The day started early enough with the regulars assembling as early before 06:30 am. The 08:30 am roll call was not spectacular. They were the regulars with a handful of speculators who turn up whenever there is a perceived hot issue.
However it soon dawned upon the group that most of the Miniature Sheets were allocated to Sabah and there was a shortage! Pos Malaysia put up a limit of 5 envelopes and 3 Miniature Sheets per person by around 08:45 am.
At that time, there were many disappointed faces. News came in the Shah Alam had plenty of stocks. Frantic phonecalls ensured. The situation in Penang, Sungai Petani and definitely Kota Kinabalu were almost similar with the Miniature Sheets flying off the counter. A few determined resellers went off to the outskirt General Post Offices to try their luck.
Ipoh and Johor Bahru were surprisingly quiet but…that can only last for a short time before the inevitable came: Stock Out!
Trains has always been a popular thematic topic and ever since the first KTM issue, it has been very well received. Coupled with a very well executed design, this issue was very much desirable. The correspondent report from Kota Kinabalu was that there was a huge crowd and long wait. This is very much related to Sabah and her history!
The designer, Mr KY Lim, made a surprising cameo appearance at about 10:00 am. Those around the philatelic bureau took the chance to have their envelopes, leaflets and folders autographed.
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