+ Issue Date : 21/01/2009
+ Classification : Postage Stamp
+ Emission : Special
+ Designer : Teh Yew Kiang
+ Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd
+ Printing : Lithography
+ Paper : Phosphorized / Phospor Coated
+ Watermark : SPM
+ Perforations : 13½
+ Separations : Normal Perforations
+ Gum Type : Gum
+ Shape : Rectangular
+ Orientation : Horizontal
Unique Birds Of...? Malaysia – 4 March 2009
POS Malaysia has withdrawn the Unique Birds of Malaysia miniature sheet issued 21 January 2009 after it was discovered the RM5 stamp lacked the country name and date. The error occurred when last minute changes were made to the black plate to correct a spelling mistake in the bird's scientific name, Aceros subruficollis. During the editing process the country name and year were knocked out. The mistake wasn't spotted until several days after the miniature sheet had been placed on sale. There has been no official statement from POS Malaysia regarding the quantity of incorrect miniature sheets in circulation, but unofficial sources suggest up to 10,000 may have been sold (which includes standing order and first day cover customers).
Posters and other pre-release material carry images of the miniature sheet with 'Malaysia 2009' on the stamp and the erroneous spelling of the bird's name.
To date, there has been no indication when or if a corrected miniature sheet will be available. However, an overprinted version of the miniature sheet (which includes re-inserted country name and date) will be available to highlight the China 2009 World Stamp Exhibition (from 10-16 April in Luoyang).
Excerpt from Ian Choong:
The miniature sheet appears to have a major error - the word of Malaysia is not printed on the stamp area of the miniature sheet. The error seems to have violated the UPU rule. I have learnt that Pos Malaysia has withdrawn the sale of the minature sheet since February 3, 2009.
