THE postal service has always been public centric. Connecting communities for over two centuries, the Malaysian postal services have been committed to serving the nation with unwavering devotion.
Postal services have undergone numerous changes since Malaya’s independence as Malaysia continues to move towards modernisation and innovation.
We are reminded of Malaysia’s rich history as we celebrate World Post Day 2023 (WPD 2023). This year’s theme, “Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future”, resonates deeply with the country’s journey towards digitalisation and interconnectedness.
The theme emphasises the significance of collaboration, trust and safety in creating a sustainable future and calls for a unified effort towards progress in the industry.
Amidst the continuous developments, Malaysia stands firm in observing the importance of
these values, paving the way towards a safe and connected world.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
The post office has always been a hub of buzzing activities since the start of its services. One would flock to the post office to await news and letters from afar, send telegrams to loved ones including pen pals and buy stamps for their collections.
Beyond the functional aspects, the post office was also a place where everyone could connect by sending and receiving messages of happiness and well-wishes in the form of letters and greeting cards.
In this way, postal services have always been an integral part of daily life, as they allow us to connect with our family, friends and communities worldwide.
The basis of postal and courier services was always to serve the people.
It is also commendable to note, as of August 2023, our local postal service, Pos Malaysia had rated an impressive 96% for ‘guaranteed delivery performance’ compared to the courier industry average of 78% in the courier challenge survey commissioned by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
On the global scale, Pos Malaysia has achieved a notable rating of seven out of 10 in terms of Postal Development Level, according to the 2022 Integrated Index for Postal Development (2IPD) report by the Universal Postal Union (UPU).
This achievement undeniably demonstrates the exceptional quality of our domestic postal services.
Over time, the postal services expanded to include Air Mail, which allowed for international postal deliveries via air starting from 1986.
It had its first Express Mail Service (EMS) subsequently, also in 1986, part of the UPU network.
Two years later, domestic express and courier services were introduced, and the distinguished brand that all of us are familiar with Pos Laju was born.
Pos Laju first started with delivery to five international destinations. Today, they can deliver to over 11 million addresses in Malaysia and 200 countries and territories worldwide.
The evolution of Malaysia’s postal services is a testament to the industry’s growth, constantly evolving to meet its customers’ everchanging demands and stay up to date with current and future trends that support digital economic growth, including e-commerce, which is at the forefront.
The Malaysian postal services also took a step further to introduce postal banking. Postal banking has been a significant addition to the range of services, allowing people nationwide to conduct banking transactions safely and securely, regardless of geographical challenges.
Postal banking was an essential part of the Malaysian financial landscape, providing people with a convenient and accessible way to manage their finances.
Postal orders and money orders were a convenient and accessible way for people to transfer money and make payments securely and reliably.
Some of you might also remember that In the early stages of postal banking, the introduction of the savings book or ‘buku simpanan’ made it even easier for everyone to access banking services, allowing them to save money using the services offered at the post office.
This further proves Malaysians’ trust in the postal services, which is effective and efficient.
Addressing critical issues such as safety and connectivity is important as the postal industry evolves. Hence, the role of postal services is crucial for reliable and secure communication for people and businesses across the globe.
As the postal services industry forefronts, the alliances with the countries where it networks promoting unity is as important as cooperation among nations and organisations to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the industry.
Global relevance and trust are paramount as countries function compatibly and within interoperable conditions.
Creating a system where countries work closely and compatibly while maintaining global relevance and trust is crucial.
This industry can only thrive and reach new heights by working together towards a common goal. To this end, the postal service in Malaysia remains forward-looking, resilient and ready to serve the nation’s demands.
As the postal industry continues to evolve, we must scale technological advancements and global quality standards in promoting trust through collaborative efforts for a safer and connected future.
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the postal services industry must continue to innovate and embrace new technologies to continue serving the people.
At the same time, the industry must look at a long term view and consider sustainability in its operations.
By embracing sustainability, our postal industry can create a more resilient and efficient system to benefit the environment and society.
With this, the postal industry in Malaysia is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future while continuing to serve the needs of its customers with the same dedication and commitment demonstrated for centuries.
Selamat menyambut Hari Pos Sedunia 2023!
