KUCHING: Postage stamps are not just functional; they are also appreciated for their artwork and can even be valuable collectibles to enthusiasts.
It was also through stamps that SMK Petra Jaya created a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records for the “Most Number of Stamp Designs in Exhibition”.
According to SMK Petra Jaya principal Khasim Brahim, the Malaysia Book of Records had set a minimum target of 1,000 stamps. However, the total number of stamp design submissions Malaysia wide was a staggering 3,704.
“A total of 60 secondary schools and 55 primary schools from the whole country participated in the event,” Khasim said.
According to the organisers, this was the first time they had organised such a competition. Out of the 115 schools that had submitted entries for the competition, 40 were from Sarawak.
“SMK Petra Jaya had the highest number of designs submitted, a total of 691,” announced the organisers.
Officiating at the closing ceremony at the organising school, SMK Petra Jaya, of the ‘Exhibition and Competition for Most Stamp Designs’ (ReBeST) yesterday was Sarawak Education Department deputy director Abang Mat Ali Abang Masagus.
Among those present were representatives from POS Malaysia, Malaysia Book of Records and the Philatelic Society of Malaysia.
The sponsors of the national competition were Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Sarawak Energy Berhad and Hornbill Skyway Sdn Bhd.
