Kuala lumpur: Efforts to preserve North Borneo stamps, which are now over 100 years old, are becoming increasingly important as these stamps become harder to find and to ensure that historical records and stories of Sabah's development from previous eras are not lost.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the founder and president of the Borneo History Association, Dr. Shari Jeffri, described the philatelic collection issued between 1883 and 1963 as a "living archive" that needs to be passed down to the younger generation and preserved for those to come. He noted that today's generation is less exposed to stamp collecting than in the past, with only a few enthusiasts still interested.
A BERNAMA survey of several antique shops around Kota Kinabalu revealed that these valuable collectibles are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and are being sold at high prices, depending on the age, condition, and rarity of each stamp. However, the survey did uncover an album containing a six-cent North Borneo stamp featuring a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II alongside a Dusun woman, as well as a 10-cent stamp depicting logging activities, issued between 1954 and 1961.
Dr. Shari shared that much of his collection was inherited from his late grandfather, who worked at the Recreation Club Jesselton in Kota Kinabalu during the 1920s. His grandfather began collecting stamps and postal artefacts after observing British officers who pursued the hobby, hoping to inspire the same interest among future generations. Dr. Shari was introduced to philately at the age of seven but only became an active collector during his secondary school years.
Among his most valuable possessions are two two-cent North Borneo stamps from the 1883 issue, featuring a brown sailing boat and bearing postmarks. He emphasized that for stamp collectors, a collection is considered incomplete without the 1883 issue, as every stamp is more than just a means of paying postage, but rather a storyline recording the events of a particular era.
Dr. Shari, who has been involved in philately for nearly 40 years, explained that North Borneo stamps were introduced in 1883 by the British North Borneo Chartered Company and remained in use for about 52 years. The design of the stamp changed over time, including in 1935, to more clearly reflect Sabah's identity, in addition to being issued in various denominations from two sen to one dollar.
In the early stages, the stamps featured symbols and images such as lions, boats, and tigers until around 1892, in addition to the motto Pergo et Perago (a Latin phrase that translates to 'I undertake and I achieve'). Beginning in 1894, the designs changed to feature Borneo's native flora, fauna, and wildlife. The biggest challenge today is ensuring they are stored in acid-free albums to prevent them from fading.
Dr. Shari also mentioned that stamps bearing complete postal cancellations are considered unique and rare, as well as more valuable because they display comprehensive postal information. He pointed out that the use of stamp paper with a layer of glue was an important feature in determining the authenticity and value of philatelic materials.
To deepen his knowledge regarding the authenticity of philatelic items, Dr. Shari sought guidance from experts in Singapore, Voon Kyam Foh and Tan Chun Lim, and referred to specialised catalogues such as Commonwealth and British Empire Stamps. Despite the shift towards digital communication, antique stamps from North Borneo remain invaluable witnesses to Sabah's historical journey and need to be preserved.