Hibiscus of Malaysia

Hibiscus of Malaysia

Date of Issue: 1984-12-12
Denominations: 10 cents, 20 cents, 40 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 27 mm x 30 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps

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Malaysia's National Flower, Bunga Raya is well known throughout the world as Hibiscus or shoeflower and is botanically referred to as the Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It belongs to the same family of plants as the cotton and okra or bendir. Hibiscus is the largest genus consisting of some 300 species which are widely distributed mainly in the tropics.

The characteristic feature of the Hibiscus is that it is an evergreen shrub with leaves alternately arranged and with the presence of stipules. The flowers are often large and showy, bisexual and regular with parts usually in fives. The calyx is composed of five sepals, sometimes joined and is often subtended by an epicalyx. There are five large petals which are free. The stamens are joined together to form a column and the stype is branced terminating in five stigmatic lobes. The ovary is superior composed of five fused carpels with axile placentation.

Hibiscus as an ornamental plant is very popular with many gardeners comparable to that of roses, camellia, and azalea of the temperate regions. The flowers have a wide range of colors, white, pink, yellow and pink to dark red. Some of the varieties are double or multi-petalled. The flowers are very large, some hybrids measuring up to 25 cm in diameter. The flowers are scentless and do not last for more than a day or two. The Hibiscus bloom all year round, provided they are well looked after.

Besides being used as an ornamental plant and in hedges of home gardens. It provides a ready source of nectar for the birds, butterflies and other insects. Hibiscus can be used for beauty as well as medicinal value. The juice of the petals was once used as a dye to darken the eyebrows of oriental women. The juice can also be used to clean and polish black shoes, hence the name shoeflower. In the olden days the Malays used the roots of the Hibiscus to cure fever, sore eyes and other internal ailments.

Hibiscus was selected as the National Flower of Malaysia on 28th of July, 1960. It is an appropriate choice as the Hibiscus is a well known flower which is grown throughout Malaysia.

A Brief Life History of His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong

A Brief Life History of His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong

Date of Issue: 1984-11-15
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, 40 cents and 80 cents
Stamp Size: 38 mm x 28 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked postage stamp paper
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 50 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

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His Royal Highness Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismal D.K., the Sultan of Johor, was appointed as the 8th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (The Paramount Ruler of Malaysia) by the 129th Conference of Rulers on the 9th February, 1984 and sworn in as the Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 28th April 1984.

His Majesty, the eldest son of Almarhum Sultan Ismail ibni Almarhum Sultan Ibrahim and Almarhumah Sultanah Aminah binti Ungku Ahmad, was born on 8th April, 1932 at Istana Semayam, Johor Bahru.

His Majesty was educated at the Ngee Heng (English) Primary School in Johor Bahru and later attended the English College (Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar). His Majesty continued his education at the Trinity Grammar School in Australia and also in the United Kingdom. He also underwent military training and is the Commandant of the Johor Military Forces holding the rank of Brigadier-General.

Upon his return from overseas studies, His Majesty was attached to the Johor Civil service from 25th January, 1956 to 8th May, 1959. During this period, His Majesty gained a great deal of experience in the field of administration during his postings at the District Office, the Land Office, the State Secretariat, the State Forest Office and the Treasury.

His Majesty, who is married to Her Majesty Sultanah Hajah Zanariah binti Tengku Ahmad, ascended the throne of Johor on 11th May, 1981 as the Sultan of Johor succeeding his late father.

His Majesty has 10 children, 2 sons and 8 daughters.

As religious leader of the State of Johor, His Majesty has close connections with the State Religious Council. His Majesty has always given close attention to Islam in the State.

His Majesty is a sympathetic man and has made numerous contributions to welfare homes and victims of floods and other such tragedies to offer his personal consolation and contribution. His sympathetic nature towards the welfare of his people has earned him much respect. His Majesty is the patron of several welfare organisations in Johor.

His Majesty is a keen sportsman and his interests include polo, board sailing, scuba diving, golf, tennis and football. His Majesty is also an able pilot capable of handing light and medium range aeroplanes and heavy-range helicopters.

His Majesty is the Chancellor of University Technology Malaysia.

His Majesty is the holder of:
1. Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama (D.K.)
2. Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia Pangkat Yang Pertama Dato' Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor (S.P.M.J.)
3. Darjah Sultan Ismail Johor Yang Amat Diberkat Pangkat Yang Pertama -- Dato' Seri Setia Sultan Ismail Johor (S.S.I.J.)
4. Pingat Ibrahim Sultan Pangkat Pertama (P.I.S.)
5. Bintang Sultan Ismail Pangkat Pertama (B.S.I.)

His Majesty has also been awarded the following awards and decorations:
1. Darjah Kerabat Brunei (D.K. Brunei) - (1972)
2. Darjah Seri Paduka Darjah Kinabalu (S.P.D.K.) - (1972)
3. Order of St.John - (1980)
4. Darjah Kerabat Terengganu (D.K. Terengganu) - (1982)
5. Darjah Kerabat Perak (D.K. Perak) - (1983)
6. Darjah Kerabat Kelantan (D.K. Kelantan) - (1984)

Traditional Malay Weapons

Traditional Malay Weapons

Date of Issue: 1984-05-30
Denominations: 40 cents
Stamp Size: 39.19 mm x 24.13 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Harrisons & Sons (High Wycombe) Ltd., England
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

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Traditional Malay weapons can be classified into swords, daggers, spears and also the cannon. The most well-known of these weapons is the dagger, that is the keris, badik, tumbuk lada, pedang, golok, beladau, lawi ayam, tombak, meriam and the ekor lutong. The keris has been the national weapon of the Malay people for over five hundred years. However, today the keris and other traditional weapons are being made more for decorative and ceremonial purposes.

Keris
A keris is primarily a weapon for thrusting. Basically there are five types of keris namely the keris from the Northern States of Peninsular Malaysia and Patani, from Rembau, the Javanese Keris, the Bugis Keris and the Sumatran Keris. The keris can be further classified according to the parnor, the iron used, the shape of its blade and the hilt. A keris must be made of at least two kinds of metal. Some keris have been known to contain even up to seven or more kinds of metal.

The blade of a keris is double-edged and it tapers to a point. It can be between twenty and forty cm in length and is either straight or sinuous, depending on the type of keris. Normally, there are three, five or seven waves but some keris even have nineteen waves. The sheath of a keris is normally made of ornamental wood and can be plain or intricately carved.

The most beautiful part of a keris is the hilt which is carved from hard wood, horn, bone or ivory depicting a variety of decorations such as the hulu pekakak (Kingfisher's Head) and the hulu burung (Bird's Head). A keris with hulu pekakak is part of the regalia of His Majesty the King.

Tumbuk Lada

The tumbuk lada has a straight blade and usually does not exceed twenty cm in length with only one cutting edge. Its hilt is normally tubular and is carved so that the top resembles a pepper crusher hence its name, tumbuk lada. The sheath of the tumbuk lada is normally carved.

The Formation of Federal Territory of Labuan

Postage Stamps to Mark the Formation of Federal Territory of Labuan

Date of Issue: 1984-04-16
Denominations: 20 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 27 mm x 35 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps

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LABUAN IN BRIEF
Labuan is a district in Sabah, comprising entirely of islands, namely Labuan, Kuraman, Daat, Papan, Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil dan Burung. The area of Labuan Island is approximately 92 sq km. It is situated on the northwestern side of Sabah, about 8 km away from the Sabah mainland. Labuan can be reached via MAS flight from Kota Kinabalu, which normally takes about half an hour.

Before joining Malaysia, Labuan and other parts of Sabah were a British Crown Colony since 1946. The population of Labuan, made up of many ethnic groups, has now reached 26,500.
Labuan is famous as a scenic port. It is a free port and is the second largest in Sabah. The port handles a variety of trade, including barter trade which is popular among the small traders in this region. It is also well known as a tourist resort, particularly among the foreigners who love its beautiful natural surroundings.

Industries too, have developed in Labuan Island, especially around the Ranca-ranca Industrial Zone. Labuan exports flour and animal feed, and in the near future will produce important goods, such as liquefied petroleum gas, sponge-iron and methanol.

On the 16th April 1984, another important event in Malaysian history will be recorded when Labuan becomes a Federal Territory. With this change of status it is hoped that Labuan will achieve a greater pace of development for the benefit and prosperity of the people and the nation.

20c – depicts development in Labuan Island and Malaysian Crest

$1 – depicts Labuan Island and Malaysian Flag

10th Anniversary of the Formation of Federal Territory

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Formation of Federal Territory

Date of Issue: 1984-02-01
Denominations: 20 cents, 40 cents, and 80 cents
Stamp Size: 39 mm x 24.5 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Mara Institute of Technology, Shah Alam

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Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia was proclaimed a city on 1st February 1972. It is in Kuala Lumpur that the economic activities of trade and industry are concentrated on both locally and internationally. It is also the center for Federal Government policy and decision-making and the station for all communication networks. In 1974 the Federal Capital was extended to cover 243 sq km (94 sq miles) and later came to be known as the Federal Territory having a population of 1,036,000 people (1980 population census).

During the past ten years Federal Territory has undergone rapid social, economical and physical development. This is in line with the Government’s intention to plan a dynamic city comfortable to live and work in. Being one of the major cities for the production of the world’s primary commodity, the Government’s intention is to transform Kuala Lumpur into a trade center.

Kuala Lumpur has played its role as a political and administrative center since Independence. It is here that most government ministries, private firms and foreign embassies are located. With the declaration of Kuala Lumpur as a city and the formation of the Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur is now in the process of playing a vital role in the economic and social field so that its people could enjoy a better standard of living.

Living its tug as an exemplary city, Kuala Lumpur naturally outshines other towns in terms of beauty, convenience and other facilities. Lately the government has increased its effort to boost the beauty of Kuala Lumpur. All these factors are imported to the present population who are concerned with a higher quality of life and a decent environment.

Today, there are many interesting places in Kuala Lumpur. Nevertheless, due to development process, many trees are being cut down thus destroying its natural landscape. Therefore, it is the Government’s aim to safeguard and maintain as much of the trees and the natural landscape as possible so as to ensure the quality of the surroundings, whereby Kuala Lumpur can truly be called a ‘Garden City’.

It is the nation’s objective to ensure that the development of the Federal Territory achieves an equal balance among the other regions. Its aim is to ascertain an equitable distribution, not only in terms of income, but also to provide health and education facilities, public services, recreational facilities, housing, social and economical development in line with the New Economic Policy.

20c – Depicts the Federal Territory as a city state clean and free from environmental air pollution – that is in line with the concept of a ‘Garden City’.


40c – Township Location Concept. Though Federal Territory is fast developing but emphasizes on restructuring all the districts with well planned and organized buildings.


80c – Depicts the Federal Territory as a city state clean and free from environmental air pollution – that is in line with the concept of a ‘Garden city’

The 25th Anniversary of Bank Negara Malaysia

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps to Mark the 25th Anniversary of Bank Negara Malaysia

Date of Issue: 1984-01-26
Denominations: 20 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 26 mm x 43.5 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Mr. Phoon Poh Hoong

Stamps in the Series:

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Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) was established on the 26th of January 1959 as the monetary authority of the nation, with responsibilities for currency issue, management of the nation’s reserves, and acting as the Government’s banker and financial advisor. The Bank is also responsible for monetary policy and the promotion of a sound financial structure in the country.

One of the first tasks undertaken by Bank Negara was the creation of domestic banks and the expansion of the banking network to the rural areas and small towns where banking facilities were inadequate or non-existent. Through its regulatory and supervisory functions, Bank Negara oversees the prudent expansion of the banking system by encouraging the adoption of efficient management and sound banking practices in order to generate public confidence in the banking system. A local stock exchange was established in 1962 to facilitate the development of the capital market and the first discount house was established in 1963 to assist in the development of the domestic money market. The finance companies were brought within the jurisdiction of the Bank in 1969, and the first merchant bank was established in 1970 to provide specialist-banking services for the corporate sector. By 1983, there were 38 commercial banks with 608 offices, 41 finance companies with 248 offices, 12 merchant banks with 15 offices, 5 discount houses, 2 stock exchanges and a number of specialized financial intermediaries serving the growing need for sophisticated financial services in the country. There were only 23 commercial banks with 99 offices in 1959.

A major objective of the Bank is to promote monetary stability such that economic growth would proceed with price stability, it influences monetary and credit growth through a number of instruments, including the imposition of statutory reserves and liquidity requirements, the introduction of lending guidelines, management of interest rates and operations in money and foreign exchange. As the custodian of the nation’s reserves, the Bank maintains a sizable portfolio of foreign assets to bank the currency it issues. To promote the New Economic Policy, the banks are obliged to follow lending guidelines to ensure that credit is readily available at reasonable cost to priority sectors of the economy, such as the Bumiputera Community, small-scale enterprises, agriculture food production, and low and medium cost housing. Bank Negara also acts as the financial adviser, banker and fiscal agent of the Federal Government, as well as banker to the State Governments where the Bank’s branches are located. Bank Negara assumed sole responsibility for the issue of currency with effect from June 1967. From the 15th of September 1983 the Bank issued a new series of notes with new designs and improved security features.

Bank Negara experienced rapid growth in its organization over the past 25 years. When the Bank was first established in 1959, the administration comprised only 4 departments with a total staff of 46. Today, the Bank comprises 13 departments with 8 branches in Kuala Lumpur, Pulau Pinang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Alor Setar and Ipoh. The total staff strength is now 1,800. Future development plans include the construction of a new Head Office extension and new branches in Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Melaka, and Shah Alam.

20c – depicts the Ipoh branch building of Bank Negara Malaysia and is in full color.

$1.00 – depicts the Alor Setar branch building of Bank Negara Malaysia and is in full color.