Fahmi Fadzil says postage stamps can help young Malaysians discover history, culture and science while preserving the nation’s heritage

KANGAR: Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said a postage stamp can be a starting point for a young person to discover history, geography, culture, science and even international relations.

He said it is therefore important that philately continues to evolve and find new ways to engage younger generations.

“While we must embrace new technologies and new forms of communication, we should not lose sight of the educational and historical value of our traditional forms of communication,” he said in his speech at the officiating ceremony of The Five-Nation Stamp Exhibition Perlis, Malaysia 2026 at Dewan 2020, yesterday.

The Raja of Perlis Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail officiated the exhibition.

Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

Fahmi said he encouraged by the cooperation with the Education Ministry and the efforts being undertaken to introduce younger Malaysians to stamp collecting and philately.

Fahmi said the Communications Ministry recognises that preserving our postal and philatelic heritage requires cooperation among many parties.

“I therefore commend the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Pos Malaysia and the Philatelic Society of Malaysia for their respective roles in supporting and developing Malaysia’s philatelic ecosystem.

“I also congratulate the Philatelic Society of Malaysia for bringing an international exhibition of this nature to Perlis,” he said.

He said the history of postage stamps is closely connected with the history of communications itself and for generations, the postal service was one of the most important means through which people, communities and nations remained connected.

“Every letter carried a message, and every stamp attached to it became part of that journey. Today, the way we communicate has changed dramatically.  

“A message that once took days or weeks to arrive can now reach the other side of the world almost instantly. Yet, even in this digital age, postage stamps continue to have a special place in our society,” he said.

Fahmi said they have evolved beyond their original postal function to become miniature records of our national history and identity.

He said Malaysia’s stamps have commemorated significant national events, our Royal Institutions, distinguished personalities, cultural heritage, achievements, as well as the remarkable biodiversity of our country.

“In this sense, stamps provide future generations with a visual record of who we are and the milestones we have achieved as a nation,” he said.