Preserving North Borneo stamps, now more than a century old, is becoming increasingly important as these rare artefacts grow harder to find, safeguarding a valuable record of Sabah's history and development.
Dr Shari Jeffri, 56, founder and president of the Borneo History Association, described the stamps issued between 1883 and 1963 as a "living archive" that should be preserved and passed on to future generations.
"Today's generation is less exposed to stamp collecting than in the past. Only a small number are genuinely interested, and the community of enthusiasts continues to shrink," he said.
A Bernama survey of antique shops in Kota Kinabalu found that North Borneo stamps have become increasingly scarce, with prices varying according to their age, condition and rarity.
Among the finds was an album containing a six-cent North Borneo stamp featuring Queen Elizabeth II alongside a Dusun woman, and a 10-cent stamp depicting logging activities, both issued between 1954 and 1961.
Shari said his passion for philately began with a collection inherited from his late grandfather, who worked at the Recreation Club Jesselton in Kota Kinabalu during the 1920s.
His grandfather took up stamp collecting after observing British officers pursuing the hobby and hoped to inspire the same interest in future generations.
Although introduced to philately at the age of seven, Shari only became an active collector during his secondary school years. Since then, he has carefully preserved his family's collection, which deepened his interest in researching the history and evolution of North Borneo stamps.
Among his prized possessions are two two-cent North Borneo stamps from the inaugural 1883 issue, featuring a brown sailing boat and complete postmarks.
"For stamp collectors, a collection is incomplete without the 1883 issue. Every stamp is more than proof of postage; it tells the story of a particular era," he said.
A philatelist for nearly 40 years, Shari said North Borneo stamps were first issued in 1883 by the British North Borneo Chartered Company and remained in circulation for about 52 years.
He said the designs evolved over time, with the 1935 series more clearly reflecting Sabah's identity and appearing in denominations ranging from two cents to one dollar.
The earliest stamps featured symbols such as lions, boats and tigers, together with the Latin motto Pergo et Perago ("I undertake and I achieve"), as part of efforts to introduce the territory to the outside world.
"From 1894 onwards, the designs shifted to Borneo's native flora, fauna and wildlife. The biggest challenge today is preserving them in acid-free albums to prevent fading," he said.
Shari added that stamps bearing complete postal cancellations are especially prized, as they provide detailed postal records, including the mailing date, post office, time and place of posting.
He also said the paper and adhesive used on a stamp are key indicators of its authenticity and value.
To strengthen his expertise, Shari studied under Singaporean philatelic experts Voon Kyam Foh and Tan Chun Lim, while also consulting specialised references such as the Commonwealth & British Empire Stamps catalogue.
Although letter writing has largely given way to digital communication, North Borneo's antique stamps remain enduring witnesses to Sabah's past and deserve continued preservation for future generations. – Bernama
