A Glimpse of Malaysian History Through its Stamps

- November 08, 2020

When Stamps tell us our Nations History

With the advancement of technologies, stamp collecting is often referred as a ‘sunset hobby’. Today, many if not most bills are paid online. Letters are rarely written and sent. So, why people still collect stamps? The answers might surprise you.

Stamps collecting is best avenue to learn history of a particular nation. Almost if not all, key events that took place in your country or the world will be captured through postal items such as stamps and First Day Covers. Stamps are also commonly used a history teaching tools to students across the globe.

In this Online Experience, I will share and reveal the history of stamps that were being used in Malaysia (formerly known as Malaya) during the British Colonial Era till Malaysia achieved its independence on 31st August 1957. The period of coverage is from 1867 till 1957.

I will also share the history of stamps and some basic terminologies related to stamp collection including stories that are related the issuance of a particular stamp series. Formerly called the Federation of Malaya until 1963, Malaysia started to issue stamps under the current name starting in 1963.

Subsequently, the individual Malay states issued stamps, starting with Johor in 1876. Perak and Selangor followed in 1878 and 1881, then Pahang in 1889 and Negri Sembilan in 1891.

Johor

The Sultanate of Johor was one of the unfederated Malay states. In 1876, a postal service was set up in the sultanate, and stamps of the Straits Settlements were overprinted with a star and crescent.

From 1884 to 1891, stamps of the Straits Settlements overprinted "Johore" were used. In 1891, definitive stamps were issued. In 1896, stamps were overprinted "KEMAHKOTAAN" to commemorate the coronation of Sultan Ibrahim.

Since 1948, issues have been similar to those of other Malay states.

PerakEdit

An 1895 stamp of Perak.

The Sultanate of Perak become a British protectorate in 1874. In 1874–1878, the stamps of the Straits Settlements were used. In 1878, the first stamp of the Sultanate was issued, overprinting stamps of the Straits Settlementsn with crescent, star and letter “P” in an oval. In 1880–1891, stamps of the Straits Settlements were overprinted "Perak". In 1892, stamps with the image of a jumping tiger were issued, followed by stamps featuring the image of a tiger's head or elephants in 1895–1899.

1950 stamp of Perak with a portrait of the Sultan.

In 1900–1935, stamps of the Federated Malay States were used. In 1935–1941 two sets of definitive stamps were issued. Since 1948, issues have been similar to those of other Malay states.