Malaya (BMA / Malayan Federation / Malaysia)
On this page are listed the post-War issues for the whole of Malaya, and later, Malaysia. Issues for the Malayan Federation are inscribed Persekutuan Tanah Melayu.
Chapter overview
Acknowledgments
See also the main Acknowledgments for this section on the main Asia page.
Currency
- Airport Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed A)
- Excise Tax (catalogue numbers prefixed X)
- Impressed (catalogue numbers prefixed Z)
- Labels (catalogue numbers prefixed L)
- Railway Newspaper stamps (catalogue numbers prefixed N)
- Revenue (catalogue numbers prefixed R)
- Revenue usage of Postage stamps (catalogue numbers prefixed S)
- Social Security / Socso Perkeso (catalogue numbers prefixed P)
Acknowledgments
- L C Stanway FRPSL, Malaysia and the Federation of Malaya: Their Stamps & Postal Stationery (Digital Second Edition, Malaya Study Group, 2023)
- sky52200, 50th Anniversary PERKESO / SOCSO Golden Jubilee Commemorative Personalised Stamp (Setemku) Album, online here, retrieved 17 July 2026
See also the main Acknowledgments for this section on the main Asia page.
Currency
- (Until 1967) 100 cents = 1 Malayan dollar
- (1967-1975) 100 cents (or sen) = 1 Malaysian dollar
- (1975-present) 100 sen = 1 ringgit Malaysia (RM)
Airport Tax
General notes:
1. All known Airport Tax stamps of Malaysia are imperforate at top, bottom and right, and rouletted at left to facilitate separation from a counterfoil, which was retained by the airline for record-keeping purposes.
2. The dimensions quoted below are approximate and can vary by a few millimetres both horizontally and vertically on most issues.
1. All known Airport Tax stamps of Malaysia are imperforate at top, bottom and right, and rouletted at left to facilitate separation from a counterfoil, which was retained by the airline for record-keeping purposes.
2. The dimensions quoted below are approximate and can vary by a few millimetres both horizontally and vertically on most issues.
A3 and A13
1960s. 72 x 65 mm (A3) or 76 x 65 mm (A13). Inscribed Aerodrome Service Fee, with legal wording ("Levied by virtue of..."). 5-digit serial number preceded by No.
a) Inscribed Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
A3. $5 black on green (For International Travel)
b) Inscribed Malaysian Airways Limited
A13. $3 black
Recorded usage: A13 (1965). A3 may date from the early 1960s since the legal wording refers to the 1957 regulations which were replaced in 1963.
a) Inscribed Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
A3. $5 black on green (For International Travel)
b) Inscribed Malaysian Airways Limited
A13. $3 black
Recorded usage: A13 (1965). A3 may date from the early 1960s since the legal wording refers to the 1957 regulations which were replaced in 1963.
A21/22
1966 or later (see note). 73 x 65 mm. Inscribed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines Limited / Aerodrome Service Fee. 7-digit serial number with prefix letter D ($1) or S ($2).
A21. $1 black on yellow (For Domestic Travel)
A22. $2 black on blue (For Travel to Singapore)
Notes:
1. This issue may date from as early as 1966, when the airline was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines to serve both countries following the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.
2. Recorded usage: A21 (August 1969).
Note: In 1972 Malaysian Airline System (MAS) and Singapore Airlines became two separate airlines when the Malaysia-Singapore Airlines partnership was dissolved. A32/42 and A51ff below must therefore date from 1972 or later.
A21. $1 black on yellow (For Domestic Travel)
A22. $2 black on blue (For Travel to Singapore)
Notes:
1. This issue may date from as early as 1966, when the airline was renamed Malaysia-Singapore Airlines to serve both countries following the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.
2. Recorded usage: A21 (August 1969).
Note: In 1972 Malaysian Airline System (MAS) and Singapore Airlines became two separate airlines when the Malaysia-Singapore Airlines partnership was dissolved. A32/42 and A51ff below must therefore date from 1972 or later.
A32 x2 (Kuala Lumpur and Penang sub-types), A33 and A42
1970s-90s. 70 x 65 mm. As previous issue but airline name changed to Singapore Airways Limited. 6- or 7-digit serial number with prefix letters SQ.
a) Inscribed Aerodrome Service Fee (1970s)
A32. $4 black on yellow (For Travel to Singapore)
A33. $7 black on pink (For International Travel)
b) Inscribed Passenger Service Charges (1993 or later)
A42. $5 black on yellow (For Travel to Singapore)
Notes:
1. A32 is known in two sub-types - one with code SIA KUL 01 at lower left, one with code SIA PEN 01, presumably used from Kuala Lumpur and Penang airports respectively. A33 and A42 are currently recorded only with the code for Kuala Lumpur.
2. A42 is assumed to date from 1993 or later since the rate of tax on flights to Singapore increased from $4 to $5 in that year.
a) Inscribed Aerodrome Service Fee (1970s)
A32. $4 black on yellow (For Travel to Singapore)
A33. $7 black on pink (For International Travel)
b) Inscribed Passenger Service Charges (1993 or later)
A42. $5 black on yellow (For Travel to Singapore)
Notes:
1. A32 is known in two sub-types - one with code SIA KUL 01 at lower left, one with code SIA PEN 01, presumably used from Kuala Lumpur and Penang airports respectively. A33 and A42 are currently recorded only with the code for Kuala Lumpur.
2. A42 is assumed to date from 1993 or later since the rate of tax on flights to Singapore increased from $4 to $5 in that year.
A51/52
1970s-90s. 72 x 72 mm. Inscribed Malaysian Airline System, with logo at top left. 7-digit serial numbers with prefix letters D (=Domestic), S (=Singapore) or R (=Rest of the World, ie International).
a) Inscribed Aerodrome Service Fee, value expressed in dollars (mid 1970s)
A51. $1 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A52. $2 black on grey (For Travel between Malaysia & Singapore)
a) Inscribed Aerodrome Service Fee, value expressed in dollars (mid 1970s)
A51. $1 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A52. $2 black on grey (For Travel between Malaysia & Singapore)
A61/63
b) Inscribed Passenger Service Charge, value in words expressed in ringgit, 'malaysian airline system' 24 mm across (1978-80)
A61. RM2 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A62. RM4 black on grey (For Travel between Malaysia & Singapore)
A63. RM7 black on pink (For International Travel)
A61. RM2 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A62. RM4 black on grey (For Travel between Malaysia & Singapore)
A63. RM7 black on pink (For International Travel)
A71/73
c) As b) but 'malaysian airline system' 42 mm across (1980-82)
A71. RM2 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A72. RM4 black on blue (For Travel between Malaysia & Singapore)
A73. RM7 black on pink (For International Travel)
A71. RM2 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A72. RM4 black on blue (For Travel between Malaysia & Singapore)
A73. RM7 black on pink (For International Travel)
Enlarged images highlighting the differences between A61/63 (top), A71/73 (middle) and A81/83 (bottom)
|
A81/83
|
d) As c) but erroneously inscribed 'malaysian ariline system' (1993 or later)
A81. RM3 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A83. RM15 black on pink (For International Travel)
Notes:
1. Recorded usage: A63 (Sep 1978 to Jan 1980), A71 (Sep 1981 to Feb 1982), A72 (Sep 1981 to Apr 1982), A73 (Jan 1980 to Apr 1981).
2. A81/83 are assumed to date from 1993 or later since the rate of tax on international flights increased to RM15 in that year.
A81. RM3 black on green (For Domestic Travel within Malaysia)
A83. RM15 black on pink (For International Travel)
Notes:
1. Recorded usage: A63 (Sep 1978 to Jan 1980), A71 (Sep 1981 to Feb 1982), A72 (Sep 1981 to Apr 1982), A73 (Jan 1980 to Apr 1981).
2. A81/83 are assumed to date from 1993 or later since the rate of tax on international flights increased to RM15 in that year.
A91/92 and A101/104
1984-90s. 90-100 x 75 mm. Produced by the Malaysian Government, all inscriptions in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language). National Coat of Arms, inscribed JABATAN PENERBANGAN AWAN MALAYSIA (=Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia). Serial number at top left for $15 A, otherwise at top right.
a) Coat of Arms 20 x 15 mm
A91. RM3 black on grey (Di dalam Negeri Malaysia Sahaja =Domestic within Malaysia)
A92. RM5 black on green (Malaysia/Singapura/Brunei =Travel between Malaysia & Singapore/Brunei)
b) Coat of Arms 13 x 10 mm
A101. RM3 black on grey (Di dalam Negeri Malaysia Sahaja =Domestic within Malaysia)
A102. RM5 black on green (Malaysia/Singapura/Brunei =Travel between Malaysia & Singapore/Brunei) (Aug 1984)
A103. RM15 black on red (Antarabangsa =International)
A104. RM20 black on pink (Antarabangsa =International)
Notes:
1. The serial number format is as follows:
3. All recorded examples of A91/104 have a code "Pen. A(H) [digit]" at top left, which suggests that these were used in Penang.
a) Coat of Arms 20 x 15 mm
A91. RM3 black on grey (Di dalam Negeri Malaysia Sahaja =Domestic within Malaysia)
A92. RM5 black on green (Malaysia/Singapura/Brunei =Travel between Malaysia & Singapore/Brunei)
b) Coat of Arms 13 x 10 mm
A101. RM3 black on grey (Di dalam Negeri Malaysia Sahaja =Domestic within Malaysia)
A102. RM5 black on green (Malaysia/Singapura/Brunei =Travel between Malaysia & Singapore/Brunei) (Aug 1984)
A103. RM15 black on red (Antarabangsa =International)
A104. RM20 black on pink (Antarabangsa =International)
Notes:
1. The serial number format is as follows:
- A91 - 6 digits preceded by letter E
- A92 - 6 digits preceded by No
- A101 - 6 digits preceded by letter C or D
- A102 - 6 digits preceded by No; 6 digits preceded by letter A
- A103 - 6 digits preceded by No; 6 digits preceded by letters A, B or C
- A104 - 6 digits preceded by letter E
3. All recorded examples of A91/104 have a code "Pen. A(H) [digit]" at top left, which suggests that these were used in Penang.
A111/113
1992 or later. 105 x 62 mm. Produced by Malaysia Airports and featuring the organisation's logo. Inscribed Passenger Service Charge in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.
A111. RM5 black, rose, blue and red (Domestic Travel)
A113. RM20 black, blue, rose and red (International Travel)
Notes:
1. Malaysia Airports was licensed by the Malaysian Transport Ministry to operate all airports in the country from November 1992.
2. The serial number format is as follows:
A111. RM5 black, rose, blue and red (Domestic Travel)
A113. RM20 black, blue, rose and red (International Travel)
Notes:
1. Malaysia Airports was licensed by the Malaysian Transport Ministry to operate all airports in the country from November 1992.
2. The serial number format is as follows:
- $5 - 7 digits preceded by DA or DB
- $20 - 7 digits preceded by IA, IB, IC, ID or IE
Excise Tax
X1/2
2015? Alcohol Excise Duty self-adhesive stamps featuring Coat of Arms. 27 x 20 mm. Imperf. No wmk. Unique security code at foot consisting of two letters and 10 digits, the last 8 digits also printed in a spiral around the central design. Security background of MALAYSIA ROYAL CUSTOMS in tiny font.
X1. [no value indicated] pink, slate and black
X2. [no value indicated] blue, green and black
Note: The security codes on X1 and X2 begin DA15 and JA15 respectively, which may indicate that 2015 is the year of issue. X2 has the letters MDNP (=Malaysia Duty Not Paid) reading vertically down at right.
X1. [no value indicated] pink, slate and black
X2. [no value indicated] blue, green and black
Note: The security codes on X1 and X2 begin DA15 and JA15 respectively, which may indicate that 2015 is the year of issue. X2 has the letters MDNP (=Malaysia Duty Not Paid) reading vertically down at right.
X22
2010s?. New self-adhesive type. Imperf. No wmk. Silver hologram strip near top. Security background of ROYAL MALAYSIAN CUSTOMS / RMC in tiny font.
X22. [MDNP/D] rose, yellow and blue
X22. [MDNP/D] rose, yellow and blue
Impressed
Z1 and Z2
1940s-50s. Rectangular impressed stamp inscribed MALAYA REVENUE. Central area printed with required amount of duty in dollars and cents.
Z1. 6c black
1950s. Square impressed stamp inscribed MALAYA U81. Central area printed with required amount of duty in dollars and cents.
Z2. [U.81] vermilion
Note: The example illustrated above shows a value of *025 (=25 cents)
Z1. 6c black
1950s. Square impressed stamp inscribed MALAYA U81. Central area printed with required amount of duty in dollars and cents.
Z2. [U.81] vermilion
Note: The example illustrated above shows a value of *025 (=25 cents)
Two examples of Z6 showing different face values
1958-66 (recorded usage). Rectangular impressed stamp 31 x 25 mm inscribed FEDERATION OF MALAYA FEE PAID. Central area printed with required amount of duty in dollars and cents.
Z6. [Fee Paid] blue
Note: The two examples illustrated above show values of 100-00 (=$100) and 506-07 (=$506.07)
Z6. [Fee Paid] blue
Note: The two examples illustrated above show values of 100-00 (=$100) and 506-07 (=$506.07)
Labels
L1/4
1945. Fundraising labels for the Malayan Welfare Fund. Various designs, 21½ x 25 mm. No watermark. Rough perf 12.
L1. 1c green
L2. 5c blue
L3. 10c brown
L4. 20c red
L1. 1c green
L2. 5c blue
L3. 10c brown
L4. 20c red
Railway Newspaper stamps
N21/27
1948 or later. Typeset values similar to N1/10 of Federated Malay States but inscribed MALAYAN RAILWAY at top and bottom, CENTS at left, with unique security number at right. 37 x 23 mm. No watermark. Rouletted about 12, imperf at sheet edges.
N21. 5c black on green
N22. 5c black on pink
N23. 9c brown on pale green
N24. 10c black on grey
N25. 15c black on salmon
N26. 20c black on grey
N27. 50c black on rose
Notes:
1. The date of issue is unknown but must be no earlier than 1948, when the Malayan Railway administration was formed from the restructured FMS Railway.
2. The 5c, 9c, 10c and 20c have NEWSPAPER STAMP and the face value in seriffed font, with MALAYAN RAILWAY and CENTS in sans-serif. The 15c has the same except that the face value is in sans-serif font. The 50c has all text in seriffed font.
N21. 5c black on green
N22. 5c black on pink
N23. 9c brown on pale green
N24. 10c black on grey
N25. 15c black on salmon
N26. 20c black on grey
N27. 50c black on rose
Notes:
1. The date of issue is unknown but must be no earlier than 1948, when the Malayan Railway administration was formed from the restructured FMS Railway.
2. The 5c, 9c, 10c and 20c have NEWSPAPER STAMP and the face value in seriffed font, with MALAYAN RAILWAY and CENTS in sans-serif. The 15c has the same except that the face value is in sans-serif font. The 50c has all text in seriffed font.
Top row: N34/37 and N41; bottom row: N56/57
1957 or later. As previous issue but now inscribed KERETAPI TANAH MELAYU at top and bottom. Unique security number at right. 37 x 23 mm. No watermark. Rouletted about 12, imperf at sheet edges.
Central inscription NEWSPAPER STAMP in English
a) Value shown with CENTS at left and cts. in centre
N34. 10c black on blue
N37. 50c black on rose
b) SEN at left and in centre
N41. 5c black on green
Central inscription SETEM SURAT KHABAR in Malay
c) SEN at left and in centre
N56. 20c black on grey
N57. 50c black on rose
Notes:
1. The date of issue is unknown but must be no earlier than 1957, when the Malayan Railway was officially renamed Keretapi Tanah Melayu.
2. SURAT KHABAR is shown as two words on N56 and as one word (SURATKHABAR) on N57.
Central inscription NEWSPAPER STAMP in English
a) Value shown with CENTS at left and cts. in centre
N34. 10c black on blue
N37. 50c black on rose
b) SEN at left and in centre
N41. 5c black on green
Central inscription SETEM SURAT KHABAR in Malay
c) SEN at left and in centre
N56. 20c black on grey
N57. 50c black on rose
Notes:
1. The date of issue is unknown but must be no earlier than 1957, when the Malayan Railway was officially renamed Keretapi Tanah Melayu.
2. SURAT KHABAR is shown as two words on N56 and as one word (SURATKHABAR) on N57.
Revenue
R1/2
1945. Large Nyasa revenue key type featuring the portrait of King George VI. Inscribed STRAITS SETTLEMENTS at foot and REVENUE at both sides. Overprinted BMA (=British Military Administration) MALAYA. Wmk Multiple Script CA. Perf 14. Printed and overprinted (typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 50.
R1. $25 red and brown
R2. $100 dull purple and ultramarine
Notes:
1. This was a special printing. R1/2 were not issued in these colours without BMA overprint.
2. Colour trials were prepared for both values with the head plate and frame plate colours reversed, ie $25 with frame in red and head in brown.
3. Minor plate varieties have been observed on this issue but I do not regard them as significant enough to merit catalogue status.
Printings (details from Crown Agents Requisition books):
R1. $25 red and brown
R2. $100 dull purple and ultramarine
Notes:
1. This was a special printing. R1/2 were not issued in these colours without BMA overprint.
2. Colour trials were prepared for both values with the head plate and frame plate colours reversed, ie $25 with frame in red and head in brown.
3. Minor plate varieties have been observed on this issue but I do not regard them as significant enough to merit catalogue status.
Printings (details from Crown Agents Requisition books):
- Req 11/1 (sent to Malaya 19th December 1945): $25 (507 sheets), $100 (522 sheets)
R3/5 and R6/8
1963-70s. Malayan Federation issue inscribed PERSEKUTUAN TANAH MELAYU (=Federation of Malaya) at top and HASIL (=Revenue) at foot. 29½ x 38½ mm. Federation Coat of Arms (multicoloured) in centre; frame featuring arms of eleven individual Malay States. Wmk Multiple PTM (hard to discern on R6/8). Perf 13. Printed (centre litho, frame recess) by De La Rue in London in sheets of 50 (5 rows of 10).
a) Ordinary paper (1963)
R3. $25 dull carmine
R4. $100 slate-blue
R5. $250 green
b) Glazed paper (early 1970s?)
R6. $25 dull carmine
R7. $100 slate-blue
R8. $250 green
Notes:
1. Six printings of this issue are recorded in the Crown Agents Requisition books as listed below. Stanway's listing has five of these but omits Req 9/06709/1, possibly because the Crown Agents clerk listed it under Malaysia. The glazed paper stamps (my R6/8) may emanate from Req 9/06709/1 and Req 9/31233/1 as Stanway suggests, but may equally come from printings issued after the books end in 1969.
2. The State arms were considered too large for the design, and a redrawn type with smaller coats of arms was subsequently produced (see R11/17 below).
Printings to 1969 (details from Crown Agents Requisition books):
a) Ordinary paper (1963)
R3. $25 dull carmine
R4. $100 slate-blue
R5. $250 green
b) Glazed paper (early 1970s?)
R6. $25 dull carmine
R7. $100 slate-blue
R8. $250 green
Notes:
1. Six printings of this issue are recorded in the Crown Agents Requisition books as listed below. Stanway's listing has five of these but omits Req 9/06709/1, possibly because the Crown Agents clerk listed it under Malaysia. The glazed paper stamps (my R6/8) may emanate from Req 9/06709/1 and Req 9/31233/1 as Stanway suggests, but may equally come from printings issued after the books end in 1969.
2. The State arms were considered too large for the design, and a redrawn type with smaller coats of arms was subsequently produced (see R11/17 below).
Printings to 1969 (details from Crown Agents Requisition books):
- Req 21/1 (sent to Malaya 7th to 28th November 1962): $25 (3300 sheets), $100 (640 sheets), $250 (480 sheets)
- Req 6/48949/1 (sent to Malaya 16th December 1966): $100 (500 sheets)
- Req 7/26571/1 (sent to Malaya 28th September 1967): $25 (500 sheets)
- Req 8/15805/1 (sent to Malaya 17th June 1968): $25 (500 sheets)
- Req 9/06709/1 (sent to Malaya 31st March 1969): $25 (402 sheets)
- Req 9/31233/1 (sent to Malaya 15th October 1969): $100 (500 sheets), $250 (500 sheets)
R11/13
R16/17
Enlarged images highlighting the differences between R3/8 (top) and R11/17 (bottom)
1973-75. As previous issue but redrawn with smaller coats of arms for individual states (5½ mm diameter instead of 6 mm), and change to perf 12½. Wmk Multiple PTM. Printed (centre litho, frame recess) by De La Rue in Dublin.
a) Glazed paper (1973)
R11. $25 dull carmine
R12. $100 slate-blue
R13. $250 green
b) Ordinary paper (1974-75)
R16. $25 dull carmine
R17. $100 slate-blue
Notes:
1. The dates of issue are unknown but an essay for R13 was approved on 24 May 1973 so it seems likely that R11/13 were issued later that year. Stanway states that R16 was printed on 27 February 1974 and R17 in 1975.
2. Stanway also notes that a used example of the $100 exists on glazed paper with watermark Multiple Diagonal Crown CA, but I have not seen this.
a) Glazed paper (1973)
R11. $25 dull carmine
R12. $100 slate-blue
R13. $250 green
b) Ordinary paper (1974-75)
R16. $25 dull carmine
R17. $100 slate-blue
Notes:
1. The dates of issue are unknown but an essay for R13 was approved on 24 May 1973 so it seems likely that R11/13 were issued later that year. Stanway states that R16 was printed on 27 February 1974 and R17 in 1975.
2. Stanway also notes that a used example of the $100 exists on glazed paper with watermark Multiple Diagonal Crown CA, but I have not seen this.
R21/23
1975-82. New type inscribed HASIL (=Revenue) at top and MALAYSIA at foot. 30½ x 41 mm. Coat of Arms (multicoloured) in centre, featuring arms of the individual Malay States. Printed (arms litho, frame recess) by Harrison in sheets of 25 (5 x 5). Wmk Script "Harrison & Sons". Perf 14½. Glazed paper.
a) Sarawak crest (bottom right of central coat of arms) shown as hornbill head (1975)
R21. $25 grey-black
R22. $100 blue
R23. $250 claret
a) Sarawak crest (bottom right of central coat of arms) shown as hornbill head (1975)
R21. $25 grey-black
R22. $100 blue
R23. $250 claret
R31/35
R21/23 (left) and R31/35 (right)
b) Sarawak crest shown as hornbill with wings outstretched (c1980-82)
R31. $25 grey-black
R32. $100 blue
R33. $250 claret
R34. $500 brown (1982)
R35. $1000 vermilion (1982)
Notes:
1. I have seen an example of R32 with red apparently omitted but I suspect this is a normal stamp which has been bleached by sunlight or solvents rather than an issued variety.
2. The $1000 is reported with watermark inverted but I have not been able to verify this personally.
3. Stanway quotes an article in The Straits Times for Thursday 22 May 1986 concerning the production of fake revenue stamps, especially $500. Stanway suggests that this may have been a scare brought about by the change of printer to ITVF (see R41/45 below).
R31. $25 grey-black
R32. $100 blue
R33. $250 claret
R34. $500 brown (1982)
R35. $1000 vermilion (1982)
Notes:
1. I have seen an example of R32 with red apparently omitted but I suspect this is a normal stamp which has been bleached by sunlight or solvents rather than an issued variety.
2. The $1000 is reported with watermark inverted but I have not been able to verify this personally.
3. Stanway quotes an article in The Straits Times for Thursday 22 May 1986 concerning the production of fake revenue stamps, especially $500. Stanway suggests that this may have been a scare brought about by the change of printer to ITVF (see R41/45 below).
R41/45
1985-89. Same design, but slightly reduced in size (30 x 40½ mm), printed (litho) in France by Imprimerie des Timbres-Poste et Valeurs Fiduciaires in sheets of 25. Wmk Multiple ITVF. Perf 13.
R41. $25 black
R42. $100 blue
R43. $250 claret
R45. $1000 vermilion
Notes:
1. The dates of issue are not known but some values exist in sheets with printing dates in the margin. Stanway records the following:
2. Stanway also records the following minor paper differences on this issue:
R41. $25 black
R42. $100 blue
R43. $250 claret
R45. $1000 vermilion
Notes:
1. The dates of issue are not known but some values exist in sheets with printing dates in the margin. Stanway records the following:
- $25: 2.11.89
- $250: 16.11.86
- $1000: 17.10.85
2. Stanway also records the following minor paper differences on this issue:
- Glossy, blue fluorescent paper with vertical stripes on gum: $25
- Low-to-non-fluorescence paper with a glossy surface: $25
- Low-to-non-fluorescence paper with striped green gum: $100
- Ordinary paper with low fluorescence: $100 and $250
R51/56
1990 (Jan). 27 x 37 mm. No wmk. Perf 12½. Printed (litho) by Government Printing Department, Kuala Lumpur in sheets of 50 (5 rows of 10). Arms multicoloured, inscriptions in black; background colours as listed. Security background inscription MALAYSIA HASIL in invisible phosphor ink.
R51. 10c yellow
R53. 50c purple & blue
R54. $1 green & yellow
R56. $5 red & yellow
Note: Stanway states that, although reported as printed by the Government Printing Department, Kuala Lumpur, the sheet markings suggest that these were printed by Perum Percetakan Uang RI, Indonesia.
R51. 10c yellow
R53. 50c purple & blue
R54. $1 green & yellow
R56. $5 red & yellow
Note: Stanway states that, although reported as printed by the Government Printing Department, Kuala Lumpur, the sheet markings suggest that these were printed by Perum Percetakan Uang RI, Indonesia.
R61/66
R66a and 'RM5' variant (see note 2)
1990 (April). Design similar to previous issue, but smaller (16 x 22 mm) and change to perf 13½ x 13. Printed (litho) by Perum Percetakan Uang RI, Indonesia in sheets of 100 (10x10). Security background inscription MALAYSIA HASIL in invisible phosphor ink.
R61. 10c yellow
R62. 15c yellow & greenish blue
R63. 50c purple & blue
R64. $1 green & yellow
R65. $2 yellow & green
R66. $5 yellow & pale blue
a. Black printing (MALAYSIA etc) partially omitted
Notes:
1. Stanway notes that the 10c, $2 and $5 can be found on glazed paper as well as ordinary paper.
2. A badly perforated sheet is known similar to R66 but with the value shown as RM5 instead of $5. The date 2005/1 is printed in the margin. I have not seen any other example of this stamp and it is possible that the sheet is waste from an unissued trial.
R61. 10c yellow
R62. 15c yellow & greenish blue
R63. 50c purple & blue
R64. $1 green & yellow
R65. $2 yellow & green
R66. $5 yellow & pale blue
a. Black printing (MALAYSIA etc) partially omitted
Notes:
1. Stanway notes that the 10c, $2 and $5 can be found on glazed paper as well as ordinary paper.
2. A badly perforated sheet is known similar to R66 but with the value shown as RM5 instead of $5. The date 2005/1 is printed in the margin. I have not seen any other example of this stamp and it is possible that the sheet is waste from an unissued trial.
R71/74
1990-c2000. Arms design similar to R51/56 but each value printed in a single colour. 26 x 35½ mm. Printed by Security Printers Malaysia in sheets of 50 (5 rows of 10) on paper with magnetic fibres. Security background of MALAYSIA plus face value in tiny grey letters in wavy lines.
a) No wmk, perf 12½ (July 1990)
R71. $10 violet
R72. $50 vermilion
R73. $100 green
R74. $250 lake
a) No wmk, perf 12½ (July 1990)
R71. $10 violet
R72. $50 vermilion
R73. $100 green
R74. $250 lake
R81/84
b) No wmk, perf 10½ (c1993)
R81. $10 violet
R82. $50 vermilion
R83. $100 green
R84. $250 lake
R81. $10 violet
R82. $50 vermilion
R83. $100 green
R84. $250 lake
R91 and R101/103
R91 (left) and R101 (right)
c) Wmk Multiple SPM, perf 12½ (c2000)
R91. $10 violet
d) As c) but redrawn with larger value tablet and star in crest
R101. $10 violet
R103. $100 green
R91. $10 violet
d) As c) but redrawn with larger value tablet and star in crest
R101. $10 violet
R103. $100 green
Original background (R73 and R83) on left, with redrawn (R103) on right
Notes:
1. As well as the difference sizes of value tablet and star, R91 and R101 differ in the state arms of Penang, R101 having waves under the bridge which are absent in R91. R103 is also a redrawn type, having a different style of engine-turned background above MALAYSIA from the earlier $100 stamps (R73 and R83).
2. The watermark is inverted on all examples I have seen of R91, and upright on all examples of R101/103.
1. As well as the difference sizes of value tablet and star, R91 and R101 differ in the state arms of Penang, R101 having waves under the bridge which are absent in R91. R103 is also a redrawn type, having a different style of engine-turned background above MALAYSIA from the earlier $100 stamps (R73 and R83).
2. The watermark is inverted on all examples I have seen of R91, and upright on all examples of R101/103.
R111/116 and perforated proofs of unissued 15 sen, 50 sen and RM5 in red-brown and blue
2009. New Arms type in horizontal format with HASiL reading upwards at left. Currency shown with RM rather than dollar symbol. 31 x 26 mm. Wmk Multiple SPM. Perf 13½ x 14, with elliptical perforation hole in top and bottom edges. Printed (recess) by Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional in sheets of 20 (4 rows of 5). Complex security background of letters and shapes.
R111. RM1 blue
R112. RM5 blue
R113. RM10 blue
R114. RM50 blue
R115. RM100 blue
R116. RM250 blue
Notes:
1. Perforated proofs exist as follows:
R111. RM1 blue
R112. RM5 blue
R113. RM10 blue
R114. RM50 blue
R115. RM100 blue
R116. RM250 blue
Notes:
1. Perforated proofs exist as follows:
- Two lower values (15 sen and 50 sen), prepared for use but not issued (sheets of 20, 5 rows of 4)
- RM5 value in blue and red-brown with figures of value larger than the issued design (sheets of 20, 4 rows of 5)
- Complete sheets of all values in unissued sheet format (5 rows of 4)
- Large composite sheet of four panes, each 5 rows of 4 - UL pane is RM5 on rose-buff printed background, UR is RM50 with no background, lower panes are both RM10 on a deeper pink background
Revenue usage of Postage stamps
S1b/S18
1945-48 Special new printings of Straits Settlements palm trees issue, overprinted BMA MALAYA. Wmk Mult Script CA. Perf 14. Die I (1c, 10c, 25c to $5) or Die II (others). Chalk-surfaced paper except as otherwise indicated.
S1b. 1c black (opt in red) (ordinary paper)
S2. 2c orange (1947)
a. Ordinary paper (1945)
S4. 3c yellow-green (ordinary paper)
a. Blue-green, ordinary paper (1947)
b. Blue-green, chalk-surfaced paper (1947)
S5. 5c brown
S6. 6c grey (1948)
a. Ordinary paper
o. Opt ORIENTAL in red
S8a. 10c purple (ordinary paper)
c. Magenta, ordinary paper (1948)
S12a. 15c bright ultramarine (opt in red) (ordinary paper)
b. Blue, chalk-surfaced paper (1947)
S13. 25c dull purple and scarlet (1948)
a. Ordinary paper (1945)
S14. 50c black/emerald (ordinary paper) (opt in red)
S15. $1 black and red (ordinary paper)
S16. $2 green and scarlet (ordinary paper)
S18. $5 purple and orange (ordinary paper)
Note: the downward-pointing palm frond to the right of the King's eye has two points on Die I, and one point on Die II. For other die differences, see the Stanley Gibbons catalogue.
S1b. 1c black (opt in red) (ordinary paper)
S2. 2c orange (1947)
a. Ordinary paper (1945)
S4. 3c yellow-green (ordinary paper)
a. Blue-green, ordinary paper (1947)
b. Blue-green, chalk-surfaced paper (1947)
S5. 5c brown
S6. 6c grey (1948)
a. Ordinary paper
o. Opt ORIENTAL in red
S8a. 10c purple (ordinary paper)
c. Magenta, ordinary paper (1948)
S12a. 15c bright ultramarine (opt in red) (ordinary paper)
b. Blue, chalk-surfaced paper (1947)
S13. 25c dull purple and scarlet (1948)
a. Ordinary paper (1945)
S14. 50c black/emerald (ordinary paper) (opt in red)
S15. $1 black and red (ordinary paper)
S16. $2 green and scarlet (ordinary paper)
S18. $5 purple and orange (ordinary paper)
Note: the downward-pointing palm frond to the right of the King's eye has two points on Die I, and one point on Die II. For other die differences, see the Stanley Gibbons catalogue.
S16/19
1957-63. Malayan Federation definitive issue. Wmk Multiple St Edward's Crown and Block CA. Perf 13 x 11½-12½ (30c) or perf 13 (others).
S16. 6c deep blue, red, yellow and grey-blue
S18. 25c maroon, red, yellow and dull greenish blue
S19. 30c orange-red and lake
S16. 6c deep blue, red, yellow and grey-blue
S18. 25c maroon, red, yellow and dull greenish blue
S19. 30c orange-red and lake
S20/27
1965. Birds. Wmk Multiple PTM. Perf 14½.
S20. 25c multicoloured
S22. 50c multicoloured
S24. $1 multicoloured
S25. $2 multicoloured
S26. $5 multicoloured
S27. $10 multicoloured
S20. 25c multicoloured
S22. 50c multicoloured
S24. $1 multicoloured
S25. $2 multicoloured
S26. $5 multicoloured
S27. $10 multicoloured
S64/71
1970. Butterflies. No watermark. Perf 13 x 13½.
S64. 25c multicoloured
S66. 50c multicoloured
S68. $1 multicoloured
S69. $2 multicoloured
S70. $5 multicoloured
S71. $10 multicoloured
S64. 25c multicoloured
S66. 50c multicoloured
S68. $1 multicoloured
S69. $2 multicoloured
S70. $5 multicoloured
S71. $10 multicoloured
S192/197
1979-85. Animals. Wmk Multiple POS in octagon. Perf 15 x 14½.
S192. 50c multicoloured
S194. $1 multicoloured
S195. $2 multicoloured
S196. $5 multicoloured
S197. $10 multicoloured
S192. 50c multicoloured
S194. $1 multicoloured
S195. $2 multicoloured
S196. $5 multicoloured
S197. $10 multicoloured
Social Security / Socso Perkeso
P1/18
Enlarged images highlighting the differences between P1/26 (top), P31/35 and P61 (bottom)
1971-77 or later. Umbrella sheltering Worker. 17 x 22½ mm. Printed (design recess, value typo) by De La Rue in sheets of 100 (10 x 10). Perf 14 x 13½. Value in black.
a) Narrow figures of value - see also P41/55
No wmk, ordinary paper (1971)
P1. 10c deep carmine
P2. 20c violet
P3. 30c yellow-brown
P4. 40c black
P5. 50c carmine
P6. 60c myrtle-green
P7. 80c greenish blue
P8. $1.10 deep claret
P9. $1.20 sepia
P10. $1.50 purple-brown
P11. $1.70 orange
P12. $2.10 deep blue
P13. $2.50 scarlet
P14. $3.10 slate-blue
P15. $3.50 chestnut
P16. $4.40 drab
P17. $4.50 chocolate
P18. $5.60 turquoise-green
a) Narrow figures of value - see also P41/55
No wmk, ordinary paper (1971)
P1. 10c deep carmine
P2. 20c violet
P3. 30c yellow-brown
P4. 40c black
P5. 50c carmine
P6. 60c myrtle-green
P7. 80c greenish blue
P8. $1.10 deep claret
P9. $1.20 sepia
P10. $1.50 purple-brown
P11. $1.70 orange
P12. $2.10 deep blue
P13. $2.50 scarlet
P14. $3.10 slate-blue
P15. $3.50 chestnut
P16. $4.40 drab
P17. $4.50 chocolate
P18. $5.60 turquoise-green
P21 plus imperforate proofs of P22/26 (not currently recorded as issued stamps)
Wmk Multiple PTM, fluorescent paper (1971)
P21. 10c deep carmine
[P22. $1.10 purple]
[P23. $1.20 sepia]
[P24. $1.50 purple-brown]
[P25. $1.70 orange]
[P26. $2.50 scarlet]
P21. 10c deep carmine
[P22. $1.10 purple]
[P23. $1.20 sepia]
[P24. $1.50 purple-brown]
[P25. $1.70 orange]
[P26. $2.50 scarlet]
P31/35
b) Wide figures of value
Wmk Multiple PTM, ordinary paper (1973)
P31. 30c deep orange-brown
P32. 50c deep red
P33. $1.10 purple
P34. $4.40 drab
P35. $5.60 deep blue-green
Wmk Multiple PTM, ordinary paper (1973)
P31. 30c deep orange-brown
P32. 50c deep red
P33. $1.10 purple
P34. $4.40 drab
P35. $5.60 deep blue-green
P41/55
c) Return to narrow figures of value
No wmk, glazed paper (30c, 80c, $3.10 and $4.40 on thin paper) (c1974)
P41. 30c orange-brown
P42. 50c red
P43. 80c greenish blue
P44. 90c olive
P45. $1.10 purple
P46. $1.40 bright blue-green
P47. $1.90 pale brown
P48. $2.10 deep blue
P49. $2.70 orange
P50. $3.10 grey-blue
P51. $3.80 red
P52. $4.40 drab
P53. $5.60 pale turquoise
P54. $7.90 orange-yellow
P55. $10.10 yellow-green
No wmk, glazed paper (30c, 80c, $3.10 and $4.40 on thin paper) (c1974)
P41. 30c orange-brown
P42. 50c red
P43. 80c greenish blue
P44. 90c olive
P45. $1.10 purple
P46. $1.40 bright blue-green
P47. $1.90 pale brown
P48. $2.10 deep blue
P49. $2.70 orange
P50. $3.10 grey-blue
P51. $3.80 red
P52. $4.40 drab
P53. $5.60 pale turquoise
P54. $7.90 orange-yellow
P55. $10.10 yellow-green
P61
d) Extra-wide figures of value and frame redrawn (MALAYSIA smaller etc), wmk and paper unknown (later 1970s?)
P61. $4.50 brown
Notes:
1. P22/26 are currently known only as imperforate proofs.
2. Almost all of P1/55 survive in mint sheets from the De La Rue archive with annotations indicating printings as follows:
P61. $4.50 brown
Notes:
1. P22/26 are currently known only as imperforate proofs.
2. Almost all of P1/55 survive in mint sheets from the De La Rue archive with annotations indicating printings as follows:
- P1/18 are the first Dublin printing, order ref 20530, approved in March 1971
- P21/26 are the second Dublin printing, order ref 20536
- P31/35 are the third Dublin printing, order refs 02474/5/6, approved in August 1973
- P41/55 are London printings, order ref 891 (approved in January 1974) plus two other undated orders without reference numbers
Ultraviolet scan showing fluorescent pattern (image from myfdc.me)
4. In 2021 the Malaysian Post Office issued a stamp album in a limited edition of 500 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Social Security organisation. Each album contained special postage stamps plus a selection of ten Socso Perkeso revenue adhesives, the exact composition of values varying from one album to another. The myfdc.me website reported that some of the adhesives showed a fluorescent engine-turned pattern under ultraviolet light as shown in the illustration.
