KUALA LUMPUR: Pos Malaysia Berhad (Pos Malaysia) today unveiled its “blowpipe” stamp series which showcases a unique tool used by some of Sarawak’s indigenous communities.
The set consists of three RM0.60 stamp designs showcasing the “sumpit” (blowpipe) – Sumpit Orang Asli, Sumpit Etnik Dayak and Sumpit Etnik Murut.
The miniature sheet (MS) features the Sumpit Etnik Dayak and is priced at RM3 apiece.
Other philatelic products such as the First Day Cover (FDC), which comes with free brochures, are available at RM0.50 each; while the folder is priced at RM6 each.
The complete folder set of the series is priced at RM50.80 each.
Senior associate production Stamp & Philately Unit of Pos Malaysia, Norsad Saad, said that the stamps were printed in a limited amount.
“We printed 200,000 pieces of each stamp design (600,000 pieces in total) – 30,000 pieces of FDC; 25,000 pieces of MS; and 1,800 folders,” said Norsad at Pos Laju’s headquarters here.
Pos Malaysia’s group chief executive officer, Al-Ishsal Ishak, said the sumpit is a functional weapon used by aboriginal hunters to hunt for food, as well as a means to track one’s path in the jungle.
“Thus, Pos Malaysia would like to highlight this weapon of art and survival to future generations as well as collectors,” he added.
The stamp series will go on sale on Aug 14.
In Sept 2010, Pos Malaysia produced a similar-themed stamp series: “Lifestyle of the aboriginal people.”
On another stamp series, Pos Malaysia said it has restocked its Dr Mahathir Setemku sets for the last time.
All stamp collectors and the public are advised to sign-up for the Standing Order Deposit Account (SODA) to experience a hassle-free process in purchasing the latest stamp issues, as well as enjoying exclusive benefits.
To join the SODA community, just sign up at any post office nationwide or online at www.posonline.com.my.