Date of Issue : 8 Sep 1990
Postmark : Kuala Lumpur
Denomination : 20 sen, 40 sen and RM1.00
Stamp Size : 30 mm x 28 mm (20 sen and 40 sen); 28 mm x 38 mm (RM1.00)
Paper : SPM Watermarked, Phosphor Coated
Printing Process : Lithography
International Literacy Year (ILY) 1990 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly at the request of UNESCO to draw global attention to the persistent problem of illiteracy and to encourage stronger literacy initiatives worldwide. The designation came at a time when UNESCO estimated that nearly 889 million people around the world were unable to read or write, despite education being recognised as a fundamental human right.
Marking a global commitment to education, this stamp issue by Pos Malaysia highlights the importance of reading and learning as foundations for personal and national development. The stamp designs feature colourful hand signs forming the letters A, B, C and D to symbolise the first steps of literacy (20 sen); humans holding hands around a globe to represent international cooperation and the shared commitment of nations to promote literacy for all (40 sen); and an open book resting on a globe alongside the United Nations emblem to portray literacy as a universal foundation for knowledge, understanding, and global progress (RM1.00).