Historical Building

Historical Building

Date of Issue: 1986-12-20
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, 40 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 28mm x 38mm
Paper: SPM Watermarked, phosphor coated
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


Malaysia is a sovereign state with a colorful history. Its periods of historical turbulence have left behind legacies, which are manifestations of the country’s development in the various social and economic fields. One such legacy is its historic buildings, which are beautiful and possessing unique architecture. The Antiquities Act of 1976 governs historic buildings in Malaysia, the aim of which is research, protection and the preservation of such buildings.

Istana Lama Seri Menanti, Negeri Sembilan (15c)
The Istana Lama Seri Menanti situated at Seri Menanti in the district of Kuala Pilah was built in 1902 to replace the old palace which was burnt down by British soldiers while pursuing Yam Tuan Antah in December 1875. This Istana was occupied by His Royal Highness The Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhammad until 1931. Built of wood, the Istana consists of four storeys and is based on the Minangkabau architecture. This unique building has a three-tier minaret in the center. Wood for the four columns of the Istana was acquired by the local inhabitants from the jungles of Bukit Perigi, Jelebu and Bukit Tinggi Kuala Pilah. The summit in the center is known as ‘Tingkat Gunjung’. Unique and extraordinary carvings and motifs can be seen on the outside walls and along the columns of the balcony.

Istana Kenangan, Perak (20c)
Istana Kenangan which is situated at Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar, Perak was planned after a disastrous flood struck Perak in 1928. The construction of the building was completed in 1931. His Royal Highness Sultan Iskandar Shah, the 30th Sultan of Perak (1918 – 1938) moved into Istana Kenangan so that the Istana Negara could be demolished for the construction of a new Istana (the present Istana Iskandariah). His Royal Highness moved into the new Istana Iskandariah upon its completion in 1933. Members of the Perak royal family however, occupied Istana Iskandariah. Istana Kenangan also known as Istana Lembah and sometimes as Istana Tepus has specially designed walls and roof and almost the whole building is constructed of wood.

Stadthuys, Melaka (40c)
The Dutch built a residence for their Governor between 1641 and 1656 at the site of the Portuguese Governor’s residence, which was destroyed during the war between the Portuguese and the Dutch. The Governor’s residence was also known as Stadthuys in Dutch. This building is the original and the oldest amongst the Dutch building in the Far East. The oblong shaped Stadthuys building consists of three storeys out of which one was used as a storeroom. On the right were the slaves’ rooms as well as the warehouse.

Istana Kuching, Sarawak ($1.00)
Istana Kuching situated across the Sarawak River and Kuching town was built in 1870 as the residence for the Head of State. Istana Kuching was an official and prominent building in the history of Sarawak. The building is divided into three separate bungalows supported by concrete columns measuring 20 feet in height. The large intermediate building was used to entertain state guests. The other two portions were used as bedrooms.