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Malaysia's postal system has a rich and intriguing history. It began in the early 1800s when messages were carried by foot or by boat. The first official post office was established in Penang in 1806 by the British, followed by others in Malacca and Singapore.

As the population grew and more people needed to send letters, the postal system expanded. In 1854, the Straits Settlements issued its first postage stamps, featuring Queen Victoria, reflecting British colonial rule at the time. These stamps were used in the British-controlled territories of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore.

By the early 20th century, the postal system continued to grow, aided by the expansion of railways, which helped speed up deliveries. After gaining independence in 1957, Malaya’s postal service was nationalised and began to issue stamps that reflected the newly independent country’s identity.

In 1963, the name of the country officially changed from Malaya to Malaysia following the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, which united Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore (before Singapore's separation in 1965). With this change, stamps began featuring the name “Malaysia” instead of “Malaya”, marking the country's new, unified identity.

Today, Pos Malaysia delivers mail across the country, from bustling cities to remote villages.

Stamps Through the Years

• 1867–1937: The Straits Settlements issued stamps featuring Queen Victoria and later British monarchs. In 1946, the Straits Settlements was dissolved, and stamps were no longer issued under this name.
• 1891–1935: Federated Malay States stamps were introduced, showing tigers and other local symbols. In 1935, the states began using individual issues again.
• 1881–1957: Individual states, including Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and others, issued their own stamps until Malaysia’s independence.
• 1942–1945: During the Japanese occupation, stamps had Japanese characters overprinted.
• 1957–1963: Malaya gained independence in 1957, stamps read "Federation of Malaya" until the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
• 1963–present: After Malaysia was officially formed, stamps depicted the name "Malaysia"

Timeline of Malaysia’s Stamps

1867–1937: Straits Settlements

This 1912, 10-cent stamp from the Straits Settlements features King George V, reflecting the British colonial rule over the region. The stamp was issued during his reign and represents a significant period in the history of the Straits Settlements, which included Penang, Malacca, and Singapore.

1942–1945: Japanese Occupation

Malaya 5c Perak Stamp with Japanese Overprint (1942-1945): This stamp, featuring the overprinted characters 大目本那, represents the "Great Japan Postal Service" during the Japanese occupation of Malaya (1942-1945). The characters are printed in Songti, a serifed style originating from the 10th century during the Song Dynasty in China, commonly used for woodcut printing.

1945: Malaya British Military Administration (BMA)

This 15-cent blue stamp, features King George VI and is overprinted with "BMA MALAYA", indicating usage under the British Military Administration following the Japanese surrender in World War II. It belongs to the definitive series (Die II), printed on ordinary paper, with perforations measuring 14 x 14. These stamps were issued for use in Singapore and throughout the Malayan States from 1948. They were gradually replaced by individual state issues, with the last known usage occurring in Kelantan before being withdrawn in 1951.

1936–1966: Malayan Union

50 cent postage due stamp.
Formed in 1935, the Malayan Postal Union united the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States. Only postage due stamps featured the "Malayan Postal Union" inscription, used across the colony and its states. Similar stamps remained in use in Malaysia.

1957-1963: Federation of Malaya

This 1957, 6-cent stamp from the Federation of Malaya highlights the importance of the rubber industry in the country. The image depicts a rubber tapper at work, reflecting the pivotal role of rubber production in Malaya’s economy during the post-independence period.

1963–present: Malaysia

National Series, 50 sen, Federation Map.
In 1963, the country officially became Malaysia, uniting Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore (until 1965). Stamps began featuring "Malaysia" instead of "Malaya" to mark this new identity.

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States That Issued Stamps

Although all these states are now part of Malaysia, they once issued their own stamps because they were separate political entities with different rulers and colonial administrations. Here's why each group had its own stamps:

• Straits Settlements (1854–1946): A British colony made up of Penang, Malacca, and Singapore, issuing stamps under British rule.
• Federated Malay States (1891–1935): A British protectorate of Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang. They shared a postal system and issued joint stamps.
• Unfederated Malay States (1881–1957): Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu remained separate sultanates under British influence but maintained their own postal systems and stamps.
• North Borneo (1883–1963): A British-controlled territory, North Borneo issued its own stamps, often featuring local wildlife and scenes
• Sarawak (1869–1963): Ruled by the White Rajahs (the Brooke family), Sarawak had its own government and postal system.

Did You Know?

• Malaysia once used pigeons to carry important messages!
• Malaysia has issued stamps featuring some of the world’s rarest flowers, like the Rafflesia – known as the ‘corpse flower’ for its strong smell!
• The Perhentian Islands are known as the "Jewel of the South China Sea" for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent diving spots.
• The Longest River in Malaysia: The Rajang River in Sarawak is the longest river in Malaysia, stretching over 563 kilometers (350 miles). It’s a vital waterway for transportation and local communities.
• A Country of Islands: Malaysia has over 800 islands, with Langkawi being the most famous for its beaches and natural beauty. These islands are home to stunning rainforests, wildlife, and coral reefs!

A selection of Malaysian stamps.

Issued in 1965: 25c - Crested Wood Partridge

Issued in 1970: 25c - Euploea leucosticus

Issued in 1973: 10c - 10th Anniversary of Malaysia

Issued in 1978: $1 - Bees & Honeycomb

Issued in 1979: 30c - Tiger

Issued in 1997: 1 RM - Wicket Keeper

Issued in 1999: 2 RM - Orang-utan Pongo pygmaeus

Issued in 2003: 50 sen - Proboscis monkey