Malaysia Marine Life Stamp; Malaysia Fish Stamp

The South China Sea surrounding East Malaysia and Brunei extend to great depths and contain life forms which are both fascinating and mysterious. From the beautiful coral fishes to the elusive deep-sea nautilus, these marine species descended from the ancient fish-like creatures of the Ordovician period some 480 million years ago. A number of these fishes have evolved into weird and wonderful shapes and colors that they hardly look like fish. Among the unique and fascinating marine species found in the tropical waters of Sabah and Sarawak are the scorpion fish and the deep-dwelling nautilus.

Leaf Scorpionfish

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

The Scorpion fish is a small compressed fish, with high and long dorsal fins. Measuring up to 10 centimeters, it may appear in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, green, brown or black. Normally encountered on reef front and along the external reef, it stands still with the dorsal fin lifted, rocking and mimicking a seaweed that is being moved by the sea currents. It is an ambush predator, often hiding amongst corals and gorgonians. Algae and hydroids can grow on its skin that change from time to time providing excellent camouflage.



Orangestriped Triggerfish

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Orangestriped Triggerfish can be found in the warm parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and Red Sea. They live in areas of rich coral growth and on clear lagoon, channel or seaward reefs 2 to 50 meters in depth. This species is found present in coral reef areas of the Brunei Darussalam's offshore waters. Adults can reach maximum of 30 cm in length.

Male Orangestriped Triggerfish are territorial. Spawning behavior involve loose aggregations and builds its nest in channels. Eggs are laid in a single spongy cluster within rock crevices and dug-out shallow sand areas. Eggs are hatched at night. The fish is a hunter and is predatory in nature. It feeds on algae, coral, sea urchins, crabs, mollusks, starfish, worm and sponges. The fish would seek shelter in coral crevices when threatened or when retiring for the night.



Chambered Nautilus

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Having survived relatively unchanged for millions of years, nautiluses represent the only living members of the subclass Nautiloidea, and are often considered to be "living fossils". The nautilus is similar in general form to other cephalopods (such as cuttlefish), with a prominent head and tentacles. Nautilus pompilius is the largest species in the genus. While some nautilus may grow up to 268 mm in diameter, the majority of nautiluses never exceed 20 cm. Nautilus spends daytime hours in very deep water up to 400 meters, slowly ascending to 200 meters after sunset.



Spotted Boxfish

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

The spotted boxfish has a widespread distribution in the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific areas. It is one of the many colorful coral reef fishes found present in Brunei Darussalam's offshore waters. They can be found around calm shallow waters near coral reef areas. The fish exhibits "sexual dichromatism" whereby the sexes are of different colors. The female is brownish and densely covered with white spots. The male, is more colorful with dark blue sides blotched with brilliant yellow spots and marking. The dorsal area is black with white spots. The head and tail are trimmed in golden color. The fish grows to about 10 to 20 cm in length.

They are territorial and live in small haremic groups, typically one male to several females. They are omnivorous and forage alone within their home ranges for sponges, worms, tunicates and other small bottom-dwelling invertebrates. The males defend their territories against other male.



Chambered Nautilus & Spotted Boxfish Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM1 x 2

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Malaysia Animal Stamp; Malaysia Fish Stamp

Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm




Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm




Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm




Betta Splendens (Fighting Fish)

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 40mm x 30mm

Betta splendens is a kind of fighting fish, which are produced through the cross-breeding of fighting fish from Malaysia, Thailand and Kampuchea. These cross-bred species is a very popular ornamental fish. They are not breed naturally in this country instead are bred using the standard Betta breeding techniques. Breeding and selection of commercial Betta splendens are actively pursued in this country. The new strains are actually originated from unattractive, greenish and short-finned fish that is still bred in Thailand for fighting. Hybridizations amongst different strains are commonly carried out to produce attractive new hybrids, in fact often resulting in brilliant colored Betta splendens with different shapes of fins. Betta splendens are usually peaceful with other fish of its own size. However, the males are very aggressive with one another. To prevent fighting, they are normally kept solitary in transparent small containers.


Local Fighting Fish (Betta Imbellis)

Denomination : 50SEN

Stamp Size : 34mm x 29mm

They are found in clear stagnant acidic water especially in paddy fields, rubber estates or coconut plantations. Quite peaceful among each other compared with the common fighting fish. Male is brightly colored with green to greenish blue scale. A prolific bubble-nest builder if supplied with live food. This species can easily be bred and adapt in an aquarium environment if provided with acidic cold water and a lot of vegetations.


Red Fighting Fish (Betta Coccina)

Denomination : 50SEN

Stamp Size : 34mm x 29mm

A very timid fighting fish is known as a dwarf Betta. The fish is endemic to highly acidic black water area. After conditioning the wild, the fish manage to tribe well in neutral aquarium water. The fish can spawn in the tank by providing a conducive environment and hiding place such as bogwoods or water vegetation. They spawn in hollow PVC tubes or submerged bogwood. A single pair can produced about 30 offspring.

Ornamental Fish Miniature Sheet

Denomination : 50sen + 50sen

Miniature Sheet Size : 100mm x 70mm

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Art Stamp

The National Art Gallery of Malaysia was formed in 1957. In a period of 50 years, it has collected an estimated 3,700 pieces of artworks. The treasures of national importance in its collection are artworks by some of Malaysia's most distinguished and renowned painters who pioneered and laid the foundation of what is known as modern art in the country. The works chosen here are based on themes that represent the figurative and landscape which is presented here in the styles of realism, expressionism and cubism.

Some of the most important works by local and foreign artists produced since the early 19th century until now are to be found in its.

Spirit of Ledang by Syed Ahmad Jamal (2003); painted using acrylic on canvas

Denomination : 30sen

Stamp Size : 203 x 274 cm

Dato' Syed Ahmad Jamal received his early education in Johor and continued his tertiary education overseas. Many of his works addresses global issues as well as national ones related to the arts of the nation. The works here uses the legendary Mount Ledang as a point of reference to the glorious history of the empire of Malacca, the role of its king, the legendary Hang Tuah, the Princess of Mount Ledang and Tun Mamat.It also symbolised the rising spirit of the young generation as the new leaders of the country.


Fruit Season by Chuah Thean Teng (1968); painted on batik

Denomination : 50sen

Stamp Size : 101 x 80.5 cm

Dato' Chuah Thean Teng was the artist who in 1950's elevated batik from textile to modern art by introducing figures and scenes of everyday life as its subject matter. His favorite subject matter is the everyday scenes of ordinary Malaysians going about their daily lives, especially in the rural areas.

The fruit season is a situation that is synonymous with our country that is rich with local fruits. Another favourite subject of the artist is women and children or more specifically mother and child themes like the one depicted here, where the bond between parent and child grows stronger by sharing fruits together. It is a message that drives home the need to not just develop the spirit of love and compassion between people buyt also extends to our natural environment.


Pago-pago by Abdul Latiff Mohidin (1965); painted using oil on canvas

Denomination : RM1

Stamp Size : 98 x 98 cm

A graduate from West Berlin, he presents a style that is known as German Expressionism but with ideas and forms inspired by arts of Oceanic tribes from the Pacific states found at the Berlin Museum of Anthropology and Oceanic Arts. Hiss effort to shape a unique artistic identity are clearly presented in this work, a biomorphic tropical landscape composed and stylised with floral forms that touch on cultural iconographies of the region.

Stamps Classification : Malaysia Flower Stamp

There are many varieties of flowers found in Malaysia and there are some species that are attractive and unique due to their special shape or rare fragrance. Most traditional Malay landscape comprise of plants with fragrant flowers, leaves and wood. In fact, most traditional poetry refer to these unique traits.

The issuance of this Unique Flower stamps is an effort to increase the awareness of such flowers as well as to popularize Malaysian flowers.

Kenerak (Goniothalamus tapis)

Denomination : 30sen

Kenerak is a shrub or small tree up to 3 metres high with ascending branches and short twigs forming conical or uneven crown. Leaves are oblong in shape, widest near apex and bluntly tipped, 12 to 24 cm long, 6 to 11 cm wide, dull yellow green. Flowers grow solitary on leaf twigs hanging from short stalks. Calyx is green in colour, and outer petals are cream white or pale yellowish and very fragrant. The fruits are ellipsoid, 1.2cm long, red in colour and turn purplish black as it ripens.

Kenerak is often planted in Malay villages, especially in Kelantan and Terengganu. The flowers are often sold in the markets.


Climbing Lily (Gloriosa superba)

Denomination : 30sen

This plant is a species of lily that climbs up to 2.5 metres in height, aided by tendril-like tips at its narrow lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are attractive and unique with narrow yellow and red curly edged petals. When it blooms, the flower turns inside out and points upwards with the stamens and pistil more or less horizontal. The plant has underground bulb which is poisonous.

The plant is cultivated in Malaysian gardens for its unique and attractive flowers. Malays call it Bunga Kembang Songsang because when the flowers are fully bloomed the petals are inverted.


Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica)

Denomination : 50sen

Rangoon Creeper is a climbing shrub and planted as ornamental plant
because of its unique flowers. It can also be found growing wild, escaped from cultivation. The flowers are very attractive and borne in short clusters. the flower tube is 5 cm long and the petals are white but turn red when matured. The flower blooms at bight and very fragrant.

The plant is often planted as climber on fences, on specially prepared pergola or left to climb on big trees.


Banana Shrub (Michelia figo)

Denomination : 50sen

The shrub is about 1 to 2 metres high, branched to form bush-shaped canopy. The leaves are elliptical in shape, 5 to 10 cm long, 2 to 6 cm wide with short petiole and dark green in colour. The flowers are about 3 to 4 cm in diameter when fully opened, the bracts are brownish and hairy and the petals are yellowish white with slightly purplish base. The flowers are fragrant reminiscent of banana. In Malaysia the plants seldom bear fruits.

The Chinese community use the flowers to fragrant tea and the Malays use the flowers in aromatic bath and potpourri.


Gooseneck Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)

Denomination : RM5

A slender herb under the family of cactaceae grows up to 1 to 3 metre. It has a short main stem and long irregular branches that are flat and look like leaves that are jointed with edges that are scalloped , green or slightly brownish, about 6 to 10 cm with 20 to 25 cm long. The large white flowers are nocturnal, very fragrant with slender curved red tubes and red to yellow sepals and numerous white linear or ovate petals. The white stamens are numerous and the style is yellowish white or red and tipped with a lobed stigma.

The Chinese believe that Keng Hwa brings luck and used to grow them in big pots and placed them in front of their houses. It is associated with the belief that when the flowers open at midnight, fairies come out and bring luck.

Gooseneck Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) Miniature Sheet

Denomination : RM5

Seashells of Malaysia Stamps

seashells are the hard protective layer of a marine animal, typically that of marine invertebrates. Seashells are commonly attributed to marine molluscs which has various sub-categories such as gastropods (e.g. snails), bivalves (e.g. clams) and chitons.

Seashells are commonly found deposited along the sea shore by waves and tides. Only the shells are washed up onto the beach empty and clean, the animal already having died and rotted away or have been eaten b predators or scavengers. Seashells come in a variety of shape, sizes and colours depending on the species. The presence of a particular species in the area is usually indicative of the water quality and hydrology.

Collecting empty seashells b beachcombers is a harmless hobby but the majority of seashells are collected alive and in bulk for commercial trade and this exploitation causes negative impact on the rarer species.

This species is typically found on sandy banks, inside barrier reefs. During the day, they burrow down into the sand and at dusk move out to hunt.


Burnt Murex (Chicoreus brunneus) - 30 sen

Normally found in coral reef areas in Malaysian waters and well-known for its beautiful spines. It is a carnivore which feeds on bivalves.


Frog Shell (Tutufa rubeta) - 50 sen

This species usually hides among shallow reefs or rocks using its rock-like shell as a great camouflage.


Triton's Trumpet (Charonia tritonis) - 50 sen

This species feeds on starfish. Traditionally, it is used as a trumpet by natives of other cultures.


Venus Comb Murex (Murex pecten) - RM2

This species is normally found on sandy sea beds. It has more than 100 spines which protect it from predators and also prevent it from sinking into the soft sandy sea bed.



Technical Details

Date of Issue : 11th November 2008

Stamp Value : 30 sen (2 designs) & 50 sen (2 designs)

Sheet Content : 20 Stamps

First Day Cover Value : 30 Sen

Miniature Sheet : RM2

Miniature Sheet Size : 90mm x 60mm

Stamp in M/S Size : 60mm x 40mm

Presentation Pack : RM4

Folder Value : RM 5.50

Perforation : 14

Paper : Watermarked SPM, Phosphor Coated

Printing Process : Lithography

Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn. Bhd.

Designer : Hazel Design

Wildlife in the Malaysian Forest

Bos gaurus (Seladang)

The Bos gaurus (Seladang) is muscular and has striking light eyes. Adult males are shiny black and cream-coloured leggings and rump patch while young males and females are medium to dark brown with the same markings. The Seladang has a large hump at the shoulders and sturdy legs. Males can weight up to 2,100 pounds. They move in herds with 6-20 animals, comprising a few old bulls, juveniles, and adult cows with calves. The Seladang usually feeds in the afternoon on dry grasses, young shoots and the fruits of bushes and trees.

Panthera tigris (Harimau)

The Panthera tigris (Harimau) is the largest among cat species. It is perhaps the most majestic animal and also very endangered, with not more than a few hundred left in the Peninsular. Tiger coats range from rusty orange to yellow orange in colour with its underbody and face being creamy to white, flanked by large vertical stripes. Tigers are solitary hunters and very excellent swimmers. They often chase their prey down into the water. Tigers eat almost anything that they can catch like rabbits, wild boar, deer, buffaloes, young elephants, rhinos, waterfowls and elk that makes up the majority of their diet. Tigers hide and wait for their prey, and pounce when they are close, killing with a lethal bite to the back of the neck.

Elephas maximus (Gajah)

The Elephas maximus (Gajah) or Asian elephants are smaller than their African cousins and have only a single "finger: at the tip of the trunk (instead of two). The skin colour varies from grey to brown and the large males can have tusks up to one metre long. Asian female elephants do not bear tusks. The elephants roam the monsoon forest and eat a wide variety of plants including bananas, palms, barks and leaves from a wide variety of trees and shrubs. Asian elephants are matriarchal, led by the oldest female in search of food and water. Elephants are also tamed and trained to carry out logging work.

Buceros rhinoceros (Enggang Badak)

The majestic Buceros rhinoceros (Enggang Badak) inhabit the tops of the tallest trees, usually live in pairs. Its beak and casque are distinctly colored orange and red. The birds primarily eat fruits and their favorite is figs. When the hornbills spread its wings and fly overhead, it produces loud flapping sounds. The population of the Rhinoceros hornbill is in decline, except in a few reserves.

Tapirus indicus (Cipan)

The Tapirus indicus are very shy animals and usually lives near permanent water sources in the forest. It is easily recognised by its black head and forelegs, white middle and black hind legs. It has a very short tail and its nose is elongated into a short trunk. The nocturnal Cipans usually lead solitary lives, except when it is the mating season. The young remains with its mother for six to eight months. They mostly eat leaves and other undergrowth plants.

Muntiacus muntjak (Kijang)

The Muntiacus muntjak (Kijang) has short, soft hairs ranging from deep brown to gray-brown with creamy markings. The males have short antlers - that are shed annually and tusk-like upper canine teeth. They eat sprouts, fruits, seeds birds' eggs, small animals and carrion. The Kijang are also called barking deer for their warning call that sounds like a dog's bark. The solitary males are extremely territorial, and will fight for females or territory using antlers or even the more dangerous canines.

Tragulus napu (Napuh)

Napuh (Tragulus napu) is orangey-brown in colour, with lightly grizzled black hindquarters. The head is triangular with a series of white markings on the neck. Instead of horns or antlers, the males have elongated upper canines or tusks which look like fangs. The legs are extremely thin and delicate and the move through thick brush using tiny tunnel-like trials. The Napuh are nocturnal and hence rarely seen. Their diet consists of buds, leaves and fruits.

Bos javanicus (Banteng)

The Bos javanicus (Banteng) have white stockings on the lower legs, a white rump, a white muzzle , and white spots above the eyes. The males can be distinguished from the females by their horns. Females have short and tightly curved horns while the males have long horns that are curved upwards. The banteng is usually active during day or night but in areas with human encroachment, they have become nocturnal. These wild cattle are very shy and are hard to approach. The move in herds or 2-40 animals with a single mature male and eat mostly grass, leaves and shoots.

Malaysia Batam

The rearing of bantams has been for a long time an integral part of many Asian cultures. These diminutive breeds of poultry com in many different sizes and colour variations, each having its distinctive character. Malaysian bantams are highly valued for their ornamental qualities and two locally bred varieties, the Serama Bantam and the Kapan Bantam are very popular among enthusiasts. In addition to their beauty, the roosters have very high-pitched and shrill crows, which are generally pleasing to the ear. The red junglefowl, though not a bantam, has been included in the miniature sheet of this series on account of it being the evolutionary ancestor of all domestic breeds of poultry.

Serama Bantam

This rather pint-size bantam is the result of selective breeding and is the latest craze of local bantam enthusiasts; its popularity surpassing the Kapan Bantam. It is characterized by its up-lifted and over-sized breast, short legs and tall tail, which is often held upright. It comes in many different colour varieties. The Serama Bantam has a swaggering gait, and the wings are usually carried low. The name Serama is believed to be derived from "Sri Rama".

Kapan Bantam

This bantam looks similar to the Serama Bantam, but is generally more robust, bigger and heavier built. It has a large breast, which is generally held high. The legs are short and it swaggers while walking with the wings usually drooped. Like the Serama Bantam, it is also the results of selective breeding comes with a long tail, and in many different colour variations.

Red Junglefowl

The evolutionary ancestor of all domestic breeds of poultry, the Red Junglefowl inhabits the forest edge, plantations, scrub, and open grassland throughout Peninsular Malaysia. It has a long slender body with bright orange-yellow hackles on the neck. The tail is long and black glossed green with a white patch at the base of the tail. It moves about in small parties of up to eight, scratching the ground like domestic poultry, in search of ants, termites and other grubs. It is particularly active in the early morning and late afternoon.

Malaysian Ferns

Hundreds of fern species can be found in the rainforest of Malaysia. Ferns, also known as pteridophyte are commonly found growing wild in Malaysia due to the hot and wet climate favoured by ferns. Some ferns grow clinging onto tree limbs without doing any harm to the host trees (know as epiphytes), while the others grow upright from the forest floor or creep over rocks. In the jungle, tree ferns grow like giant umbrellas on sticks up to 10 metres with 4-metre long leaves.

Ferns are easily distinguished from other plants by the fact that they are non-flowering plants which do not produce fruits not seeds , and they reproduce by spores. They can be of various sizes and can grow on the soil, on plants as well as on rocks. They are also very interesting plants due to the new leaves which typically expand by the unrolling of a light spiral, the different pattern and designs of the leaves as well as the patterns of the sporangia at the end, surface or sides of the leaf (often referred to as frond) which differs according to the fern species.

Ferns are not as important economically but in the jungle, the play an important role as a thick ground cover, preventing erosion and invade areas where trees have fallen. Some ferns are edible by humans either raw or cooked, some used as traditional medicine while other fern plants and trees are used for landscape and decorative purposes.

Tunjuk Langit (Helminthostachys zeylanica)

In Malaysia this fern grows wild and is commonly known as Tunjuk langit. This herbaceous fern bears either a solitary frond or several fronds which are lanceolate with the margins entire or irregularly serrate. Its rhizome is considered as medicinal. The young frond are eaten as vegetable

Paku miding (Stenochlaena palustris)

This long creeping or climbing epiphyte with base rooted to the ground in also known as Paku miding. It grows wild and is commonly found in rubber plantations. The fronds are horizontal, with drooping pinnae and stipe. Leaves are lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate. The rhizome 5-7 mm diameter, pale green, smooth, with scattered dark, small, orbicular scales and the growing tip completely covered. The young leaves are deep red and eaten by locals as a vegetable.

Tanduk Rusa (Platyceriun coronarium)

This epiphyte fern commonly known as Staghorn Fern is an immense cluster which grows hanging onto branches of high trees in the jungle. The plant has two kinds of leaves. The nest leaves are erect, with thickened base and are dichotomously lobed, whereas the frond s are pendulous up to 2 or 3 metres long, green with several widely forked , narrow lobes shaped like the horn of the stag.This fern grows wild in Malaysia but is now cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Resam (Dicranopteris linearis)

Resam is a vigorous creeping ground fern with long stems and slender rhizomes, usually found on edge of disturbed areas, on slopes and primary forest. The leaves are branched with brown sori on the underside. In the olden days, the stem was used as a pen to write.
Paku Sungai (Diplazium esculentum)
This fern is found growing on wet ground and along stream banks and therefore is commonly known as Paku Sungai. It is a terrestrial fern up to 1 metre tall, with erect and scaly rhizomes. The stalk is about 35cm long. The leaves are bipinnate and leaflets are variable in size and the margin is crenate or lobed. The sori lines the entire length of the veins. The young leaves are edible and are in fact a favourite vegetable.

Malaysian Markets

Visiting the local market in any state in Malaysia is a good way to discover the way of life of the people from that state. Each market from the different states has different culture, way of life and unique characteristics.
Markets can be divided into dry markets that only sell non-perishable products such as spices, salted fish, keropok, clothing and souvenirs such as Pasar Kraf Tangan in Sabah and Pekan Rabu in Kedah whereas some markets sell both non-perishable and perishable such as poultry, fish, beef, seafood and vegetables such as Pasar Siti Khadijah in Kelantan and Pasar Minggu Satok in Sarawak.
In these modern times, many supermarkets offer more hygienic and conducive shopping environment. However, the local market is still the preferred market to shop for the family’s need.

Pasar Siti Khadijah, Kelantan

Pasar Siti Khadijah, originally known as Pasar Buluh Kubu is the central market located in the heart of Kota Bahru. Its name was changed to the name of the first wife of Prophet Muhammad who was a businesswoman, as the market is mainly made up of female traders.
The market is in an octagon shaped building consisting of four levels which specialize in different areas. The lower floor specializes in wet food such as fish, vegetables, poultry and so on. The first level specializes in dry food such as spices, serunding, local sweets, keropok and dodol. There are also food stalls selling popular Kelantanese food such as ayam percik, ikan percik, nasi kerabu, nasi berlauk, nasi dagang and laksam. The famous traditional sweets such as tahi itik, akak, jala mas, buah tanjung and others are also available on this level. The second level specializes in non-edible items such as kain batik, batik clothing, head gear and muslim women and other household items.

Pasar Kraf Tangan, Sabah

Pasar Kraftangan situated in the city of Kota Kinabalu is more popularly known as Filipino Market among the locals and tourists. This is due to it s history of selling only handicrafts from the Philippines. However, it has since developed and now also offers handicraft and souvenirs from other Asian countries as well. Kain Sarung batik, rattan carpet, calligraphy carvings, crystal and pearls are amongst the popular items in this market.

Pekan Rabu, Kedah

Pekan Rabu, situated in the heart of Alor Setar is well known among the locals and tourists from outside Kedah. The complex has 5 levels of shops offering a variety of dry food such as kerepek, keropok, local sweets, clothing, headgear for muslim women, fermented fish and handcrafts.

Pasar Minggu Satok, Sarawak

Pasar Minggu Satok, situated in the city of Kuching is where local traders from outskirts of Kuching peddle their wares such as jungle produce and wild fruits.
This market offers an interesting opportunity to see and discover the herb produce, wild fruits and plants as well as animals used by the locals in their cooking and traditional medication. Traders also sell handicraft, clothes, food and drinks and much more.

The Grand Knight of Valour

The Grand Knight of Valour award, locally known as Darjah Kebesaran Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (S.P.) is in the form of a silver medal in the shape of a crescent moon with three layers. In the middle layer is the inscription "Gagah Perkasa" and within the moon is a fourteen-pointed star. Both ends of the crescent moon is linked by a carving design where it is attached to a 38.1 mm yellow ribbon with 3.2 mm red strips on both sides.
The Grand Knight of Valour award was created on 29th July 1960 and gazetted on 11 August 1960.

Lifestyle of the Aboriginal People of Malaysia

Lifestyle of the Aboriginal People of Malaysia

Malaysia's indigenous communities represent a small but important part of the nation's multi-cultural milieu. These communities are disproportionately spread out between the small and frequently isolated communities found in the peninsular and the Malaysian Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah where they make up 50 to 60 percent of the respective state's population.
The "Orang Asli" are made up of nearly a hundred different ethnic sub-groups. These include around twenty in Peninsular Malaysia although administratively, they are categorised as Negrito, Senoi and Aboriginal Malay. Sabah and Sarawak, on the other hand, has between 30 to 40 distinct sub-groups each with an even more amazing number of languages and dialects.
The Department of Orang Asli Affairs or JHEOA is entrusted with the care and administration of the indigenous communities. Its mandate includes the eradication of poverty, improvement of health, promoting education and improving their general livelihood and where possible and desired, their integration with mainstream Malaysian society.

The Proto Malays
The 60 sen stamp portrays two women of the Proto-Malay tribe playing a traditional musical instrument known as the "Ketuk Buluh" or a slotted bamboo pipe previously used to scare away birds during the harvesting season. It is nowadays mostly used as a musical instrument for community dances including weddings, the arrival of guests and so on.

The Negrito

A Negrito man hunting with his blowpipe adorns the 70 sen stamp. Silent and highly accurate in the hands of an expert, it fires poisoned darts and is well suited for shooting birds, monkeys and other small animals out of trees. Primarily hunter-gathers, the Negrito people subsist on the bounty of Peninsular Malaysia's abundant rainforests for food as well as shelter.
The Senoi
A native of the Senoi tribe is depicted on the 80 sen stamp applying his skills at woodcarving. Well known for their woodworking abilities, the Senoi most often sculpt spirit gods and effigies that are used both for worship as well as decoration. The "harimau berantai" (a mythical tiger holding a chain in its mouth) is their most popular artistic choice.