The British Military Administration of Malaysia

In the period from the end of the Second World War in Southeast Asia, to be precise, from September 1945 through April 1946, Malaysia was administered by the British Military Authority. In 1946, the Federation of Malaysia was established, consisting of the various constituent states. It was not until December 1, 1948, that 'own' stamps for the federation appeared. During the Military Rule, Straits Settlements stamps were issued featuring the image of King George VI. The series consisted of values ​​from 1 cent to 5 dollars. Not all values ​​were overprinted. The stamps were overprinted in either black or red. It is fairly easy to complete the series, even though the high values ​​are quite expensive. The 5 dollar stamp, in particular, which appears in two variants—originally in red and green, and also in orange and lilac—is somewhat harder to obtain. Are those the only variants? No; for example, the two cent, three cent, 10 cent, and 15 cent stamps can also be distinguished by the use of different printing plates and color nuances. These variants can be found in a good catalog. But one can also pay attention to other things, such as with the six-cent stamp. Just look at the king's forehead, nose, and upper lip. The lines in the second stamp do not continue. This variant was therefore given the name 'white face'. Furthermore, various types of paper were used, with watermarks, thin paper, chalky paper, and so on. These stamps therefore lend themselves perfectly to an extensive study. Tax stamps also occur with the imprint BMA MALAYA. Like the example of a tax stamp with a value of 100 dollars! Much harder to obtain, but belonging to this collecting area. And the text in the stamp impression? Stamp of Finance Kuala Lumpur. I personally collect these stamps used on private and business mail. Like the accompanying business envelope, which was sent by registered airmail from the capital Kuala Lumpur to Oxford in Great Britain on July 30, 1947. And what is most important to me is: has the rate and duty been paid correctly? In this case, it is entirely correct. The rate and duty for a standard letter by airmail was 50 cents (paid with the green stamp) and the airmail duty was 15 cents (paid with the blue stamp). An ideal piece of mail for my collection!