1Malaysia - Real Posted FDC - Issued 10.11.10 (Part 3)

I did a test, I make the FDC, but purposely not to cancel the stamps. Again I worry when this cover reach to mailing center, it pass the FDI date, so I only cancelled at the bottom of the cover to denote I make this cover on the day of issue. Posted it and wait for the surprise what postmark I will get, will the mail center carefully cancel my cover or just cancel it on the franking machine. If yes, maybe I can get the 1Malaysia slogan cancellation. So, is still worth a try.

After few days, I got my cover back in good condition. Cancelled with nice and clear "NMPC Shah Alam" (New Mail Processing Center) postmark. Unfortunately I got the next day cancellation. Well, I know, I dropped it during lunch hour, so the chances to have it on the same day is slim. But there is also no guarantee if I post it in the morning. I did this as well in another post office, it arrived much later than this one and the cancellation is not satisfied, so I'm not showing it here. 


Nevertheless, if you plan to make a "Real Posted FDC" for yourself, is a good advise to post it in the morning before the letter collection time (usually stated on the mail box and is no guarantee as it depends on NMPC's processing time). Another way is to send it by Registered Post. You will get the instant same day cancellation at the counter. Stay tuned for my coming posting. 
   

1Malaysia - Personal Postcards - Issued 10.11.10 (Part 2)

"Papadom" a local film, this is a 2009 local production movie. Got this Ad post card last year from GPO. Thought that it would be nice to cancel with the 1Malaysia stamp (30c "Songket" weaves Multimedia Magic). 

Again these 2 postcards was issued previously and trying to make the Maximum cards, although it is not 100% match with the designs, personally I do love them. Philately is about having fun as well.

1Malaysia - From Culture to Future (2nd series) - Issued 10.11.10 (Part 1)

Complete set with 30c x 2 and 50c x 2.

Kelana Jaya post office serviced FDC.

Bangsar Baru post office serviced FDC.

Back side of FDC, with special greetings message. Printed stamp designer company logo, this is not commonly seen.

Tropicana Mall post office serviced FDC.

Official postcards (x 5 uncut), priced at RM4.00. Front design.

Inside the fold-able uncut postcards, each with preprinted 20c stamp for domestic posting. The combined 4 designs of the respective postcard formed the design of the 5th postcard.

The stamps, 30c "WAU" (traditional Malay Kite) Technology, 30c "Songket" (traditional hand woven fabric) weaves Multimedia Magic, 50c Basket of Bio Wealth and 50c Crafting Malaysia's Skyline.

The accompanied FDC information leaflet has a very good write up on "1Malaysia", since this concept is launched, there are many version of interpretations among the "Rakyat" (citizen) and politicians. I personally support this 1Malaysia concept, but it is important to have a clear understanding of it's true meaning and intentions behind in order for the people and country to move forward to a developed nation. Below are extracted definition of 1Malaysia, I hope this is the true and is the official version (not written by the author or stamp designer for this issue):

1Malaysia is a bold concept that reminds us of our culture, tradition and diversity and how it unites us. 1Malaysia is a caring thought that does not see differences but enables us to look at our common values. 1Malaysia is a genuine plan that takes care of our interests and assures our rights are enshrined in the constitution.

This is founded on the principles of "People First, Performance Now" - the new pathway for all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion - to think and act as one Bangsar (race) Malaysia, one Malaysia that is united, advanced and prosperous. 

If you are staying around PJ areas, there are 3 post office that provides pictorial FDI cancellation, i.e. Kelana Jaya, Bangsar Baru and UM (in fact, it is not too far from each other). For new post office that still do not have their own standard circular FDI postmark, you either request for the Counter postmark or they will not service your FDC. 

I also talk about my opinion for this design in my previous posting:
http://funstamps.blogspot.com/2010/11/1malaysia-collection-101110-forthcoming.html

Cats and Dogs Australia - Issued 21.09.04

Since 1993 Australia Post has promoted the hobby of stamp collecting amongst children with a special Stamp Collecting Month issue. Above shown is the 2004 "Cats and Dogs" issued. These is the official Maximum Card with prepaid postage for posting in Australia and delivery worldwide.

Australia has the highest incidence of pet ownership in the world. Of all the animals that can be kept as pets, dogs and cats are the most popular: 40 per cent of households own a dog and 26 per cent own a cat.

Dogs were kept to guard or hunt, cats to keep mice away. Over time, cats and dogs became "part of the family" valued for their companionship, not simply for their usefulness.

The stamps, 50c "Ezzie" a black and white cat, 50c "Thinkerbell" a ginger and white kitten, 50c "Max" a Labrador Retriever pupply, 50c "Bridie" and "Lily" West Highland Terriers and $1 "Edward" Jack Russell Terrier.

These adorable Maximum Cards are special appeal to children and undoubtedly be popular for adults as well. 

Princess Diana and New Zealand Health Surcharge Stamps - 1985

New Zealand stamps have pictured many of the British Royal family, the above is one of the issued which appeared in the Health Stamp series. Health stamp is NZ surcharge stamp, which provides a way for the public to donate fund to the health community through stamps. NZ Post released Health stamps on a yearly basis and I find it a very good practice to raise fund for those who in needs.

Princess Diana, Prince Charles, and their children were featured on these 1985 stamps. One 25c stamp showed Princess Diana and her son William, another 25c stamp showed Princess Diana and her son Henry, while the 35c stamp showed the whole family, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, William and Henry.

Just recently, the Royal family announced the news of Prince William to get marriage in 2011 with Kate Middleton. He is the second in line of the succession, behind his father Prince Charles. Prince William is born in 1982, from these stamp, he is 3 years old. These stamps  bring back lot of memories for those who love Princess Diana.

This issue also accompany with a miniature sheet.

Become a Kiwi Collector

For beginner, there is a good introduction Stamp Collecting book issued by New Zealand Post. It is very informative and a guide on how to collect New Zealand stamps by setting up a Standing Order Deposit Account. If you interested to obtain a Free copy, you can contact: http://stamps.nzpost.co.nz/Cultures/en-NZ/

Treasures from the Archives - Large Stamp

Australia Post has created its first jumbo stamp, the size of a miniature sheet, to launch a new series Treasures from the Archives, which highlights items from the National Philatelic Collection. It features the 1932 printing of the two pounds Kangaroo and Map stamp, the highest value stamp in the first Australian Commonwealth series. Above shown is the Stamp Pack.

Royal Mail New Issue Leaflet and Collections Catalog

If you read my previous posting on British Philatelic Bulletin (http://funstamps.blogspot.com/2010/10/british-philatelic-bulletin-and.html), you need to pay for a subscription fee if you want a copy of the Bulletin. Alternatively, for collectors who just need to get alert from Royal Mail on new issues and a catalog where you can order past issues and forthcoming stamp issues, you can write to Royal Mail to have your name added to the mailing list to receive the "first" (send prior to every new issue) and Collections (published by season). Both printed in color and it is Free to all collectors. 

If you keen to obtain this information, please contact Royal Mail at: http://www.royalmail.com/.

Old Post Offices - 09.10.10 (KLCC Postmark)

This issued have 28 stamps in different designs, draw in sketch and water color. You can find unique building architecture of old post offices in different states in Malaysia. If you keen in drawing or would like to view the master piece of these paintings, you can go to GPO, Stamp Gallery in KL. Each painting is with artist signature at the bottom (not shown in the stamp). 

The FDC pictorial shown the evolution of the post box used in different period of time.

Thai Stamp Bulletin

Thai Stamp Bulletin is published by Thailand Post on quarterly basis. Customer of Standing Order Deposit Account (SODA) get it free and deliver by airmail. For non customers, you can subscribe to it with a minimum fee of THB 40.00 only (approx. RM4.20 to cover for the postage). Printed in color and in Thai and English.


For those who interested, can contact:
Postage Stamps and Philately Department
Thailand Post Co., Ltd. 
111  M.3  Changwattana Road, Laksi,
Bangkok 10210-0299,
Thailand.

Singapore Stamp Bulletin - Miniature World

Miniature World is published by Singapore Post, it only available to all Standing Order customers for Free. Nevertheless, you can download the soft-copy for free at http://www.singpost.com/.

You also can view the latest "Issue 83" at:

http://www.singpost.com/downloads/MW83.pdf

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM 125 Years Anniversary) - Issued 22.06.10

Bangkok 2010 Overprint and Miniature sheet.

Mint stamps.

Booklet front cover.

Narrative inside the booklet. 

Booklet stamps (printed in strip of 10 stamps, with 5 designs).

This is a beautiful set of train stamps issued by Pos Malaysia on 22 Jun 10. The overprint MS is in limited quantity. In total, there are 8 different stamps and 1 miniature sheet.

Thailand Blind Education

Thailand Post issued a single commemorative stamp with Braille code embossed on the stamp. Similar to our Pos Malaysia "Caring Society" last year issued. You can read more here: http://funstamps.blogspot.com/2009/12/malaysia-caring-society-unicef-issued-9.html. Personally, this stamp worth to collect for the special Braille designed. I don't have time to decode the Braille code, if you know, please share with me.

Medical Breakthroughs - 16.09.10 (Royal Mail, UK)

The design of these stamps are simply beautiful, with fine illustrations of human organs. Narrative printed on the information card:

"Over the past century, British medicine has undergone dramatic transformations - scientific, political, financial and social. The challenges of mass health care, the pressures of war, the hazards and opportunities of the global pharmaceutical industry; all have created a setting in which scientific and technological breakthroughs have revolutionized the way we think about medicine, health, illness and the body". 

The stamps: Heart regulating beta blockers, Antibiotic properties of penicillin, Total hip replacement operation, Artificial lens implant surgery, Malaria and mosquitoes and Computed tomography scanner.

Indonesia Singapore Joint Stamp Issue - 28.10.09

Shown above are the Indonesia and both countries stamps on the Joint Issue FDC. 

Malaysia Korea Joint Issue - 23.02.10 (Tiger)

Joint issue cover with both Malaysia and Korean stamps.

1Malaysia Collection - 10.11.10 (Forthcoming issue)

Pos Malaysia will issue a new series of 1Malaysia collection stamps. With 4 denominations, i.e. 30c x 2 and 50c x 2 on this coming Wednesday, 10 Nov 10. Besides stamps, a set of 4 postcards will be issued as well (RM4 per set) plus Folder and FDC.

I believe Pos Malaysia hear most of the collectors comments, this issue is not expensive (RM1.60 per set) and the stamp design is very creative, it's combined traditional handicraft (such as Wau and Songket) with modern development and technologies (such as space exploration and multimedia). These creative element can be seen from the pictorial postmark. Well, no doubt the design partner is from our well known LimKokWing University.

I believe these stamps has been designed and approved before the new tariff, rightfully, for convenience standard letter rate, it should have 60c denomination. Well, this is just my opinion and personally I like the design very much. While our country have high aspirations to move forward to be a developed nation, we should preserve and maintain our heritages and cultures. These is what the stamp is trying to send this message to everyone.

Firefly - 10.05.10 (Section 17, PJ postmark)

This FDC brought in Section 17, PJ post office. It is located in the shopping mall (Jaya One). Thus, it is open until 8pm at night (if I recalled correctly). The cancellation is clear, I love this postmark.

Garden Flowers New Tariff Definitive - 01.07.10 (Puchong postmark)

This is the new tariff definitive issued. Brought it from Puchong post office in the evening. For those who is busy on the issue day, post offices operating in the shopping mall provided a good alternative to collectors. Unfortunately, the FDI postmark is not well maintain, it appeared slightly oval shape instead of round cancellation. Hence, you may not want to go this post office for FDC.

Grand Knight of Valour - 31.07.10 (KLCC postmark)

Pos Malaysia issued these stamps to commemorate our national hero. I brought this at KLCC post office. The pictorial postmark is very beautiful. Some tips for beginner, please note the 60c stamp is not cancelled. This is actually not a good FDC. All stamps affixed must be cancelled, this include miniature sheet, where not only the stamp within, but the sheet is cancelled together with the cover. So, next time when you purchase a FDC from a dealer or make for yourself, make sure the postmark is clear, especially the date of issue and all the stamps are cancelled.