Monday, June 9, 2008

Sultan Ismail Power Station Paka

Sultan Ismail Power Station Paka

Date of Issue: 1988-04-04
Denominations: 20 cents, $1.00
Stamp Size: 28 mm x 38 mm
Paper: SPM watermarked Phosphor coated
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Azmi b. Kassim

Stamps in the Series:


First Day Cover:


The Sultan Ismail Power Station in Paka, Dungun, Terengganu, Darul-Iman costing approximately $870 million is the first plant constructed by the National Electricity Board which uses natural gas as its primary fuel. Located on a 87.4 hectare site this station, with a total nominal capacity of 900 MW, is the largest combined cycle power station in the ASEAN region.

The first phase of this development comprises the installation of the three blocks of combined cycle power plant each nominally rated at 300 MW. Each block comprises two 100 MW gas turbine units, two heat recovery boilers and one 100 MW steam turbine unit.

In the combined cycle concept, the combustion of gas in the gas turbine generator produces about one third of the fuel energy input. The remaining energy is released to the waste heat recover boiler which produces steam to drive the turbine generator thereby producing an extra output of about half that of the two gas turbines.

The combined cycle power plant therefore has a much better fuel efficiency than a conventional power plant with the same capacity. In the case of the Sultan Ismail Power Station, an overall block efficiency of approximately 46% can be achieved the highest efficiency obtainable in any of the National Electricity Boards generating stations. The gas turbines can also be operated on an open cycle mode through a system of bypass stack and dampers.

The cooling water comprises a pumphouse located at the shoreline. Six circulation water pumps are installed in a dry pit pumphouse. Sea water for cooling purposes is supplied by two submarine reinforced concrete pipes measuring 650 meters long in diameter and discharged through twin off-shore pipes measuring 350 meters long and 2.1 meter in diameter.

To meet the stringent response in power demand and operational requirements of the generating system, a high level of sophistication in the control and in the instrumentation employing the latest technology have been installed. Remote supervision of the system is centralized in a Central Control Building. However, the gas turbines can also be operated from their respective local controls.

The generated output voltages at the gas and steam turbine generators are at 11.5kV and 12kV respectively. These voltages are stepped up to 275kV for transmission into the National Grid through a substation network comprising the 132kV and the 275kV substations. The 132kV substations are linked by two 180 MWA interbus transformers for connection to the National Grid.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

The official opening of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque State Mosque of Selangor Darulehsan

Commemorative issue of postage stamps to mark the official opening of the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque State Mosque of Selangor Darulehsan

Date of Issue: 1988-03-11
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 29.85 mm x 40 - 64 mm
Paper: SPM watermarked phosphor coated
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 50 stamps
Designer: Raja Zahabuddin Raja Yaacob

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


The Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque is the largest in Malaysia and one of the most beautiful in South East Asia. The mosque costing over $160 million is built on a site of approximately 36 acres of land situated to the north of Shah Alam town Darul Ehsan. The design of the mosque reflects a blend of traditional Islamic Mosque architecture and local Malay architecture. The ground floor of the mosque consists of an office, meeting and conference rooms, the library, the reception, the classrooms and the storeroom.

The main prayer hall covers an area of 73,000 square feet and is surrounded by verandahs on its three sides except for the mihrab side. The total prayer area is about 162,000 square feet and can accomodate up to 16,000 people in one season. The prayer hall is structured so as to provide constant air movement. With a fair number of extract fans and fresh air piped in through the pole ducts, the main prayer hall provides an atmosphere for carrying out prayers in comfort.

The carpet on the floor of the main prayer hall is made of fine worsted wool bearing geometric patterns on a blue background. The pilasters and walls are lined with Mahsuri White Langkawi Marble while the mihrab wall is lined with imported marble. The center of the mihrab wall framed within two pilasters is finished with antique Turkish tiles whereas the mihrab design itself consists of white marblework, decorated with traditional Quranic verses. The main prayer hall has four large chandeliers.

Ablution facilities are located in a separate building with access to the main prayer hall. Another special feature of the Mosque is the special prayer hall for ladies. The ladies prayer hall can be reached directly by a small staircase from the ladies ablution area on the ground floor. Below the main prayer hall is a Hall which can be converted into an additional prayer hall when necessary.

The courtyard floor has patterns in green slate and white tiles. The floor has a hidden fountain system which springs into display when activated. The water disappears and the floor dries up when switched off, ready for use as extra space for prayer. The center of the courtyard which is raised to the same level as the main floor could be transformed into a dais for Quran Reading Competitions.

The two side walls of the gallery are constructed entirely with aluminium grills covered with coloured glass. This is the largest stained glass wall ever built in the country.

The dome of the State Mosque, 180 feet high and 170 feet in diameter designed by computer is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. The structure of the dome was designed with the tubular triodectic system using aluminium. The dome soaring up to 300 feet above the ground carries decorative steel panels, each triangular in shape, finished in vitreous enamel of blue and light grey. It is free from rust and long lasting. Besides this a 35 feet high aluminium finial finished in gold crowns the dome.

Using a similar technique, an inner dome was built where the lower profile formed by the tubular triodectic system are filled with timber lattice work which provides ample Islamic design. The result is a traditional design capped with a special rossette of Quranic Verses at the apex which is written in blue script on a golden yellow background.

The ring beam on which the domes are built is finished in vittreous enamel panels carrying blue Quranic Khat on light grey background. For the inner dome, the ring beam carries Al-Yassin Quranic Verses in golden yellow on blue background. This decorative khat is the work of a famous Egyptian 'Khatar' Sheikh Abdel Moneim Mohammed Ali El Sharkawi. Pinball lights are fixed on the timber ceiling of the dome for 'starry night in the desert' effect.

Four identical minarets are situated at the main corners guarding the dome of the Mosque. The 28 feet wide and 460 high Minarets which are tallest in the world have three tiered crownests each accessible by spiral staircases. One of the minarets near to the lake is serviced by a lift to the highest landing at 358 feet level. The minarets also carry aircraft warning lights at the top which are terminated with star and crescent shapes. All the crownests carry horn speakers and floor lights which provide illumination for the dome.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

20th Anniversary of ASEAN

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps 20th Anniversary of ASEAN

Date of Issue: 1987-12-14
Denominations: 20 cents, $1.00
Stamp Size: 28 mm x 38 mm
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:


ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations, is an economic and social organization comprising Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The Association was formed on August 8, 1967 after the signing of the Bangkok Declaration by the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam became the sixth member in January, 1984 upon attaining her independence.

ASEAN is situated in a geo-strategic area straddling the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It has an area of 3,068,238 square kilometers with a total population of about 300 million people of various ethnic groups with different backgrounds, history and culture.

ASEAN is committed to the philosophy of regional cooperation to promote peace and stability as well as to accelerate the economic growth and socio cultural development of the region. To achieve these objectives, ASEAN has established several economic and non-economic committees and pooled its resources and efforts to promote common interests in various fields such as economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and in the field of administration by providing suitable programs, which include the setting up of research and training facilities.

In the last twenty years, ASEAN has chalked up a number of impressive achievements which have made it one of the fastest growth regions in the world. ASEAN has been accepted and respected by the international community and is recognized as a dynamic and viable regional organization. At international forums, ASEAN has continuously advocated for fair agricultural and commodity prices, market access and lower interest rates for development loans for the benefit of all developing countries.

ASEAN has also established and strengthened its dialogue relations with AUSTRALIA, Canada, the European Economic Community (EEC), Japan, New Zealand, and the United States. From this cooperation ASEAN has been able to focus and discuss on issues of economic importance like commodities, finance, investments, transfer or technology, trade, etc. In Malaysia, a number of ASEAN regional projects have been established as a result of this ongoing cooperation with the Dialogue Partners. They include the ASEAN Food Handling Bureau, ASEAN-PLANTI, ASEAN Timber Technology Center, ASEAN Institute of Forest Management, and Center for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST).

Politically, ASEAN is instrumental in bringing about peace and stability to the region. It has advocated, through the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, the setting up of the Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) in 1971. ASEAN member countries have also signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 1976 to enhance further peace and stability in the region. In this context, ASEAN has been in the forefront to seek a political solution to the Kampuchean problem. Its efforts have gained the widest possible support of the international community at the United Nations.

ASEAN has also been very successful in its fight against the scourge of drug abuse. As a result of its unstinting efforts, the International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking under the auspices of the United Nations, was held in Vienna in June 1987, in which the Rt. Honorable Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamed, Prime Minister of Malaysia, was unanimously elected President. The Conference adopted the Comprehensive Multi-disciplinary Outline of Future Activities (CMO).

Since its establishment in 1967 ASEAN countries have held two Summits, the first in 1976 in Bali, Indonesia and the second in 1977 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The third ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held in Manila on 14-15 December 1987. At the beginning of ASEAN’s third decade, the Heads of Government of member countries will be meeting to review and deliberate on important issues relating to intra-ASEAN cooperation and ASEAN’s relations with Third Countries. They will reaffirm the philosophy that is ASEAN and provide the political will, guidance and fresh impetus to steer ASEAN to greater heights and achievements in all areas of activities and cooperation.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Protected Wildlife of Malaysia - Series 3

Protected Wildlife of Malaysia - Series 3

Date of Issue: 1987-11-14
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: Ong Soo Keat

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


The Felidae in Malysian Forests
Malaysia’s tropical rain forest is a complex and diverse ecosystem. One way in which this diversity shows itself is through richness in plant and animal species. This richness of species is seen in the number of members of the cat family (Felidae), in our forests.

Wildlife scientists have identified a total of eight species in Malaysia. Seven of these species have been recorded in Peninsular Malaysia. They are the Tiger, the Leopard (Panther), the Clouded Leopard, the Leopard Cat, the Flat-Headed Cat, the Marbled Cat and the Golden Cat. The eighth species, the Bay Cat, however is found only in Sabah and Sarawak along with four other species, namely the Clouded Leopard, the Leopard Cat, the Flat-Headed Cat and the Marbled Cat.

Like the majority of animal species on the rain forest, the wild felids are seldom observed, a fact compounded by their retiring cryptic and nocturnal behavior. Moreover being predators the numbers would not be numerous. Thus, it would appear that with one or two exceptions the wild felids may be considered uncommon or even rare. They are thus considered threatened to the point of extinction and therefore all Felidae are protected by law in Malaysia.

The four species illustrated on the Special Issue of Postage Stamps have been selected because they are relatively unknown. They are also strikingly handsome animals and are good examples of the diversity of, and different adaptations within the cat family.

15c – Depicts the Golden Cat that has been suddenly startled while walking through scrub.


20c – Depicts the Flat-Headed Cat disturbed while eating a fish.


40c – Depicts the Marbled Cat ambling along a large bough.


$1.00 – Depicts a young male Clouded Leopard in his prime sunning himself in an open dry patch of ground away from the forest edge.


Monday, June 2, 2008

Transport and Communication Decade for Asia and the Pacific, 1985 - 1994

Transport and Communication Decade for Asia and the Pacific, 1985 - 1994

Date of Issue: 1987-10-26
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, 40 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 28 mm x 38 mm
Paper: SPM Watermarked, phosphor coated
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Mark Design, Petaling Jaya

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), through its subsidiary body, the Committee on Shipping, Transport and Communication, has been assisting members and associate members of ESCAP since its inception to promote the development of transport and communications.

However, in 1982, there was a general consensus among developing member countries of the region on the need to find ways and means to accelerate the development of the transport and communication sector in order to keep pace with the expansion of the economy as a whole.
Problems and shortcomings facing the transport and communication section of the region and the solutions were identified and long and short-term objectives for improving this sector were formulated. A strategy and action program was drawn up for implementation at the national subregional, regional, interregional and interagency levels.

Following a recommendation from the Economic and Social Council, the General Assembly of ESCAP proclaimed a Transport and Communication Decade for Asia and the Pacific for the period 1985 – 1994 in its resolution 39/227 of 18 December 1984. The Transport and Communication Decade was officially launched on 26th January 1985 by the meeting of Ministers responsible for Transport and Communication held at Bangkok, January 1985 after the Eighth Session of the countries on Shipping, Transport and Communication.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

33rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps to Mark the 33rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Date of Issue: 1987-09-01
Denominations: 20 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 31.5 mm x 48 mm
Paper: SPM Watermarked, phosphor coated
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 50 stamps
Designer: Raja Zahabuddin R. Yaacob

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:



COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an association comprising of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who, irrespective of race, religion or culture, are united by community interest, respect for the rule of law, individual rights and freedom, and the pursuit of positive ideals of parliamentary democracy.

The CPA provides the sole means of regular consultation between Members of Commonwealth Parliaments. It seeks to foster understanding and cooperation among them and also to promote the study of and respect for parliamentary institution. It pursues these objectives by means of Annual Commonwealth Parliamentary Conferences and regional conferences, the interchange of delegation, seminars, publications, notably The Parliamentarian and two Newsletters on CPA activities, parliamentary and political events, and through the work of the Parliamentary Information and Reference Center.

The Malaysia Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was established arising from a resolution of the Federal Legislative Council on 19th April 1950. As is the case in other Commonwealth countries which practice the Federation system, all State Legislative Assemblies of the various States in Malaysia are State Branches of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The 33rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 26th August to 6th September 1987 is the third CPA Conference being hosted by Malaysia. Malaysia played host for the first time in 1963 when the 9th CPA Conference was held in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia had the honor of hosting the CPA Conference for the second time when the 17th CPA Conference was held in Kuala Lumpur.

About 350 participants including delegates, their spouses, observers and secretaries are expected to attend the 33rd CPA Conference. Before the conference, participants will be taken on pre-conference tours to Penang, Pangkor Island (Perak), Malacca, Kuantan (Pahang), Kota Bharu (Kelantan), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Kuching (Sarawak) and Johore. They will also witness the 30th Anniversary National Day celebrations to be held on 31st August 1987. The 33rd CPA Conference will be opened by the Rt. Hon. Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, the Prime Minister of Malaysia on Tuesday, 1st September 1987 at the Dewan Rakyat, Parliament House.