Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya : Federal Territory of Putrajaya (1st Feb 2001)

Putrajaya, conferred the status of Federal Territory on 1.2.2001, houses Malaysia’s Federal Government Administrative Centre as well as comprises landscaped residential areas, commercial, culture, sports, recreational, and information technology centers.

Spread over 4,581 acres in the center of the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), the city also lies in close proximity to the KL International Airport, Cyberjaya and Federal Capital of Kuala Lumpur.

Putrajaya is a well-planned modern city built to meet the challenges of the new millennium reflecting also, the rich cultural and natural heritage of the country. It’s an Intelligent City that turns to nature for inspiration to create A City In A Garden.

Serangga Siri III - Pepatung Donata : Dragonflies & Damselflies (25th Nov 2000)

Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata. Dragonflies are grouped in the suborder Anisoptera while the damselflies are of the suborder Zygoptera. There are about 5,000 species of these creatures worldwide.

Studies on fossilized dragonflies clearly showed that these creatures have not changed much in body form since the time it began to exist on earth over 3000 million years ago. Pre-historic dragonflies grow up to 30 cm in length and have wingspan of up to 75 cm, making them giants of the insects’ world then, these days dragonflies with 18 cm wingspan are a rarity.

An exclusive feature these creatures have which is not seen among other species of insects is their ability to fly in reverse and also hover in a fixed position in mid-air. Dragonflies and damselflies are predators, both as nymphs during which they feed on aquatic creatures and as adults during which they feed on air borne insects including pests that threaten mankind. So far no known species of the Odonata themselves have been found to be pests.

Flora Tanah Tinggi Malaysia (Siri II) : Highland Flowers of Malaysia (Series II) (9th Oct 2000)

Rhododendrons are woody plants with showy flowers and attractive foliage. As ornamental plants, they are treasured for their flowers which come in all hues and colors of the rainbow. The flowers vary greatly in size – from tiny thimbles to trumpets-like ones that measure up to 20 cm long. The trees, too, vary in size – from dwarf shrubs to 4-storey tall giants.

There are 900 species of the genus and a majority of them are found in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the Himalayan Regions of Nepal, South China and North India. No species have so far been found in Africa or South America. In Australia, only one species has been recorded so far.

Rhododendrons found in the tropics belong to the category vireya. There are about 300 species of these in South East Asia. Half of them, approximately 150 species can be found in the higher mountains and hills of New Guinea. Borneo has about 50 species, and 35 of them can be found in Sabah – 25 of which are found on the slopes of Mt Kinabalu alone. Sabah can also lay claim to having 12 species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The species found in South East Asia are characterized with having ‘scales’, mainly on their leaves. Similar ‘scales’ can also be found on other parts of the plants such as the stem, calyx, pedicels, ovary, style and the outside of the corolla. Besides being helpful in the identification of the species, the scales also act as shields to protect the young developing leaves from the harsh radiation of the sun.

Rhododendrons are propagated from seeds, cutting or layering. Most vireya rhododendrons have long tailed seeds which help them to go great distances when carried by the wind. Vireya Rhododendrons grow well in areas with high atmospheric moisture and in acidic and peaty soils.

Most Malaysian Rhododendrons are mountain plants. Though many of them are epiphytes – living on other trees – a few can be found on rocky grounds on steep ridges.

Of the species featured four are native to Peninsular Malaysia, namely Rhododendron Malaya-num, Rhododendron jasmine-florum, Rhododendron scortechinii and Rhododendron pauciflorum. The rest are native to Sabah and Sarawak.

Puyuh & Sang Seruk : Quails & Partridges (22nd Jan 2001)

True Quails and Partridges are largely colorful, plump-bodied birds, with short tails. They belong to the family Phasianidae which also includes the pheasants. The Buttonquail is not a true Quail and belongs to a separate family, Turnicidae. It has been included in this series because of its similarity in size, shape and habits with the true Quails. Quails and Buttonquails are small-sized and inhabit open country while Partridges are larger and inhabit principally the rainforest. They forage on the ground for insects, worms, seeds, and fallen fruit. Most species are very shy and secretive and are therefore seldom seen.

Quails, Partridges, and Buttonquails are amongst some of the more attractive and colorful birds of Malaysia’s open country and the rainforest. They are ours to protect and treasure as an important part of our natural heritage.

Permainan Traditional Kanak-Kanak Siri 2 : Children's Traditional Games Series 2 (16th Sept 2000)

Childhood is a time full of joy with children incessantly trying to have fun playing all kinds of games. Nowadays, however, we seldom see them playing the traditional children’s games. That because the kids of today are more exposed to electronic games where they just have to sit in front of a computer. Just think, what are a great waste if would be if this trend continues and these traditional games eventually become just a faded memory.

Therefore, as concerned citizens who love and treasure the wonder of traditional games, we should make every effort to revive interest in these games and popularize them among children of this era. Such traditional games include Sepak Raga, Letup-letup, Gasing and Baling Tin.

These games are simple to play yet provide endless fun because they all require physical movement while indirectly stimulating the children’s mind. The materials needed to play such games, such as bamboo, sticks, rattan and string are easily available.

Sepak Raga
Sepak Raga, or kicking the rattan ball , is played by four to five children who must ‘juggle’ the ball with one foot for as long as they can before passing it to a friend. Players form a circle and each player gets a chance to kick ball made from woven split rattan.

Gasing
Gasing, or top spinning, can be played by two or more children. A sting is wound around the top and held firmly while the top is hurled into the centre of the court. The opponent must then hurl his top into ‘nail’ the spinning top and if possible make it stop spinning. The other players then take their turn to continue the game and the player with the longest spinning top wins.

Baling Tin
Baling Tin, throwing the cans, is also very popular among children because it is really enjoyable. Participants are divided into two teams of three and more players each. Several empty cans of the same size are stacked up. A ball Is tossed from a pre-determined distance. The game begin with one of the teams trying to bowl over the cans and then re-stacking them. If the ball hits the person arranging the cans before he finishes re-stacking them, his team loses and the opponent will continue with the game.

Letup-letup
Letup-letup, or ‘bang-bang, is always associated with the game ‘perang-perang’ or mock battle. A piece of bamboo measuring about a foot is used as a weapon. The bullets are made of balls of damp paper which are loaded into the barrel using a smaller piece of bamboo as a shaft. The bullet will shoot out at high speed and hit the target.

Satu Keluarga Satu Komputer : One Home One Computer (11th Aug 2000)

Malaysia government initiative to promote its citizens to own a computer for every households.

XXI IUFRO World Congress (7th Aug 2000)

The International Union of Forestry Research Organization (IUFRO) is the foremost international body in forest research. IUFRO is a voluntary, non-profit, non-governmental, international scientific body open to all organizations involve in forestry research and forestry science. IUFRO has promoted international coordination and cooperation in research and development on most aspects of forest science since its inception in 1882. 

The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), the Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia and University Putra Malaysia are amongst member of IUFRO from Malaysia.

Mamalia Yang Dilindungi (Siri II) : Protected Mammals (Series II) (26th Aug 2000)

CIVETS (MUSANG)

The civets (Musang) are nocturnal creatures that look like long-nosed cats. They have long tails and often patterned coats. They belong to the family viverridae of which the mongoose is a member. 

There are 12 known species of viverridae throughout Malaysia and they are mostly found in forest habitats. Civets are found throughout Peninsular Malaysia as well as in Sabah and Sarawak. They feed on small animals and fruits. The strong odour they discharge and the colour of their coats form their natural defence mechanism. It is also possible that the scent they emit is a form of communication. 

Four soecies of the civets are protected in Malaysia: 

• Binturng (Arctictis binturong) 
• Otter Civet (Cynogale bennettii) 
• Banded Palm Civet (Hemigalus derbyanus) 
• Banded Linsang (Prionodon lnsang)

KL 2002 Hockey World Cup (2nd Jan 2002)

For the first time in the history of international hockey, Kuala Lumpur is the only city chosen as the World Cup more than once. The 10th Men’s Hockey World Cup will be held for more than 2 weeks starting from the 24th February till 9th March 2002. Countries participating to vie for this prestigious title includes from Europe, the defending champion Netherlands, European Champions Germany, 1998 World Cup runner-up Spain, England, Poland and Belgium.

Asia has 5 nations participating for the first time – host nation Malaysia, Olympic silver medalist South Korea, four times World Cup titleholder Pakistan, past champion India and Japan. Argentina and World Cup debutantes Cuba are the representatives from the American continent while Olympic bronze medalist Australia and New Zealand bear the hopes of the Asia Pacific, South Africa, in the meantime is the sole entry from Africa.

As the main venue for the tournament, the National Hockey Stadium Bukit Jalil, located 20 km from the city will see 72 matches being played by 16 countries taking part.

Tumbuhan Akuatik : Aquatic Plants (11th May 2002)

In Malaysia most of these aquatic flowering plants are found in ponds, ditches, lakes, dams, rivers, irrigation canals and wet paddy fields. Due to their rapid growth, ability to constantly regenerate and their tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, some are considered weeds. 

More than 15 species of these plants are edible. Some species are harvested and used as animal fodder. Paddy farmers increase their crop by using plants as green manure in their fields. 

Some have medicinal value, while certain species are used as ornaments and source if oxygen in fish tanks and aquariums. Some are cultivated as ornaments in ponds while others are used to make handicrafts.

Recently, efforts have been made to rediscover the usefulness of these plants. In the past, there plants were also depicted as motifs in ancient architecture, art, woodwork as well as on fabrics and tapestries. 

These days most of the species, which require clean water to flourish are being rediscovered for other beneficial uses. They are being preserved and utilized as food for other aquatic life, grown as ornamental and aquarium plants for the horticulture and landscaping business as well as raw materials foe the cottage industry.

Makanan Traditional Musim Perayaan : Traditional Festive Food (10th Aug 2010)

Malaysia is a unique country with various races and a myriad of ethnic groups from Sabah and Sarawak, that is rich with various religions as well as different cultures and customs. This can be seen on the wide variety of food dishes that are served during festive celebrations by the different race and ethnic groups that vary in cooking styles, taste and decoration.

The stamps include:

• Malay traditional food
• Chinese traditional food
• Indian traditional food
• Traditional food for ethnic groups in Sabah
• Traditional food for ethnic groups in Sarawak

Gaya Hidup Orang Asli : Lifestyles of the Aboriginal People (27th Sept 2010)

Malaysia’s indigenous communities represent a small but important part of the nation’s multi racial milieu. These communities are disproportionately spread out between the small and frequently isolated communities found in the peninsular and the Malaysian Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah where they make up 50 to 60 percent of the respective states’ populations.

The ‘Orang Asli’ are made up of nearly a hundred different ethnic sub-groups. These include around twenty in Peninsular Malaysia although administratively they are categorized as Negrito, Senoi, and Aboriginal Malay. Sabah and Sarawak, on the other hand, has between thirty to forty distinct sub-group each with an even more amazing number of languages and dialects.

The Department of Orang Asli Affairs or JHEOA is entrusted with the care and administration of the indigenous communities. Its mandate includes the eradication of poverty, improvement of health, promoting education and improving their general livelihoods and where possible and desired, their integration with mainstream Malaysian society.

Pejabat Pos Lama : Old Post Offices (9th Oct 2010)

The Post Office was officially established in England in 1660. Similar Post Offices were established across the British Empire and other countries including Malaysia. In the early 1800s, the postal services started in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) and gradually covered the whole of Malaysia by early 20th century.

A post office is the facility for the posting, receipt, sorting, handling transmission and delivery of mail. All post is transferred from the post office of origination to distribution points called sorting stations, and from there the post was then sent on for delivery to the receiver of post. The Post Master heads each post office.

However, what started as a medium for the transmission of letters and business documents, the postal service has evolved into a one stop services provider. It began to venture into parcel delivery, registrations, insurance service, transaction of money (postal order and money order) and banking services.

From Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pos, Jabatan Pos, in early 1992, Pos Malaysia Berhad began the biggest changes in the history with the grant of business freedom. With freedom comes a greater challenge. Faced with growing competitions, Pos Malaysia Berhad begins its journey of streamlining its operations by segregation of the business into three main Strategic Business Units called PosMel, PosLaju, and PosNiaga.

Today, there are over 703 post offices in Malaysia. This issue highlights some of the existing post office buildings in Malaysia; that is two post offices from each state are presented by stamps valued at 60sen each. Most of the post offices buildings are historical buildings; some were built before Pre-World War II period. The post offices nationwide have different characteristics and architectural styles that are each interesting and unique.

Warisan : Heritage of Negeri Pahang Darul Makmur (24th Oct 2010)

BIOGRAPHY OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SULTAN PAHANG

His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah, the third prince of His Royal Highness Sultan Abu Bakar Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mu'adzam Shah and Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Raja Hajjah Fatimah binti Almarhum Sultan Alang Iskandar Shah was born in the Istana Mangga Tunggal Pekan on 24 October 1930.

His Royal Highness received his education at Sekolah Melayu Kuala Kangsar, Sekolah Clifford Kuala Lipis and Malay College Kuala Kangsar. His Royal Highness also studied the Japanese langguage during the Japanese occupation in Malaya.

On 25 May 1944, His Royal Highness was proclaimed as His Royal Highness Tengku Mahkota Pahang and in 1948, persued his studies in the General Admission in Worchester College, Oxford. His Royal Highness also persued a Local Government course in University College, Exeter, Devon followed by practical training in Urban District Council in Devon for three years.

His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah  wed Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tengku Hajjah Afzan binti Almarhum Tengku Panglina Perang Tengku Muhammad on 22nd April 1954 and is blessed with 2 princes and 5 princesses. After the passing of Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tengku Hajjah Afzan on 29th Jun 1988, His Royal Highness wed Her Royal Highness Sultanah Pahang, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom on 14 March 1991 and blessed with one prince.

His Royal Highness was proclaimed His Royal Highness Sultan and Royal Ruler for State of Pahang Darul Makmur on 7 May 1974. The Royal installation of His Royal Highness as the fifth Sultan Pahang was held on 8 May 1975.

His Royal Highness has ruled the Government of the State of Pahang Darul Makmur for 36 years and under his reign and leadership, every layer of soceity can today enjoy the prosperity, peace and harmony. His Royal Highness takes great interest in the development and improvement in the living standard of his subjects.

This is clearly seen vis the seven stragegies of strenghtening the economy  of the state that is strenghtening the communication and greater reach, increase the utility capacity, strenghtening the human model, increase and added valuein the productive sector, widening the social network, increase in quality of life, and strenghten foreign investment.

Majlis Raja-Raja Melayu elected His Royal Highness as the seventh His Royal Majesty on 25 April 1979, where His Royal Highness ruled until 25 April 1985.

His Royal Highness also played an active role in the national education that had made him the Head of Board, International Islamic University Malaysia in February 1983 up till today.

His Royal Highness likes outdoor activities and excell as a great national and international polo player. His Royal Highness also had interest in other sports activities such as football, tennis, hockey and golf.

In 1982, His Royal Highness was awarded the International Olympic Football Award. He was the only Malaysian to the said prestigious award. His Royal Highness is also a sports enhusiast and has been the President of the Football Association of Malaysia since 1984 up till today and President of the Asian Federation of Football till 2002.

Under the leadership of His Royal Highness, Malaysia succeeded to wing the Merdeka Throphy after 9 years with a victory against South Korea 3-1 during extra time on 17th Feb 1993.

His Royal Highness has proven himself a well-rounded Ruler and is known to take great interests in the welfare of his people including victims of disaster.

Long Live His Royal Highness.

Permainan Tradisional Masa Lapang bersama Upin & Ipin : Traditional Past Time Games with Upin & Ipin (13th Dec 2010)

In Malaysia, traditional games can be found in abundance. They include congkak, batu seremban or five stones, konda-kondi and galah panjang among many others. These traditional games are not only enjoyable, they also instill the spirit of teamwork and cooperation and enhance creativity, hence strengthening the bonds of relationships. But sadly in today's time of rising technology, traditional games are almost forgotten. Now, Upin & Ipin along with their friends are featured in postage stamps themed with these traditional games in hopes of introducing them to the current generation as well as bringging back nostalgic memoried for adults all over.

Batu Seremban
Batu seremban or five stones is a traditional game usually played by girls at the verandah, inside the house or any surface area that is flat and clean for the players to sit and play. The game requires five stones or any five small objects known as 'buah' to play with. Besides the common five 'buah', players can also choose to play with seven or nine 'buah', depending on what type of game they are playing.

The player will be sitting on the floor and 'buah' will be scattered on the floor. Then, one player will is to throw the 'buah' into the air one at a time and sweeping other 'buah' from the floor, catching the one that has been thrown before it reaches the ground using only one hand. This game starts with sweeping only one stone at a time, gradually adding the number of stones to sweep until completing the five / seven / nine 'buah' as the game gets more complicated. The first person to complete every level of the game wins.

Congkak
Another game usually played by young girls is called congkak. Most of the love to play this game because of its fun and easy game-play. Marbles / saga seeds / small stones are used as tokens to be filled in every hole (also known as 'kampung') of the congkak board. The main goal is to collect as many tokens as they can to be filled into the 'houses' (also known as the 'ibu') located at each end of the board. Players will be seated directly opposite each other facing the board. Players will start playing simultaneously by taking the tokens out of one of the holes and putting one into each consecutive holes starting from right to left until they reach the kampung of their opponent. They will continue to do so until they run out of tokens that are collected at their respective ibu. The player who has collected the most tokens in their house wins the game.

Galah Panjang
Galah panjang is not an individual traditional game. It requires two separate teams of attackers and defenders. Each teams usually consists of no less than four players, thus the game is played by about ten players. Every player is required to run past all defending lines, from the first line to the last and run back towards the first line without any physical contact with the opposing team. If any member of the opposing team manages to touch any player, the player is considered 'dead' and out of the game. This game is played not only by children, but also by adults as this game often brings back cheerful nostalgic memories for them.

Persidangan Anggerik Sedunia Ke-17 : 17th World Orchid Conference Malaysia 2002 ( 24th Apr 2002)



Orchid enthusiasts worldwide will converge in Malaysia for the 17th World Orchid Conference, scheduled for April 24 - May 2, 2002 at the Malaysian International Exhibition & Convention Center, Shah Alam.

Established experts, scientists and well-known orchid growers will be invited to share their knowledge and expertise. Renowned orchid scientists will delve with specific areas, giving orchid enthusiasts an exclusive insight into the science of orchids as well as giving them the opportunity to interact with these prominent orchid experts.

The conference is also an opportune time for orchid scientists worldwide to meet and discuss their specific research and some of these researchers will be called upon to present their latest findings.

The conference will satisfy the needs of every type of orchid enthusiasts.

Bunga Nadir : Rare Flowers (5th Feb 2002)

Schima Brevifolia
This beautiful, small (5m.) tree is a common on Kinabalu from 2,500 to 3,000 m. above sea level. The rather similar S. wallichii (Madang Changkoh) grows on hills in the Peninsula, especially Penang Hills, and us distinguished by its smaller flowers and larger leaves. It is a moderate-sized tree.

Couroupita Guianensis Aubl.The genus name Couroupita comes from the South American name for this plant couroupitoutoumou. The species name guianensis comes from the Guianas, refering to place of origin of the botanical specimen used as reference to name this plant.

Camellia Nitidissima
Large shrub requiring a warm, humid site in partial shade. The foliage had deeply indented veins which is quite different to most Camellias. The new growth is an attractive purple colour. Best suited to woodland conditions. The soil must be well-drained soil and remain constantly damp. It producec the only yellow flowers known in the genus. In time, hybridisers are hoping to develop a new range of colours to include yellow, orange, apricot and peach.

Galeri DiRaja Sultan Abdul Aziz : The Royal Gallery (18th Nov 2000)

The Royal Gallery which existed since 1988 was the brainchild of His Majesty the King, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj. Located within the compound of one of His Majesty's private palaces, the Istana Mahkota Klang, the gallery was initially funded personally by His Majesty. It housed personal collections of artifacts, which includes Royal inheritance and gifts from his subjects and foreign dignitaries.

With the personal touches of His Majesty and the Queen, The Raya Permaisuri Agong, the Royal Gallery is an initiative taken by the Royal couple to foster closer rapport and promoting heritage consciousness amongst the people of Malaysia.

Express Rail Link :Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur (13th April 2002)

The Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal or KL CAT, officially recognized as a city destination by International Air Travel Association (IATA) with its XKL code for transfers and baggage is well supported by an integrated express rail transit system, KLIA Express and KLIA Transit.

The KLIA Express is a non-stop high-speed rail service between KL Sentral and KLIA, departing every 15 minutes from both terminals with the journey taking 28 minutes. The KLIA Transit is a rapid transit service that makes three stops aling key townships and integrates with the KTM Komuter, STAR LRT and the Monorail systems. It departs every half-an-hour from both terminals with a total journey of 36 minutes.

Travellers with a valid KLIA express ticket will be issued with a flight boarding pass and luggage claim tag upon checking-in atwo hours before flight departure. KLIA Express air-conditioned carriages are equipped with all the required amenities including ample luggage storage areas. Special allocation is also made for the physically challenged travellers.

Indeed, backed by highly sophiscated technology, the Express Rail Link promises to be fast, reliable and comfortable.