Sending A Mail From Malaysia: You Need To Know Your Stamp!
Do you know that we now have two different types of stamp? Oh yes, we do. With effective 1st October 2016, Malaysia have not only one type of stamp, but two: Domestic Stamps and International Stamps.
So it says the introduction of international stamps is to comply with Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations. To understand why, let’s get back to the basics. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a charged on all taxable domestic goods and services in Malaysia except those specifically exempted. International postal services is essentially transporting of mails from a place in Malaysia to a place outside Malaysia; it would be exempted from GST. These newly-introduced International Stamps are only legit for international mails, as it is GST-free. Domestic Stamps must be used for domestic mails, but these stamps can also be used for international mails. It goes without saying that if you use Domestic Stamps for international mails, you will be paying the GST for no reason.
These International Stamp has “International / Antarabangsa“ word on the stamp. There are eight stamps in the series: Festivals (10 cent), Local Fruits (20 cent, Unity (RM1), Places of Worship (RM2), Our Nation (RM5) and Handicrafts (RM20). Did you notice that 50 cent denomination is not in the line-up?
Well … if you are sending postcard to our neighboring countries, make sure that you leave enough space on the postcard or envelope for the stamps! God forbid if you need ninety cents worth of stamp!
Perhaps the only positive spin out of this new International Stamp is that it makes a nice collection for avid stamp collector.
If you would like to understand more about the GST for postal and courier, you might find the guidelines issued by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) here useful.
Update March 2017: Here is an example of domestic stamp. I paid RM 1.05 for a RM 1 stamp, including the 6% gst.
Update May 2017: 2 readers asked about the postage rate for international postcard – it seems that they received conflicting info, and that got my curiosity piqued. It’s confirmed that the postage rate for domestic is RM 0.30 (+gst) and international is RM 0.50, but must follow specifications below:
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Also, the word ‘ Postcard ‘ will appear on the front of the postcard. Like really? I never notice this ..
For international postage, if the postcard size exceeds the allowed size, the postcard will be categorized as an international mail. To calculate postage for international mail, follow this link here.
Read more about it on this link.
Hi, may i know how much for a postcard to be send to singapore? because i get different info from various sources. I was told RM1.20 to send out (but didnt mention big or small postcard, other place said RM0.50 for small postcard various RM2 for big postcard. i was confuse. Appreciate if u have info. Thanks.
Hi Calisc,
I paid RM 0.50 postage rate for a postcard to Thailand. Both Thailand and Singapore fall under Zone 1; same postage rate. As for postcard size, as I know, the postage rate is the same .. how big is your postcard, just out of curiosity? Make sure you use the International Stamps. RM 1.20 is for mail (air) such as letter, max weight of 1 kg allowed.
Hope this helps.
Hi Calisc,
Postage rate RM 0.50 is for all international postcards, but make sure that it is standard size – http://www.pos.com.my/postal-courier-services/general-mail/?postcards. Hope this helps.
Hi,
How much does it cost to send a small postcard to the UK? I was told RM 0.50 was enough several months ago but when I went to send it recently I was told to put more than one RM 0.50 stamp on.
Is there any website I can check prices on?
Thanks
Hi Jo,
There is a section for postage calculation on Pos Malaysia’s website, but for normal mails/parcels: http://www.pos.com.my/postal-services/quick-access/?calculate-postage.
Postage rate for postcard is RM 0.50 (exclusive of 6% GST) for international destinations, according to the info here http://www.pos.com.my/postal-courier-services/general-mail/?postcards. Not sure whether it is the latest info/rates. I sent them a tweet, will update when/if they reply me.
Hi Jo,
Confirmed that it’s RM 0.50 postage rate (+ 6% GST) for international destinations’ postcard.
Hi Jo,
According to Pos Malaysia, there is a specification for postcard – and details are here http://www.pos.com.my/postal-courier-services/general-mail/?postcards. Hope this helps!
Hi, Urgent!!!!
May i know how much stamp for a *letter* to be send to singapore by using a normal post? I just can find the rate within Malaysia and International Postcard only.
Hi Haloha,
There is a section for postage calculation on Pos Malaysia’s website, for normal mails/parcels: http://www.pos.com.my/postal-services/quick-access/?calculate-postage.
I’ve been slapping on 50cent stamps on all my postcards and some are not standard sizes. They all reach their destinations overseas unless they get lost of course. So as long as the postcard everyone is sending isn’t crazy large, just stick a 50c stamp on there. 🙂
Yeah, couldn’t agree more …
Hi,
can I know if I using an international stamp and a domestic stamp in one postcard(send to oversea) ,would I exempted from GST?
Hi Zombieysy,
For international postcard, you can and should use international stamps as these stamps are exempted from GST.
When you purchase domestic stamps, you’ll need to pay additional for GST; if you use a mix of international and domestic stamps, you’ll be paying GST for the domestic stamps.
Hope this clarifies.