International Airport

THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The opening of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 1965 by His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong completes a further stage in the 2nd 5-Year Development Plan being undertaken by the Government of Malaysia.

The new Airport is connected to Kuala Lumpur 14 miles away by a fast motorway which takes 20 to 30 minutes.

The opening of the new Airport means that all Air Lines will be able to include Kuala Lumpur in their schedules and it is expected that this modern Airport will become a focal point for all traffic between the East and West.

The civil engineering works were designed by the Headquarters staff of the Public Works Department who have accomplished a project of which they can be justly proud. It has been designed to incorporate modern airport development and will cater for all existing types of aircraft which may appear in the foreseeable future.

The site is ideal as there are no large obstructions in the vicinity and the orientation of the runway fits in perfectly with the main prevailing winds from the South-West and North-East. The site preparation involved the removal of a village to a new location, the clearing of 500 acres of rubber trees and the excavation of some 6.5 million cubic yards of soil.

The runway and the parallel taxiway have been constructed by Messrs. Gammon-Hawaiian Dredging-Pomeroy. The pavement comprises a layer of lime stabilized soil on the formation and bitumen bound bases and wearing surface, this type of construction being the first of its kind in this part of the world. The total area of paving is 550,000 sq. yds. A major problem in this country, with its high rainfall, is drainage and 8.5 miles of piped drains and 14.5 miles of open drains had to be provided. All areas outside those paved are turfed and amounts to 2,000,000 sq. yds. The airport complex covers 54 acres and is surrounded by a fence.

Both approaches are provided with centerline and bar lighting together with circling guideline lighting. The runway is equipped with edge and threshold bar lighting and visual slope indicators. The taxiways are equipped with centerline lighting and in certain areas edge lighting. The airport will be equipped with VOR/DME radio equipment together with an instrument landing system. It is also proposed to provide shortly, radar surveillance equipment. The navigational aids provided will enable pilots to descend through cloud to a height at which they can utilize the visual landing aids.

The terminal building and other ancillary buildings located towards the southern end of the runway were designed and the construction supervised by a Malaysian firm of Architects - Messrs. Booty Edwards & Partners. The terminal building together with the control tower form a covered area of approximately 350,000 sq. ft. The roof comprises a series of reinforced concrete hyperbolic paraboloid panels at 48 ft. square, and supported by 36 foot R.C. columns at 48 foot centres. External noise has been minimized by providing a band of air-conditioned rooms with double glazing on the side of the building adjacent to the parking apron. Rubberized flooring has been used extensively.

The ground floor of the terminal building contains offices for the Departments of Civil Aviation and Meteorology, and Airlines together with the main kitchen, electrical and air-conditioning plant. The first floor is a passenger concourse and vehicular traffic is accommodated on a covered roadway which is an integral part of the building. All check-in and ticket counters, arrival and departure halls, reception, interview and V.I.P. rooms, shops and other public facilities are located on this floor. The second floor which is of Mezzanine has two gentry rising spiral ramps sweeping up from the concourse level which serve as the principal means of access. On this floor there is an air-conditioned public observation terrace and an open air dining terrace and dance floor. The 134 ft. high control tower is a separate structure connected to the terminal building by a covered way.

This project is the largest in South East Asia and was completed in a period of 30 months at a total cost of M$52 million.

Technical Details
Special postage stamps of the 15 cents and 30 cents denominations will be issued on the 30th August, 1965 to mark the opening of the International Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation, in sheets of 100 - Horizontal - 36 mm, Vertical - 25 mm.

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The design features the International Airport Terminal Building

Colours:
15 cents - Building - grey, Sky - blue

30 cents - Building - grey, Sky - red

Paper: PTM watermarked white paper

Printed By: Messrs. Harrison and Sons Ltd., London

The stamps will be placed on sale in all the territories of Malaysia for a period of three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier.

First Day Cover

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.

The Inaugural Flight of MAS to Los Angeles

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps to Mark the Inaugural Flight of MAS to Los Angeles

Date of Issue: 1986-07-31
Denominations: 20 cents, 40 cents, $1.00
Stamp Size: 28 mm x 32 mm
Paper: SPM watermarked, phosphor coated
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: PTM Thompson Advertising Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


When Malaysian Airline System, commenced operations in 1972, its air links covered 6 international and 34 domestic destinations. The addition of new, more advanced and bigger capacity aircraft through the years has enabled MAS to fly to new international destinations. Today, MAS flies to 25 key cities in Asia, Australia, Europe and Middle East, in additional to the 34 destinations within Malaysia.

NOW TO LOS ANGELES, THE 60TH DESTINATION FOR MAS
MAS launches its services to Los Angeles on 31 July 1986. This service also marks the first trans-Pacific service for MAS. Flying twice-weekly, via Tokyo, MAS operates the fastest flight between Kuala Lumpur and Los Angeles. With Los Angeles, MAS route network covers 60 destinations in 21 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East and U.S.A.

MAS ADDS THE MOST ADVANCED B747 TO ITS FLEET
For the first time, a B747 Stretched Upper Deck aircraft, the most advanced 747 of all, will carry the MAS fleet will be dedicated to the new trans-Pacific Services and will also support MAS European frequencies. The introduction of this new aircraft will enable MAS to further increase its existing services and network.

GOLDEN SERVICE ALL THE WAY
Apart from the comfort of the fastest flight to the USA and the luxury of extra space on the B747 Stretched Upper Deck aircraft, passengers can look forward to the MAS promise to treat them like gold. Warm, gracious courtesy and exclusive standards of service and style, which all add up to a standard of inflight service they will want to come back to!

The Penang Bridge

The Penang Bridge

Date of Issue: 1985-09-15
Denominations: 20c, 40c, $1.00
Stamp Sizes: 20 cents & 40 cents (28 mm x 38 mm), $1.00 (27.94 mm x 44.45 mm)
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: Kathy Design, Kuala Lumpur

Stamps in the Series:


First Day Cover:


The Penang Bridge Project was the original idea of the second Malaysian Prime Minister, the late Y.A.B. Tun Hj. Abdul Razak bin Dato’ Hussain and the planning commenced in 1960. The success for the project was ensured by detailed plans and careful research. The decision to commence construction was made by Y.A.B. Dato’ Seri Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, the fourth Malaysian Prime Minister.

The project comprises the construction of a high level bridge of a Cable-Stayed Concrete Girder type costing about 850 million ringgit which links Penang Island with the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia. The overall length of the bridge is approximately 13.5 km and comprises 8.4 km of bridge structure over water, 1.5 km of viaduct and roadway approach on the Penang Island side and 3.6 km of approach roadway on the Perai side. This bridge is designed to house six lanes but initially will have only four lanes except at the main span and the sloping section which will accommodate six lanes. The bridge is built over the South Channel.

On the Penang Island side, a grade separated directional interchange with the proposed North and South Coastal Roads has been constructed offshore at Batu Uban. This interchange is connected to the existing Glugor Road with a trumpet interchange located in front of the Universiti Sains Malaysia.

On the Perai side the project commences at the 4.5 milestone Butterworth – Ipoh Road of the Federal Route 1 with a partial clover leaf interchange. A bridge will also be built across the railway line. The project will then pass through the Prai Industrial Complex with a directional interchange at Jalan Perusahaan. A Toll Plaza has been built on this side and toll will be collected for all traffic destined for Penang.

This bridge, which links Penang Island with the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia is one of the longest in the world. It also contributes to the economic, cultural and social development of the country culminating in national solidarity.

Proton Saga, Malaysian National Car

Commemorative Issue of Postage Stamps - Proton Saga, Malaysian National Car

Date of Issue: 1985-07-09
Denominations: 20 cents, 40 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6 mm x 38.48 mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Waddingtons Security Print Ltd., England
Sheet Composition: 100 stamps

Stamps in the Series:



First Day Cover:



MALAYSIAN NATIONAL CAR
PROTON SAGA, the first Malaysian National Car, inaugurates the beginning of the Malaysian venture in automobile manufacturing. The first production comes in two models of 1.3 and 1.5 liters engine capacity. Being specially designed by Malaysians, PROTON SAGA incorporates the latest trends in styling and matches world standards in terms of quality, performance, economy, spaciousness and comfort.

The name SAGA was chosen as a result of a car naming competition participated by Malaysians from all walks of life. The SAGA was selected for its symbolic and metaphorical meaning signifying our national aspirations.

The PROTON Plant is the largest and most modern in South East Asia covering an area of 550,000 sq m with covered floor including the factory and ancillary buildings of over 85,620 sq m. The L-shaped plant is equipped with modern automatic and semi-automatic machinery for the production of quality cars. It is designed with three unique features incorporating elements of manufacturing efficiency, pleasant working environment and considerations of future expansion. The utmost consideration has been given towards pollution control with the installation of effluent treatment facilities.

The production plant consists of four main sections, namely stamping section, body assembly section, painting section and trim and final assembly section.

The ancillary facilities are strategically located around the main plant in an effort to optimize its effectiveness. The entire complex represents a concept in comprehensive factory environment.
The initial installed capacity of PROTON’s plant is 80,000 units per year. However, by 1988 the installed capacity will be increased to 120,000 units per year.

The automobile industry started in Malaysia in 1967 with the establishment of the first local assembler. There now exist twelve assemblers producing some 50 different models for distribution and sales domestically.

The establishment of PROTON opens new vistas for the automobile industry in Malaysia. For the first time, Malaysia will be producing a totally Made-In-Malaysia car and at the same time assisting in the development and growth of the components industries. The PROTON project is one of many industries developed by the Heavy Industries Corporation of Malaysia (HICOM), the parent holding company, which has been given the task of spearheading the development of heavy industries in Malaysia.

PROTON is destined to lead the Malaysian automotive industry. With the collaboration of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan in terms of Technical Assistance and Training of Personnel, PROTON has set her sights on producing high quality cars at competitive prices.

Malayan Railway 100 Years

Malayan Railway 100 Years

Date of Issue: 1985-06-01
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, 80 cents and $1.00
Stamp Size: 25.6mm x 38.4mm
Paper: Unwatermarked
Printing Process: Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Composition: 100 stamps
Designer: AMW Communications Management Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur

Stamps in the Series:


First Day Cover:


The Railway in Peninsular Malaysia was built essentially to cater for the country’s economy during the colonial days, to convey tin ore and plantation produce. The first railway line in Peninsular Malaysia was a 13-kilometer track laid from Taiping to Port Weld (now known as Kuala Sepetang) in the year 1884 and was opened to traffic in 1885. This was soon followed by lines linking Kuala Lumpur and Klang, Seremban and Port Dickson, Tapah Road and Teluk Anson (now known as Teluk Intan). From these beginnings were developed the various state railways which were amalgamated in 1901 to form the Federated Malay States Railways.

Today the role of the Railway is oriented not only towards fulfilling the economic needs of the country but also to its social obligations. The objective of the Malayan Railway is to provide safe, economical, reliable, comfortable, efficient and adequate services in accordance with the ever increasing traffic demand.

Presently the Malayan Railway runs 176 trains daily worked by a total of 101 locomotives. There are a total of 280 coaches that are used to run passenger trains and 5,193 freight cars. In the year 1984, Malayan Railways carried a total of 6.6 million passengers earning a revenue of $60 million. The haulage of freight in the same year was approximately 3.3 million tones generating a revenue of $56.2 million.

The Malayan Railways will continue to modernize its services during the Fifth Malaysia Plan (1986 – 1990). Some of its plans include the modernization of the signaling and communications equipment, the improvement to stations and yards for better operation of trains and the computerization of the ticketing and seat reservations and wagon and coach control.

Incorporated in the various projects are training programs for railway employees which will include technical training as well as supervisory and managerial training.

The Malayan Railway has undertaken a long term project to improve the main line between Butterworth and Johore Bahru as well as to construct a double electrified standard gauge track between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Bahru via Mentakab, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. This project when completed will most certainly enable the Malayan Railway to have ample capacity to cater for the growing demand for transport in the future.

Opening of the East-West Highway

Commemorative Postage Stamps to Mark the Opening of the East-West Highway

Date of Issue: 1983-07-01
Denominations: 15 cents, 20 cents, and $1.00
Stamp Size: 31.84 mm x 48.34 mm
Paper: White unwatermarked security postage stamp paper
Printing Process: Offset Lithography
Printer: Security Printers (M) Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Sheet Composition: 50 stamps

Stamps in the Series:

First Day Cover:


EAST-WEST HIGHWAY
With the opening of the East-West Highway to traffic on 1st July 1982, another milestone in the history of road communication in Peninsular Malaysia was achieved. The construction of the Highway was one of the largest projects undertaken by the Public Works Department and its completion adds to the large mileage of roads in the country providing necessary access to new areas and the infrastructure for development works. The construction of the main Highway was carried out by Public Works Department workers; while the bridges and some of the ancillary works were carried out through contractors.

With the attainment of independence in 1957, the ferry services along a number of roads in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia were replaced with bridges and this reduced travel time. However, road communication between the East Coast and West Coast was through Kuantan. The distance between Kota Bharu and Penang was 1037 km. Due to poor road communication, the vast hinterland in Kelantan and Terengganu with economic potential, was not developed. Thus a road to link the East and West Coasts in the North was found necessary.

In October 1969, the Public Works Department was instructed to commence work on the Highway with immediate effect. In early 1970, work started, simultaneously from Jeli and Gerik even before any detailed design or investigations were carried out. Existing earth moving machines from the various states were initially deployed until new machines for the project were purchased. It was only in early 1973 that the full complement of machines and staff were available for the project to proceed.

Two Base Camps were constructed, one at the Gerik end and the other at the Jeli end. The whole construction staff and their families were housed at these camps. A pilot track was constructed to gain access to the forward areas. This was followed by jungle clearing work by the main earthworks teams. As work progressed and travel time between the work site and Base camp increased, forward camps were set up to house the workers.

There are 5 major bridges along the Highway. Two of the bridges including the longest, the Sungei Perak Reservoir Bridge, span arms of the lake formed by the Temenggor Dam Project. The bridges were designed by ENEX (of New Zealand) under the Colombo Plan Aid. Construction of 3 of the bridges were undertaken by a foreign contractor while a joint venture between 2 local firms undertook the construction of the remaining 2 bridges. In addition to the above, there are about 280 culverts constructed mainly by departmental workers.

Constructing the Highway was never plain sailing for the Public Works Department. There were many constraints, which slowed down progress. Some 27.5 million cu meter of earth was required to be cut to construct the Highway, of this over 3.8 million cu meter was rock, which required drilling and blasting operations for its removal. Hill cuts of over 60m and valleys over 100m deep, which required filling was found at many locations. The intensity of the monsoon rains especially in the forward areas reduced time available for construction to 10 months in a year. The East-West Highway is located close to the Malaysian-Thailand border and is situated in a Security Area. As a result several measures had to be taken and procedures adopted to ensure the safety of the workers and the machines. These too contributed to some delay. The 116 km long Highway, which links the East Coast at Jeli, Kelantan with the West Coast at Gerik, Perak cost $396 million. Other details of the project are as follows:

Major Bridges Span
1. Sungei Rui Bridge 256m
2. Sungei Perak Reservoir Bridge 880m
3. Sungei Perak Causeway Bridge 640m
4. Upper Sungei Pergau Bridge 159m
5. Lower Sungei Pergau Bridge 158m

Road Design Criteria
Design speed 72 km/hr
Maximum Gradient 7%
Pavement Width 7.2m
Shoulder Width 2.3m

Traveling along the Highway is an exhilarating experience. As one enters the Highway, the Central Mountain Range through which the Highway traverses comes into view in the distant. Traveling along the gentle curves one climbs higher and sees on either side the primary jungle rich with timber. As one proceeds on, the jungle gives way to the huge man-made Temenggor Lake at Banding. Halfway along the Highway the elevation of the road is over 1,100m above sea level and the weather cool and pleasant.

With the completion of the East-West Highway the previous distance between Kota Bharu and Butterworth (through Kuantan) of 1037 km is reduced to 363 km with considerable savings in travel time. The completion of the Highway will reduce transport costs and with this the State of Kelantan can expect its tempo of development to be heightened, new towns and industrial areas will be developed. The Highway will provide the access for the extraction of timber from the jungles along the road and help boost tourism among Malaysians as well as foreigners.

The successful completion of the East-West Highway is the result of the sacrifice of workers who had to carry out their jobs under difficult and trying conditions. The public Works Department wishes to record its deep appreciation to them and to the Security Forces who have all made some personal sacrifices for the development and prosperity of the country.

15c – this stamp shows the Lower Sungei Pergau Bridge which is located 11 km from Kampung Jeli, Kelantan. On the background is Gunung Reng.

20c – this stamp shows the Sungei Perak Reservoir Bridge which is located 32 km from Gerik town. It is the longest bridge in the East-West Highway.

$1.00 – this stamp depicts the location map of the East-West Highway.