Well, even before we buy the Postal History of Kedah stamps, the images of the woodpecker issue has been released! I must say it is a very nice issue. The date is a bit of a play on 2013. It will be issued on 13 January 2013 – a SUNDAY! Knowing Pos Malaysia, we can buy it on Monday 14 January 2013.
If you would like to order, I have opened an Advance Order service for a set of stamp on FDC and MS on FDC. They will be properly tied to the envelope unlike the Pos Malaysia image. Same high quality and reliable service as you have been accustomed to. For overseas customers, same process, either drop me a note on your requirement here or use “Ask a Question” in eBay. If you need stamps, MS or folders, drop me a note or “Ask a Question” in eBay.
The following images are from Pos Malaysia.
So here are the stamps:
Stamp sheetlets:
Here is the miniature sheet:
The FDCs:
Even the folder looks great!
A tab bit expensive on the MS again!! Again I remind you that images can change and the date of issue is also subjected to changes!
Updated 13.1.13:
I went to a local post office which was open on Sunday in KL. Surprise! They even have miniature sheets! “RED ALERT: Over Printing!” A few non-collectors were attracted by the design a bought a few sets. There were more envelopes than usual (as mentioned in the press a total of 40,000 envelopes were printed – far more than usual). I still cannot figure out what is so special about 13.1.13. Even when I type out the date, I am still lost as to the significance.
Tomorrow, I will go for my Next Day Cover (a peculiarity in Malaysian Philately nowadays which should NOT be done) and folders in Dayabumi HQ. I am expecting a light queue. I was wondering….. Next Gen making a trend of Next Day Covers?
Updated 14.1.13:
I got my Next Day Cover!! The queue as expected is still very light. Are we going back to the Dark Ages of the early 2000 era? The usual dealers, collectors etc. were around.
I just put out the following if you are interested (unlisted are the FDCs and MS – ask if you want, I have a spare here and there):
Title Block (Mint): http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/Title-Blocks-Woodpecker-Malaysia-2013-MINT-/360563638508?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_207&hash=item53f34480ec
Miniature Sheet (Mint): http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/360565842618?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
After relisting check out: http://www.ebay.com.my/sch/sky52200/m.html?hash=item53f34466ed&item=360563631853&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_207&rt=nc&_trksid=p4340.l2562
Enjoy!
Updated 16 January 2013:
I found a variation in the embossing. The left most woddpecker’s head has less embossing (refer to the picture below). The picture from the front does not show the embossing so well.
Check out your own miniature sheets.
If you want a piece I have a few available: http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/360571700901?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649
sky52200
myfdc 
Any special cancellation for this issue, any specify location – chung780131
Dear Mr. C,
Thanks for dropping by. I have checked the locations of post offices, none bears the name Belatuk even though there are Jalan Belatuk and Taman Belatuk. I have not received news of any special launch locations. The usual launch is in Dayabumi. I plan to only make normal KL cancels.
sky52200
Miniature sheets are always so expensive here. Tsk 😀 But this one seems nice. Too bad it was delayed to 2013.
Hello J.O.,
I agree the price of the MS has gone too high for general collectors.
It seems Pos Malaysia is holding the price of MS at RM 5.00. The second issue (Exotic Pets) will have a snake MS at RM 5.00 too (by the way the second issue is planned on 05 February 2013 and will be celebrating the Year of the Snake as well).
The queues and demand for MS has dropped a lot since Melaka 750 issue which went up to 750 sen!
I agree it is a nice issue. At least it is finally going to be released (after all the postponements)!
sky52200
I don’t mind buying if it’s nice, but sometimes, they really do come up with designs, as opposed to some overseas issues which are really cool 🙂 Oh, so the Exotic Pets issue will be released in conjunction with the Year of the Snake?
I agree. Some looks like rush job.
The planned Exotic Pets (note the word planned) is supposed to have 60 sen, 80 sen and RM 1.00 plus RM 5.00 MS. The MS is a snake with a stylised 2013 in the shadow of a snake. It is supposed to coincide with the Lunar Year (remember Childrens Pets issue with rabbits in the Year of the Rabbit?). Once I get a proper image I will post it. Currently the images belongs to others and it is unethical to re-post without permission.
sky52200