+ Issue Date : 03/02/2016
+ Series : Traditional Dances
+ Classification : Postage Stamp
+ Emission : Special
+ Designer : Hazel Design Sdn Bhd
+ Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd
+ Printing : Lithography
+ Paper : Phosphorized / Phospor Coated
+ Watermark : SPM
+ Perforations : 14
+ Separations : Normal Perforations
+ Gum Type : Gum
+ Shape : Rectangular
+ Orientation : Vertical
“Traditional Dances Series 2” features movements from the cempaka sari, ribbon dance, odissi, magunatip and rajang be’uh. The stamps are priced at 60sen each.
The handpainted designs are featured in an elongated portrait rectangle measuring 25×60mm.
According to Pos Niaga stamp and philately unit head Diyana Lean Abdullah, this stamp size is a first for Pos Malaysia.
Numbering at 200,000 pieces for each dance style, the unique size had required its printer, Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional, to make special adjustments during the perforation process. They had to be manually inserted at a rate of five stamp sheets, at a time.
The unusual design also sees the borders taking a side placing on the stamp sheets instead of the normal top, bottom or middle positions. Sheets in this series are RM12 for 20 stamps.
Light blue splashes in the background of the stamps, and first day covers, make a unique point in this series. Combine first day cover and all five style of dances and you will find a blue ribbon running across in a continuous line.
First day covers with the cancellation stamp of the hamsasya mudra, a symbol of peace, will be available only on issue day.
The print run for first day covers is limited to 35,000 pieces.
Account holders of Standing Order Deposit Account (SODA) will enjoy the privilege of receiving their first day covers with stamps that have been stuck without gaps in between.
This means the blue ribbon running across the envelope and stamps will run in a seamless flow.
Diyana estimates there would only be some 10,000 of such first day covers carrying this subtle difference.
Included in the limited-edition list is the folder, featuring all five dances. Priced at RM6.35 each, only 2,000 pieces are available.
