China Sea surrounding East Malaysia and Brunei extend to great depths and contain life forms which are both fascinating and mysterious. From the beautiful coral fishes to the elusive deep-sea nautilus, these marine species descended from the ancient fish-like creatures of the Ordovician period some 480 million years ago. A number of these fishes have evolved into weird and wonderful shapes and colors that they hardly look like fish. Among the unique and fascinating marine species found in the tropical waters of Sabah and Sarawak are the scorpion fish and the deep-dwelling nautilus.

Leaf Scorpionfish

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

The Scorpion fish is a small compressed fish, with high and long dorsal fins. Measuring up to 10 centimeters, it may appear in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, green, brown or black. Normally encountered on reef front and along the external reef, it stands still with the dorsal fin lifted, rocking and mimicking a seaweed that is being moved by the sea currents. It is an ambush predator, often hiding amongst corals and gorgonians. Algae and hydroids can grow on its skin that change from time to time providing excellent camouflage.



Orangestriped Triggerfish

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Orangestriped Triggerfish can be found in the warm parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. They live in areas of rich coral growth and on clear lagoon, channel or seaward reefs 2 to 50 meters in depth. This species is found present in coral reef areas of the Brunei Darussalam's offshore waters. Adults can reach maximum of 30 cm in length.

Male Orangestriped Triggerfish are territorial. Spawning behavior involve loose aggregations and builds its nest in channels. Eggs are laid in a single spongy cluster within rock crevices and dug-out shallow sand areas. Eggs are hatched at night. The fish is a hunter and is predatory in nature. It feeds on algae, coral, sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, starfish, worm and sponges. The fish would seek shelter in coral crevices when threatened or when retiring for the night.



Chambered Nautilus

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Having survived relatively unchanged for millions of years, nautiluses represent the only living members of the subclass Nautiloidea, and are often considered to be "living fossils". The nautilus is similar in general form to other cephalopods (such as cuttlefish), with a prominent head and tentacles. Nautilus pompilius is the largest species in the genus. While some nautilus may grow up to 268 mm in diameter, the majority of nautiluses never exceed 20 cm. Nautilus spends daytime hours in very deep water up to 400 meters, slowly ascending to 200 meters after sunset.



Spotted Boxfish

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

The spotted boxfish has a widespread distribution in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific areas. It is one of the many colorful coral reef fishes found present in Brunei Darussalam's offshore waters. They can be found around calm shallow waters near coral reef areas. The fish exhibits "sexual dichromatism" whereby the sexes are of different colors. The female is brownish and densely covered with white spots. The male, is more colorful with dark blue sides blotched with brilliant yellow spots and marking. The dorsal area is black with white spots. The head and tail are trimmed in golden color. The fish grows to about 10 to 20 cm in length.

They are territorial and live in small haremic groups, typically one male to several females. They are omnivorous and forage alone within their home ranges for sponges, worms, tunicates and other small bottom-dwelling invertebrates. The males defend their territories against other male.



Chambered Nautilus & Spotted Boxfish Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM1 x 2

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

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