STAMP, coin and collectable enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Malayan Banknote Fair (MBF) returns to 1st Avenue Mall, Penang, from tomorrow (April 25) until Sunday (April 27). The fair will be open daily from 10am to 9pm.
Organised by BrainWay Event Management, MBF was first held over 15 years ago, and this year marks its eighth international edition.
“We’re excited to welcome participants from Australia, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Myanmar, Hong Kong and various states across Malaysia,” said BrainWay director Richard Lim in an interview with Buletin Mutiara.
“This event is a great opportunity for collectors, traders and hobbyists to showcase their unique collections – from old banknotes, coins, and stamps to First Day Covers and collectable toys. Visitors can also learn about the rich history and culture behind many of the items,” said Lim, who runs a shop called Old Stories at Prangin Mall.
A highlight of this year’s fair is the release of an officially published Fantasy Note featuring the iconic Snake Temple, in celebration of the Year of the Snake according to the Lunar calendar.
“Fantasy Notes resemble real currency but hold no monetary value. They are created purely for collecting purposes,” Lim explained. “Only 1,000 pieces will be available, priced at RM35 each. Each year, we produce a different design based on landmarks or celebrations. Previous editions featured Komtar, the Penang ferry, a commemorative coin, and the Penang Miao Hui during Chinese New Year.”
In collaboration with Pos Malaysia, MBF will also offer a unique ‘Setem Ku’ service that allows visitors to personalise stamps with their own photos. For RM28, visitors will receive 10 customised 60-sen stamps.
“In the past, only very important people like sultans and prime ministers had their images on stamps,” Lim said. “Now, anyone can have a personalised stamp. All visitors need to do is WhatsApp their photos – perhaps from an anniversary, birthday or other memorable occasion – to the Pos Malaysia team at the fair.”
Lim noted that while stamp usage was once commonplace, it is a novelty for many younger people today who have never sent postcards or letters with stamps.
The exhibition will also feature the historical evolution of Malaysia’s currency, from the British colonial era and Japanese Occupation to the issuance of Malaysia’s own currency in 1967, a decade after gaining independence in 1957.
Among the rare items on display is a Japanese map from 1942, showing plans for an Air Itam Dam that was never built due to Japan’s defeat in World War II.
Besides specialising in stamp and banknote collections, Lim’s company is also actively involved in organising events related to eSports, anime, and cosplay. In fact, this September, it plans to host a major exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II, aimed at further promoting historical education and cultural awareness.
Komtar assemblyman and antique collector Teh Lai Heng will officiate the opening ceremony of the Penang International Malayan Banknote & Stamps Fair at the Event Hall, 2nd floor, 1st Avenue Mall, at 2.30pm tomorrow.
As part of the fair’s programme, a talk titled ‘Scammers and Cyber Crime’ will be delivered by DSP Pang Meng Tuck, Deputy Head of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (Intelligence/Operations), at 11am on April 26 (Saturday), also at the event hall.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by M. Daneswaran