Vintage charm: Lee writing his own postcard for the first time before mailing it in George Town, Penang. — Andy Lo/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: For six-year-old Lee Yan Zen, sending out his first postcard was something to cherish.
While on vacation in Penang, he eagerly perused postcard racks looking for an ideal image of the state, and then excitedly penned a message for his elder brother in Ipoh.
Four days later, the postcard arrived at his sibling’s doorstep, completing their “postcard connection” across the cities.
“I wanted to show him what he was missing.
“The photo of colonial building doors in Penang was so nice. It was worth the effort of sending the postcard,” said Yan Zen, who accompanied his mother, Tang Lai Yee, 38, during their recent holiday up north.
Dickie Ten, owner of The Postcard Shop, said postcards remained a popular souvenir item, with many still using them.
“It represents a thoughtful gesture from the sender, from selecting and penning the words to adding a stamp and mailing it,” he said.
Ten, 53, said his strong interest in postcards and the role it played in connecting people all over the world inspired him to start the business.
“A postcard not only preserves memories of travels but also offers a glimpse into the era, culture and lifestyles of the time they’re sent,” he added.
Another gallery shop owner, Howard Tan, 49, said postcards are being sold now as travel memorabilia.
“About 15% of my monthly sales come from postcards.
“I have theme sets on local street architecture, landmarks and animals, which I designed myself. Selling them in sets makes it more lucrative,” he said.
Pos Malaysia Bhd Philately head Haidan Abdul Rahman said postcards were still popular, as it was a great way to connect with family, friends and even strangers.
“It keeps the art of letter writing and penmanship alive in our digital age.
“They are little works of art, cherished by collectors for their beauty and the stories they tell, making each postcard a piece of history,” he said.
Pos Malaysia issued a set of 13 postcard designs for World Postcard Day on Oct 1, depicting its iconic electric van and electric bike, as well as iconic postboxes from various locations across Malaysia.
The collection also showcased Malaysia’s national bird, the majestic Hornbill, and vibrant illustrations of local fruits.
Currently, the cost of sending a postcard is 30sen within Malaysia and 90sen internationally.
