Definitive Postage Stamps 1965 National Series (birds)

Malaysia which came into being on the 16th September 1963, comprises of the eleven States forming the previous Federation of Malaya, (viz. Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Trengganu), Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Singapore ceased to be a state of Malaysia from 9th August, 1965.

Malaysia covers an area of about 130,000 square miles. It occupies two distinct regions, the Malay Peninsula which extends south of Thailand from the narrow Kra isthmus to the Straits of Johore, and the north-western coastal area of the island of Borneo. The population of Malaysia numbers just over eight million people according to census and population estimate figures as at the end of 1961. The main sources of income are rubber, tin, timber and iron ore. There are, however, many other industries and crafts of importance to the country's economy. The standard of living in Malaysia and the per capita average income are among the highest in Asia.

The charm and tropical beauty of Malaysia and the variety which pervades her life provide most fascinating subjects for depicting on postage stamps. The first issue of Malaysia definitive postage stamps depicts some of the colourful birds and orchid species of Malaysia. These stamps are in two series.

The National series, which depicts birds, consists of eight denominations, viz. 25c., 30c., 50c., 75c., $1, $2, $5 and $10. These stamps, which do not bear State individuality, are common to all the thirteen States.

The State series, which depicts orchids, consists of seven denominations, viz., 1c., 2c., 5c., 6c., 10c., 15c., and 20c. These stamps bear a portrait of His Highness the Ruler of the State and/or the State Crest and the name of the State in Jawi and Roman characters. The vignette of each denomination is common to every State.

The stamps are printed by Messrs. Harrison and Sons Ltd. in multi-colour by the photogravure process on PTM watermarked paper. They measure 25 mm x 35 mm. The National and State series are in vertical and horizontal format respectively. The artist is Mr. A. Fraser-Brunner.

The birds depicted in the stamps of the National series are described in this brochure. The orchids depicted in the stamps of the State series are described in a separate brochure.


BURONG SIUL
CRESTED GREEN WOOD-PARTRIDGE
Rollulus roulroul

Small parties of these birds are not uncommon in dry lowland jungle and on well drained slopes in the hills throughout Malaysia. They feed on the ground, rarely flying for more than short distances. The call is a low melodious whistle, which rings through the trees, and gives rise to the common Malay name.

Nest is a thick bed of dry leaves, eggs white, averaging 1.45 by 1.20 ins.



MURAI GAJAH
THE FAIRY BLUEBIRD
Irena puella malayensis

A common and showy bird of the tree-tops in lowland and hills forest throughout Malaysia, where the brilliant blue of the male in flight, is a memorable sight. The normal call is a melodious double whistle - "wit-wiu". Not gregarious, but usually associated in pairs, whose movement is largely influenced by the seasonal fruiting of the trees on which they feed.

Nests are of untidy cup made of twigs, placed high up in trees.

BURONG KUNYIT BESAR
THE BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE
Oriolus chinensis maculatus

Essentially a bird of the towns and gardens of Western Malaysia, never seen in our native forests, and absent from the Borneo States.

Usually seen in the canopies of trees, where they feed on fruit, rarely descending to the ground. Flight is strong and direct, usually at tree-top level. The familiar call, frequently uttered, is a beautiful whistle - "ta-kee-you" (sometimes omitting the first syllable). The nest is commonly slung in a fork, far out on a slender branch sixty or seventy feet up in a tall tree, in park-land or orchard. It is composed of bark, twiglets, grass and roots. The colour of the egg is white, tinged with violet, sparsely spotted and blotched with purple-brown - measuring 1.27 by 0.8 ins.

ENGGANG
THE RHINOCEROS HORNBILL
Buceros rhinoceros
This magnificent bird is restricted to the tall forest of our lowlands and foothills , and because of its specialized habits is unfortunately severely threatened by expanding rural development. Where it survives it can be seen feeding on the fruits of tall trees, its normal diet. The call rather goose-like, honk. is often uttered antiphonally by a pair of birds in flight. Normally associated in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming small flocks.

As among all hornbills, the female remains in the nest hole, the entrance to which is partially closed by a plaster of mud, during the process of incubation and for some considerable time after the eggs have hatched, being fed by the male.

Birds abound in folklore and poetry:
"Anak enggang di-kayu tinggi,
Patah ranting terbang-lah dia,
Anak dagang lama di-sini,
Sampai musim terbang-lah dia."

"On top of high tree the Enggang sits,
Away it flies when the branch breaks,
However long a foreigner may stay,
To his home land he will fly away."

MERBOK
THE BARRED GROUND-DOVE
Geopelia striata

A common bird of open country and villages, and a favourite pet of Malaysians. Regular contests are held when the singing powers of caged birds are matched, and large side-bets may be placed. In the wild, these doves feed mostly on the ground.

Nests are small and flimsy platforms of stick built in trees. Eggs white, measuring 0.9 by 0.65 ins.

KUANG
ARGUS PHEASANT
Argusianus argus
An inhabitant of tall forest, preferring the well drained slopes of the foothills, throughout Malaysia. Shy and seldom seen, but usually betrayed by its powerful call, either a double - "wak-wau", or a long series of plaintive single notes, each rising imperceptibly in tone.

The males maintain so-called "dancing-ground", small clearings which are kept scrupulously clean and free from debris, to which they repair to call and display. This habit renders the Argus Pheasant vulnerable to poachers, and already over much of Malaysia, this unique and beautiful bird has disappeared from its ancient haunts.

MURAI EKOR GADING
PARADISE FLYCATCHER
Terpsiphone paradisi affinis
This beautiful bird is found in the forest of lowlands and foothills throughout the country. In flight the long tail-streamers of the male flutter like a length of still ribbon.

Nests usually are placed about six feet from the ground in a fork of a slender sapling. They are deep cups of moss, lined with dead grass or fibre. The eggs are glossy, the ground colour is faintly pink, sparsely spotted with reddish-brown and blotched with salmon-pink, measuring about 0.8 by 0.6 ins.

BURONG PACHAT
THE BANDED PITTA
Pitta guajana
Pittas are shy birds of the forest floor and undergrowth, disappearing with a flash of brilliant colour at the least sign of danger.

The Banded Pitta is not uncommon locally in the drier lowland jungle of the north. It appears to prefer the vicinity of limestone hills (probably because of the profusions of small snails on which it feeds).

First Day Cover

Date of Issue: 1965-09-09

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.

Protected Wildlife of Malaysia - Series 2

Protected Wildlife of Malaysia - Series 2

Date of Issue: 1986-03-11
Denominations: 2 'se-tenant' pairs with values of 20 cents and 40 cents
Stamp Size: 29.85 mm x 40.64 mm
Paper: SPM watermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 50 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


Pheasants
The pheasants are large and attractive birds in the primary rain forests of Malaysia. There are eighteen species of pheasants in Malaysia with some thirty recognized subspecies. Of the eighteen species three are considered as internationally endangered, one species is believed to be extinct in Malaysia while seven other species are in a vulnerable state as a result of poaching and habitat destruction. Under the Malaysian law, ten species are totally protected while five other species are given protection of some form.

Great Argus – Argusianus argus
The Great Argus is found in the lowland primary forests of Semenanjung Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. It is protected in Sabah and Sarawak and totally protected in Peninsular Malaysia. The male and female Great Argus live on their own. The male bird establishes a dancing ground cleared of vegetation and forest litter on high places and ridge tops. The Great Argus feeds on fallen fruits, nuts, seeds, slugs and insects.

Bulwer’s Pheasant – Lophura bulweri
The Bulwer’s Pheasant is endemic to Borneo and can be found in Sabah and Sarawak. It lives in the submontane primary forest and has a patchy distribution. It is protected in both the states of Sabah and Sarawak. This pheasant skulks along the forest floor with its tail curved behind its body. The male species has a magnificent courtship display. The Bulwer’s Pheasant feeds on fallen fruits and insects.

Crested Fireback Pheasant – Lophura ignita
The Crested Fireback Pheasant inhabits the forest floor of primary lowland forests in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. This species is protected in the states of Sabah and Sarawak and is totally protected in Peninsular Malaysia. Flocks of five to six birds with a male species are frequently seen in thick forest. They are swift runners and have the habit of scratching for food on or around rotten logs. They feed on berries, tender leaves and insects.





Malaysian Peacock Pheasant – Pavo malacense
The Malaysian Peacock Pheasant can be found both in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. It is an extremely rare bird living in the forest floor of the lowland primary forest. The species is endangered and is protected in Sabah and Sarawak and totally protected in Peninsular Malaysia. The bird is noted to be shy of human presence and lives in dense forest. Very little is known of its behavior and diet.

Protected Animals of Malaysia Series 1

Protected Animals of Malaysia Series 1

Date of Issue: 1985-04-25
Denominations: 10 cents, 40 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6 mm x 38.4 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Waddingtons Ltd., Leeds, England
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Peter Khang Howe Ket

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:



Malaysia is a nation rich with a diversity of wild animals. The majority of these wild animals live in the forest. The area under forest in the country is gradually decreasing, thus threatening the lives of these wild animals. The government is aware of this situation and has thus set up relevant laws and legislation to protect this national heritage of ours.

Banded Linsang (Prionodon linsang)

The banded linsang is widespread throughout the primary forest in the country. They are seldom seen. They can climb trees and come out usually at night to hunt for food.

Slow Loris (Nycticebus coucang)

The slow loris live on trees in the forest. They come out in the night to feed on fruits and insects. They are small in number and are easily caught by man because they move about very slowly.

Spotted Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista elegans)

The spotted giant flying squirrel is seldom seen by men. They live on trees in the forest on top of mountains. These squirrels can glide from tree to tree. They feed on fruits and insects.

Hornbills of Malaysia

Hornbills of Malaysia - Special Issue

Date of Issue: 1983-10-26
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, and $1.00
Size: 25 mm x 37 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Offset 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:


The hornbill belonging to the Bucerotidae family is probably most closely related to the kingfisher. The hornbill can be found distributed from Africa through Asia to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It has short wings, a rather long tail and its second and third toes are partly fused. The hornbill uses its long curved beak to dexterously manipulate food items such as fruits, insects and small vertebrates. Its beak is capped by a casque which is light and hollow, shaped and colored according to age and species in all except the Helmeted Hornbill. Unusually well developed ‘eye-lashes’ protect the eyes of the hornbill. The hornbill ranges in size from that of a domestic pigeon to a large turkey. All species of the hornbill depend on woodland since they nest in tree holes. For most of the nesting cycle, the female hornbill walls herself in and is fed exclusively by one or more companions to emerge only after its young are well-grown.

15c – Depicts the HELMETED HORNBILL (Enggang Tebang Mentua)

Found in Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, this very large hornbill is territorial, often solitary and specializes in the figs of lowland rainforest. It is the only hornbill with a solid casque (valued as hornbill ‘ivory’). The laughing call of this hornbill carries far but the bird itself is secretive, rarely leaving the forest canopy.

20c – depicts the Wrinkled Hornbill (Enggang Berkedut)

Restricted to Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo this hornbill lives in low-lying forests of the coastal plains, which it roams in small parties in search of fruit. With progressive loss of their special habitat Wrinkled Hornbills are probably now the rarest Malaysian species and may shortly disappear.

50c – depicts the White Crested Hornbill (Enggang Jambul Putih)

Restricted to Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, this hornbill, a gregarious species, lives permanently in parties of five or more individuals in forests most usually of hilly areas and often in secondary growth along rivers. The diet of this hornbill includes animal items and occasionally even snakes.

$1 – depicts the Rhinoceros Hornbill (Enggang Badak)

Found in the lowlands and hills of Java, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo, this hornbill is a large and relatively common bird. This hornbill normally lives in pairs and more than 20 such birds may sometimes gather at a favored fruit tree. Its up-turned casque which is straight in young birds develops with age.

Fresh Water Fish

Special Issue of Postage Stamps on Fresh Water Fish

Date of Issue: 1983-06-15
Denominations: 2 x 20 cents, 2 x 40 cents
Stamp Sizes: 24.5mm x 39mm
Paper: White unwatermarked security postage stamp paper
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover

Fresh Water Fish
Fresh water fish culture in Malaysia, which began about 50 years ago, only saw rapid expansion after 1957. The pond acreage in Peninsular Malaysia increased from 146 hectares in 1957 to 1,500 hectares in 1967 and to about 5,221 hectares in 1980.
The decline in fish catch from our coastal and river waters in recent years has contributed to the significant development of fresh water fish culture in the country. The total annual output of aquaculture produce from all sources in the country in 1980 was about 139,363 tons and fresh water fish culture alone amounted to 8,298 tons or about 6% of the total production.
There is still considerable potential or scope for the future development of fresh water fish culture in the country. Fresh water fish culture is expected to play an important role in the future as a major source of protein food needs. In the inland areas where marine fish are not easily available, culture fish is especially important as a source of protein.

In view of the vast potential for the future development of fresh water fish culture in the country and in view of the fact that the supply of fish seed is no longer a major problem, the production of fresh water fish can be expected to increase tremendously. However, the marketing aspect of fresh water fish still poses certain problems to the industry; to tackle this problem the Federal Agricultural and Marketing Authority (FAMA) with the cooperation of the Fisheries Department has launched a campaign to encourage the consumption of fresh water fish.
Several species of fresh water fish are being cultured in Malaysia. There include Bighead Carp, Grass Carp, Common Carp, Indonesian Carp, Rohu, Tilapia, Sepat Siam, Prawn, Ketutu and Patin. Except for Ketutu and Patin, the rest of the fresh water fish are usually bred under the polyculture system so as to fully utilize the pond resources.
Details regarding the various fish as depicted in the stamps are given below.
20c denomination
Scientific Name: Cyprinus Carpio (Linn.)
Common Name: Lee Koh, Ikan Tongsan Pendik, Common Carp
The origins of the Common Carp can be traced to China but it is now found in other parts of Asia, Europe and the United States of America. Being a species of river fish, it is suitable for breeding in ponds. It is believed that Chinese immigrants originally brought the fish to this country.
Its compressed body, broad head and small protruding eyes characterize common Carp. The snout is long and blunt with the mouth slanting slightly downwards. Two pairs of barbels are located on the upper jaw with the lower pair longer than the upper pair. The Common Carp can reach up to over 30 kilograms in natural water. The fish is greenish yellow in color with slight reddish tints on the lower half of the caudal fin. The Common Carp can be of a red or golden yellow color as well.
Common Carp cultured in ponds when fed a supplementary diet, can reach a weight of 0.9 to 1.2 kilograms within a year of breeding. This fish can continue to spawn up to six years but for breeding purposes, it is advisable that the male fish can be over a year old and the female be over 1.5 years old before they are allowed to breed.
The fish fry feeds upon zooplankton. As the fish reaches 8 to 10 cm in length, it feeds mostly on aquatic insects and worms in the pond including detritus (decayed vegetable matter) and epiphytic plankton. The fish disturbs the pond bottom for food which causes the water to become turbid. The fish can also be fed supplementary food like rice bran, coconut meal and peanut meal.

20c denomination
Scientific Name: Tilapia Nilotica (Linn.)
Common Names: Tilapia nilotica, Tilapia, Nile Tilapia
The Tilapia has its origins in Africa but owing to its hardiness and prolific breeding ability, it was introduced to fish culturists in Malaysia. It is a fast growing fish and bred in fertile ponds, it can grow to weigh half a kilogram within six months.
The lateral line of the fish is divided into two parts with the upper and lower sections having 22 and 15 scales respectively. There are vertical lines on the body, caudal fin, dorsal fin and pelvic fin. The color of the fish is a mixture of silverfish green and brownish green with a purplish blue tint. The caudal fin has a slight red margin. The fish when full grown, can reach a length of 40cm.
Essentially, the Tilapia is lighter is color as compared to the male fish which is more pronounced in color. The female fish has three orifices namely the anus, the oviduct and the urethra while the male has only two orifices namely the anus and the urethra. The Tilapia lays eggs which are fertilized externally and then hatched in the mouth by the female.
40c denomination

Scientific Name: Ctenopharyngodon idellus (C.V.)
Common Name: Kap Rumput, Kap Makan Rumput, Ikan Chow, Chow Hu, Grass Carp
The Grass Carp which has its origin in China, was brought here by the Chinese immigrants for breeding in fresh water ponds. This species belongs to the Chinese major carp family and cannot spawn naturally in ponds. Seeds are therefore, imported from China by local fish dealers through Hong Kong. It is a popular fish among fish culturist.
Its elongated and compressed body characterizes the Grass Carp. The head is broad with a short round snout. The lateral line has a total of 42 scales. The back portion of its body is blackish green while its belly is silver in color. This fish reacts approximately 120 cm in length when full grown.
The Grass Carp is larger than the Indonesian Carp or Common Carp. It is a fast growing fish with its weight increasing to about 2.5 to 3 kilograms by the end of the first year of breeding. This fish is commonly bred together with other fish such as the Bighead Carp, Silver Carp, Indonesian Carp and the Common Carp.
It is suitable for breeding in ponds with plenty of aquatic weeds. As supplementary diet, the fish can also be fed on cut grass or leaves of yam, sweet potato and tapioca together with fish bread (a compound of rice bran, wheat flour and peanut meal). Nitrogen Phosphate Potash (NPK) compound fertilizers can also be added to the less fertile ponds to encourage the growth of waterweeds and plankton.

40c denomination
Scientific Name: Puntius gonionotus (Blkr.)
Common Name: Lampam Jawa, Indonesian Carp
This fish was first introduced to fish culturists in this country in 1958 by the Fisheries Department. It is a river whose origins can be traced to Java, Indonesia.
The Indonesian Carp can be recognized by its strongly compressed elongated body and elevated dorsal profile. Its barbels are very minute and short while the fish itself measures approximately 50 cm in length. There are 5.5 scales below the lateral line and 3 to 3.5 scales in between the lateral line and the beginning of the pelvic fin. The lateral line is well developed and has a total of 29 to 31 scales. The fish is silver in color but its back is slightly darker in color. It is a fish suitable for culture in fresh water ponds and can reach a weight of approximately 0.6 to 0.9 kilograms within a breeding period of one year.
In the rivers of Java, which are its natural habitat, the spawning takes place during the rainy season. However, in ponds at the various Fisheries Breeding Stations under controlled conditions, spawning takes place throughout the year. During the larvae stage, the fish feeds on unicellular algae and zooplankton. However as the fish grows bigger, it feeds on aquatic weeds, leaves and soft grass. Rice bran, peanut meal and coconut meal can also be utilized as supplementary diet for the fish.