Ampang rail deal a timely boost for MRCB

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on August 18 2011

The RM1.33 billion Ampang rail contract won by the Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) has come in the nick of time to save its order book and earnings from falling, analysts said.

As at June 30 this year, MRCB's order book is worth RM1.24 billion and mostly comprises property development activities at its Kuala Lumpur Sentral project in Brickfields.

External contracts worth RM312 million include construction jobs to build a highway, hospital and college in Johor. These projects are due to be completed by early next year.

"It is a good time to replenish to give MRCB longer visibility and a good jump in construction earnings," Maybank Investment Bank head of research Wong Chew Hann told Business Times.

Wong expects the recognition from construction activities to be more meaningful from next year, led by the rail project.

MRCB on Tuesday announced that its unit, MRCB Engineering Sdn Bhd, won the Ampang light rail transit (LRT) contract from Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd, and also a sub-contract worth RM67.2 million from Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd, for the fabrication and delivery of segmental box girders for the Kelana Jaya LRT extension project.

An analyst with OSK Investment Bank said it is crucial for MRCB to get the contract to strengthen its financial position.

OSK has a "buy" call on the stock with a target price of RM3.30.

MIDF Research expects significant contribution from the contract to kick in next year and has raised its earnings forecast for fiscal 2012 by 29 per cent.

It has also upgraded its recommendation to "buy" with a target price of RM2.66.

MIDF analyst Sean Liong Cheng Fatt believes MRCB is in the running for the mass rapid transit project.

Jonathan Lai, an equity analyst at UOB KayHian, said assuming a 5 per cent margin, it expects a pre-tax profit contribution of about RM20 million per year for MRCB from 2012 until 2014.

UOB KayHian is maintaining its "buy" call on MRCB with a target price of RM3.02.

"Our positive conviction on MRCB is reinforced after the recent award. We continue to believe in its imminent growth going forward, largely emanating from the strong performance in KL Sentral, potential development in RRI land, Sg Buloh, "River of Life" project and more prime land acquisitions in the pipeline," he told Business Times.

Kenanga Research estimates MRCB's revenue to increase to RM1.16 billion this year and RM1.64 billion next year from the RM1.07 billion in 2010.

It also expects pre-tax profit to rise to RM94.6 million and RM181.3 million in 2011 and 2012 respectively, compared to the RM67.3 million posted last year.

Kenanga is keeping the share as "outperform" with a higher target price of RM3.44.

-ENDS-

SP Setia land buy seen as "relatively cheap

By Sharen Kaur
Published in NST on August 16 2011


SP SETIA Bhd's recent land purchase in Ulu Langat, Selangor, is considered relatively cheap compared to what UEM Land Holdings Bhd had paid for in the same location last December.

Last Friday, SP Setia said it would pay RM330.1 million or RM7.50 per sq ft (psf) for a 404ha of land, almost half of the RM13.30 psf price tag that UEM had paid for 186ha.

SP Setia plans to undertake a mixed development project, with potential to generate a gross development value of RM3.5 billion. The eight-year project is expected to start in 2013.

ECM Libra Investment Bank said assuming an 18 per cent net margin, the project will generate net profit of RM630 million over the development period.

The research house is maintaining its target price of RM4 on SP Setia shares.

SP Setia, Malaysia's most valuable property company with a market capitalisation of nearly RM6.85 billion, closed at RM3.84 a share yesterday.

AmResearch also reaffirmed a "buy" call on SP Setia at a fair value of RM5.41 per share.

"We gather the maiden launch will be kicked off with affordable houses, with typical link houses in the region of RM300,000 to RM350,000 per unit," AmResearch said.

OSK Research Sdn Bhd is maintaining its "buy" call on SP Setia with an unchanged fair value of RM4.82. It is positive on the acquisition and the proposed development as it believes it will enable SP Setia to tap strong demand for attractively-priced homes by first-time owners and other home buyers in the Semenyih-Kajang corridor.

Kenanga Research expects the project to contribute significantly to SP Setia's earnings in its financial years 2013/2014 onwards. It is maintaining the fair value of SP Setia at RM4.73.

Hong Leong Financial Group is maintaining a "hold" call on SP Setia as it does not expect any significant impact for its fiscal years 2011 to 2013.

"We expect SP Setia to focus on existing projects such as KL Eco City, Setia Alam/Eco Park, Setia Sky Residences and Fulton Lane in Melbourne during the period," said its analyst, Joanne Wong Pui Mei.


-ENDS-

KTMB keen on Saudi high-speed rail project

By Sharen Kaur
Published in NST on August 9 2011
 National railway company Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) aims to work on the Haramain high-speed rail project in Saudi Arabia to gain expertise so it could undertake a similar project here.

The US$6 billion (RM18.06 billion) Haramain project involves a 450km rail link between Makkah (Mecca) and Madinah. The project has commenced and is expected to be completed by end-2012.

KTMB president Dr Aminuddin Adnan said it has sent several staff to the project site to lobby for contracts.

"We believe with the expertise and exposure gained, we will be ready when Malaysia decides to implement its own high-speed rail project from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore.

"We want to grab the opportunity to work on the high-speed project," Aminuddin said in an interview with Business Times recently in Kuala Lumpur.

The KL-Singapore high-speed rail job, estimated to cost RM8 billion to RM14 billion, will stretch about 400km and reduce travel time to 90 minutes from the current seven hours.

YTL Corp Bhd first mooted the idea to build a high-speed rail in the late 1990s, and then, in 2006. The project was put on hold in April 2008 due to high cost to the government, estimated at about RM8 billion.

By the middle of 2009, YTL again revived talk on the project and expressed hope that the government would relook at the proposal.

In 2010, Malaysia made a proposal to revive the project.

Performance Management and Delivery Unit director Ahmad Suhaili said recently that a pre-feasibility study for the rail project will be concluded on August 19 and submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Ahmad said the study would allow the government to decide on the corridors and stations to be located between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

New life in KL plan

By Sharen Kaur

sharen@nstp.com.my

Published in NST on August 15 2011

Urban regeneration projects in Malaysia may be given a new breath of life with the RM9 billion Tamansari Riverside Garden City development in Kuala Lumpur starting soon.

The first regeneration project for Malaysia was the development of Subang Jaya in Selangor in the 1960s, initiated by second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak.

The idea was later mooted by Tun Abdul Razak to regenerate the Pekeliling flats area, located along Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Pahang in the 1970s, which is now known as Tamansari.

Pekeliling flats were among the city’s earliest public housing projects, dating back to 1967.

“We believe Tamansari will stir interest among developers to start a new chapter in real estate development,” Tamansari developer Asie Sdn Bhd founder Datuk Khalil Asahah said.

Khalil said developers are less interested in undertaking regeneration projects because of the amount of work and investments involved to clear land, demolish structures and relocate people.

“It is difficult to get support from banks and that is why urban regeneration projects in Malaysia cannot move forward. We went through many difficulties but have overcome them today,” he said in an interview with Business Times recently.

Asie has full rights and approvals to build residential and commercial properties, malls and retail on 23ha at Tamansari.
It signed the privatisation agreement in 1999 with the government. Under the deal, it is required to build 3,500 units of public housing and facilities in exchange for the land.
Khalil claimed that Asie has invested a substantial amount since 1973, the time it first bid for the project.

The first round of bids was in 1973, attracting more than 1,000 proposals. But the project was put on the back burner after Tun Abdul Razak’s passing in 1976.

A fresh bid was called for in 1997 and three business models were shortlisted including the one by Asie.
Asie won the bid as it submitted the most competitive proposal.

Despite getting approval from a local bank to fund the project, it was put on hold following the Asian financial crisis in 1997/1998.

Then in 2005, Asie obtained financing from Bank Pembangunan to build public houses in Taman Melawati so it could relocate the people staying at Pekeliling flats. Asie has handed over 3,000 units as at end-2006.

In 2009, the collapse of Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch led to the project being put on hold again.

“After 30 years of waiting, we have cleared 30 per cent of the land and awarded Mah Sing a contract to build properties for RM900 million,” Khalil said.

Asie expects to award two more contracts by year-end to build properties worth over RM1 billion.

A fresh bid was called for in 1997 and three business models were shortlisted including the one by Asie.
Asie won the bid as it submitted the most competitive proposal.

Despite getting approval from a local bank to fund the project, it was put on hold following the Asian financial crisis in 1997/1998.

Then in 2005, Asie obtained financing from Bank Pembangunan to build public houses in Taman Melawati so it could relocate the people staying at Pekeliling flats. Asie has handed over 3,000 units as at end-2006.

In 2009, the collapse of Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch led to the project being put on hold again.

“After 30 years of waiting, we have cleared 30 per cent of the land and awarded Mah Sing a contract to build properties for RM900 million,” Khalil said.

Asie expects to award two more contracts by year-end to build properties worth more than RM1 billion.

-ENDS-

Asie: Two more property deals by year-end

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on August 10 2011

Kuala Lumpur: Asie Sdn Bhd expects to give out at least two more contracts by year-end to help develop properties worth over RM1 billion at its Tamansari Riverside Garden City urban regeneration project in Kuala Lumpur.

Its founder, Datuk Khalil Akasah, said Asie is in talks with several local and foreign developers which have expressed interest to undertake joint venture developments with the company.

"The Tamansari project will finally breathe fresh air after waiting so long to kick-start. We are upbeat about the project, which has garnered a lot of investors' interest," Khalil said in an interview yesterday.

The urban regeneration project was mooted some 30 years ago by Malaysia's second prime minister, the late Tun Abdul Razak.

On August 2, Asie gave out its first contract for the RM9 billion Tamansari project to Mah Sing Group Bhd, Malaysia's fifth largest property developer by revenue.

The contract given to Mah Sing entails it to undertake a niche development on 1.6ha. Called M Sentral, it will feature serviced residences and retail lots worth a combined RM900 million.

Khalil said the project will be undertaken by several developers to ensure its success.

"We are not going to depend on just one player such as Mah Sing to do the job. We will replicate what MRCB did for KL Sentral where it parcelled out the land development to several players," Khalil said.

Located on 23ha along Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Pahang; the former site of the Tunku Abdul Rahman flats or Pekeliling flats, the 10- to 15-year project is envisaged to be bigger than Mid Valley City.

Asie signed the privatisation agreement in 1999, obtaining full rights and approvals to build residential and commercial properties, leisure, recreation and infrastructure facilities on 14 parcels of development land.

Under the deal, Asie is required to construct 3,500 units of public housing and facilities in exchange for the 23ha land. Asie has built and handed over 3,000 units in 2006.

-ENDS-

Sikh gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore: an illustrated history, 1873-2003

By SIMRIT KAUR SIMRIT KAUR finds out what inspired an author to visit over 100 gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore and write a landmark book on them. THE gurdwara (place of worship) is central to the Sikh religion, which is congregational in nature. To a Sikh, the gurdwara is an “oasis where he can connect with the culture and heritage of Punjab”. The establishment of gurdwaras in the early days was closely linked to the police force as most of the Sikhs who migrated to Malaysia in the late 19th century came as policemen. The first Sikhs arrived in Malaysia in the 1870s during the Third Larut War. This resulted in the inception of the Sikh Police Force in Taiping, Perak, in 1873. Other than the police force, the Sikhs also played a large role in the transportation industry in the tin-mine states of Perak, Selangor and Negri Sembilan. The chief mode of transportation back then was the bullock cart. Wherever there were Sikhs, a gurdwara was sure to follow. The early Sikh gurdwaras were established in barrack compounds, including the first gurdwara in Malaysia, which was built in 1881 in Fort Cornwallis, Penang. Gurdwaras became a focal point for all Sikh religious, cultural and community activities. Until the 1950s most Sikh gurdwaras were simple and functional structures which were made of wood. Gradually the old gurdwaras were demolished to make way for single or double-storey brick buildings, with traditional Sikh architectural elements including gold or yellow domes. The Sikh holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, occupies pride of the place in all gurdwaras. It is placed on a dais in the main prayer hall.                                     A passion for history and a lifelong connection with gurdwaras led Saran Singh Sidhu to write a book on the subject. He started this monumental task in the year 2000, and four years later, his efforts have been realised with the publication of Sikh Gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore: An Illustrated History 1873-2003, a comprehensive, 520-page hardcover book. “I realised that there was no historical record chronicling the past 130 years of Sikh gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore. I spent more than three years travelling around the country visiting gurdwaras, taking photographs, and interviewing people in my attempt to document the history of gurdwaras,” he says in an interview at his home in Bangsar Baru, Kuala Lumpur. In writing the book, Saran Singh, 59, visited all 119 gurdwaras in Malaysia and seven in Singapore. Part of the book’s attraction lies in its over 700 photographs including rare black and white prints from the early 20th century. In writing his book Sikh Gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore: An Illustrated History 1873-2003, Saran Singh Sidhu visited all 119 gurdwaras in Malaysia and seven in Singapore. Many of the photographs have never been published before. They have been discovered through the author’s diligence and the helpfulness of many Sikhs across the world who contributed family photographs. A talented amateur photographer, Saran took many of the pictures in the book. “My only regret is that some of the old gurdwara buildings’ photographs either do not exist or could not be traced. This is rather sad as photographs by themselves say a thousand words.” In the book, gurdwaras are arranged according to state. Not surprisingly, Perak, where most of the early Sikhs settled, has the most number of gurdwaras, 42, followed by Selangor with 22 and Kuala Lumpur with 13. One Malaysian state has no gurdwara – Terengganu, although Kelantan has three. Saran does not forget the contributions of the present and past governments in support of Sikh gurdwaras. Many state governments allotted land as temple reserves and also gave financial aid in the construction of several gurdwaras. The book also includes stirring biographies of four Sikh saints: Baba Gopal Singh Ji from Perak, Sant Baba Jewala Singh Ji also from Perak, Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji from Malacca and Saint Soldier Bhai Maharaj Singh Ji from Singapore. Bhai Maharaj was 125 years old when he passed away and there is a memorial in his honour located at Gurdwara Sahib Silat Road in Singapore. Saran’s book is a comprehensive, well researched, and in-depth account of Sikh gurdwaras. Non-Sikh history lovers will also be able to appreciate it as he has given a glossary at the end of the book of common Sikh words and expressions. There is also a succinct summary of the Sikh religion as well as the significance of the gurdwara. Also explained are the Sikh flag, emblem, holy book, ceremonies and practices including Guru Ka Langgar (free vegetarian food served to all). Especially interesting is the account of the establishment of the Wadda Gurdwara Sahib Penang, originally known as the Diamond Jubilee Sikh Temple. It celebrated its 100th anniversary three years ago and was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, hence its name. Another notable gurdwara that is written about at length is Gurdwara Sahib Tatt Khalsa in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, which is believed to have the largest prayer hall in South-East Asia. Other significant gurdwaras with interesting histories include the oldest gurdwara that still maintains its original structure, Gurdwara Sahib Police Jalan Parlimen, Kuala Lumpur, which was built in 1890. Asked why he had chosen to put Gurdwara Sabib Labuan in Sabah on the cover of his book, Saran simply says that it is “the most beautiful gurdwara in Malaysia”. The gurdwara cost RM1.5mil to build and was officially opened in the year 2000. It is apt that the Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia is the publisher of the book. This national Sikh youth organisation was set up in 1967 with the aim of maintaining Sikh culture and heritage among the younger generation and Saran is a life member. Some descriptions in the book are rather brief but this is through no fault of the author’s. “It was unfortunate that early written records, documents or secretary’s minutes for many of the gurdwaras were not available, resulting in a brief write-up for some of the gurdwaras,” he explains. Writing the book has given Saran a great sense of satisfaction. “My dream (of doing) a service for the Sikh community has been accomplished with the publication of this book,” he says. -ENDS-

THE PRIVATE CURRENCY NOTES OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF MALAYA

By Saran Singh AMN, PNM, FRNS

Kuala Lumpur

The Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) was established in Malaya under the leadership of Lai Teok @ Wong Kim Geok in 1930. When the Japanese captured Malaya and Singapore by February 1942, the CPM set up the Malayan Peoples Anti Japanese Army ( MPAJA ). After the Japanese surrender on 15^th August 1945, the Communist Party of Malaya was virtually in control of Malaya for about three weeks until the British took full administrative control in September 1945. The MPAJA officially disbanded on 1^st December 1945, but in name only. Its’ members were by then involving themselves in the political scene in Malaya.

In 1947, Chin Peng @ Ong Boon Hua took over the control of the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) as it’s Secretary-General. He commenced terrorist activities against the British so as to drive them out of Malaya and thus establish communist rule in the country. This led to the declaration of Emergency in Malaya on 16^th June 1948 by Sir Edward Gent, the British High Commissioner to Malaya. The Communist Party of Malaya was banned and thus commenced 12 years of bitter jungle warfare. The Baling peace talks in Kedah held on 28/29^th December 1955 between Chin Peng, Chen Tien and Rashid Maidin of the CPM and Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj, Tan Cheng Lock and David Marshall from the Government were a failure. Eventually, the Government’s efforts in the heart and minds campaign and the resettlement of villages in sensitive areas programme, won over the people and the communists were driven back into the jungle.

On 31^st July 1960, the Malaya Emergency period came to an end and the remnants of the Communist Party of Malaya members went across the border to Southern Thailand where they continued to pose a threat to Malaya.

Finally on 2^nd December 1989, the Communist Party of Malaya leaders signed a peace agreement with the Government of Malaysia at Haadyai in Southern Thailand. The CPM was represented by Chin Peng (Secretary-General), Abdullah C.D. (Chairman) and Rashid Maidin (Central Committee Member). The Malaysian Government was represented by Dato Haji Wan Sidek bin Haji Wan Abdul Rahman (Secretary General, Ministry of Home Affairs), General Tan Sri Hashim bin Mohd Ali (Chief of Defence Forces, Malaysia) and Tan Sri Mohd Haniff bin Omar (Inspector General, Royal Malaysian Police). This peace agreement was witnessed by the representatives of the government of the Kingdom of Thailand. By this agreement and consistent with their objective for peace, the Communist Party of Malaya agreed to cease all armed activities, disband all its armed units, destroy all arms, ammunition, explosives and booby traps. On its part, the Malaysian government agreed to allow the members of the CPM of Malaysian origin to settle in Malaysia and assist them to start their peaceful life afresh in accordance with the laws of Malaysia.

Private notes

In 1955, the North Johor Regional Committee ( NJRC ) of the Communist Party of Malaya issued private notes for use in areas under their control. These notes are believed to have been issued in denominations of 5 Cents, 10 Cents, 50 Cents, One Dollar and Five Dollars. These private notes were printed entirely in Chinese, translated e.g. “Yit Chiao ( 10 Cents ) or Wu Chiao ( 50 Cents ). Lou Thung Kin (Legal Tender), Ma-loy-ya Kung Ch’an Tong Jou Pei Ti Wei Hui Fat (Malayan Communist Party North Johore Regional Committee issue). Signed by Mah Lit Min, Choy Ching (Treasurer)”. The bust of Lenin with the star and sickle above. The Serial Number and the year date “ 1955 ” below. The size of the 5 Cents is 90 mm x 65 mm. These noted were printed in Black on white paper by a local printer (name unknown). All these notes are extremely rare.                                                                                                    

Reference: “Paper Money of the 20^th Century” Volume I Appendix ix Pages A8 – A9

                    Published by the International Bank Note Society, U.S.A. ( 1973 )

(Approval to print this article was obtained from Polis Diraja Malaysia, Bukit Aman, Kuala Lumpur, vide their letter reference KPN 73 dated 19^th September 1991).

(This article was originally published in the Malaysia Numismatic Society Bulletin, Volume 22 No.10, Sept/Oct 1991)

CURRENCY OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS 1865 – 1921.

CURRENCY OF THE STRAITS SETTLEMENTS 1865 – 1921.
 by Saran Singh AMN, FRNS

Prior to 1898 the principal monetary unit in the Straits Settlements was the Mexican Dollar which had gradually replaced the earlier Spanish Dollars.  Vide order of the Governor in Council of 10^th January 1874, (under Ordinance of 1867), the American Trade Dollar and the Japanese Yen (which had been modelled on the Hong Kong Dollars) were admitted to the Straits Settlements as unlimited legal tender on equal parity with the Mexican Dollar.  In 1895 the British Trade Dollars were introduced with legal tender status.  The subsidiary coinage for the Straits Settlements consisted of the ¼, ½, 1, 5, 10 and 20 cents introduced between 1871 – 1872 and the 50 cents introduced in 1886.  There were no official banknote issues by the Government.  The banknotes in circulation were issued by three private banks.  By 31^st December 1891, the total amount of currency notes in circulation were as follows:

Note: The Oriental Bank Corporation which had been formed on 30^th Aug 1851 under Royal Charter had a branch in Singapore.  This bank collapsed in early 1884 and the outstanding notes issued by its Singapore branch amounting to over $300,900 had to be cashed by the abovementioned private banks so as to maintain their own reputations.

On 1^st May 1899 the Straits Settlements Government issued its first series of banknotes in denominations of $5, $10, $50 and $100 dated 1^st September 1898, which circulated at par with the Mexican Dollar and the banknotes issued by the two remaining private banks.  The first issue of the $1 note was dated 1^st September 1906 followed by the $1000 note dated 17^th March 1911.

In 1903 and 1904 the first Dollar silver coins for the Straits Settlements were released.  The Mexican Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar and the British Trade Dollar coins were demonetized with effect from 31^st August 1904 and replaced by the new Straits dollar.

In January 1906 the Straits Settlements had adopted the gold exchange standard.  A gold value of 2 shillings 4 pence was given to the Straits Settlements Dollar by the Government which also authorized the Board of Currency Commissioners to receive gold at the rate of £7 for Straits $60.00.

By November 1906, the first Straits Settlements large silver dollars (.900 fine, 26.95 gms, 37.3 mm) dated 1903 and 1904 became intrinsically worth their face value.  A second series of smaller Straits dollars of a lower silver weight (.900 fine, 20.21 gms, 34.3 mm) were struck between 1907 – 1909.

This series also became overvalued by August 1917 and was subsequently replaced by a third issue of a further reduced silver content and weight, (.500 fine, 16.84 gms, 34.1 mm) dated 1919 and 1920.

Early in 1917, there were also difficulties connected with the subsidiary silver coinage (5, 10, 20 and 50 cents). This was due mainly to the high and ever rising price of silver and its increasing scarcity owing to the world demand for the metal. This led to a shortage of small change. To overcome the problem, the Government decided to issue new subsidiary coins of the same denomination but with only .400 fine silver content as against the pre-war .600 fine silver coins. Pending the issue of these new coins and to overcome the acute shortage, the Government vide ‘The Legal Tender Enactment 1913 and Amendment Enactment 1917’, issued Emergency 10 Cents and 25 Cents banknotes in 1917. The first issues printed by the Government Survey Office in Kuala Lumpur were rather crude and poorly printed but were gradually improved and proved popular with the people. The 10 Cents Emergency note bearing various dates was issued from 1^st October 1917 to 10^th June 1920. The 25 Cents Emergency note was undated but was issued between 1917 – 1918.

On 29^th August 1918 ‘The Legal Tender (Supplementary) Enactment 1918’ came into force which provided for the issuance of the 5, 10 and 20 cents coins of a lower silver (.400 fine) content. This was followed on the 29^th October 1919 by ‘The Legal Tender (Supplementary) Enactment 1919’ which reduced the fineness of the 50 cents and $1 coins from .900 fine to .500 fine. It proved difficult to produce a 5 Cents coin of sufficient size and reduced weight to be easily portable. To overcome this difficulty, a cupro-nickel 5 cents coin was minted in 1920 but it did not become very popular with the people

The value of the Straits Settlements currency in comparison to the British Pound in 1920 was as follows:

                            Dollar, silver nominally          2 sh.  4 d.

                            50 cents, silver                 ”                1 sh.  2 d.

                            20 cents, silver                 ”               0 sh.  5.6 d.

                            10 cents, silver               ”                 0 sh.  2.8 d.

                             5 cents, silver                ”                0 sh.  1.4 d.

                             1 cent, copper               ”                 0 sh.  .28 d.

                             1/2 cent, copper            ”                 0 sh.  .14 d.

                             1/4 cent, copper            ”                 0 sh.  .07 d.

In 1921, the Straits Settlements dollar was equal to US $0.57 cents. It is interesting to note that in 1983 the Malaysian Ringgit (Dollar) is equal to approximately US $0.43 cents and when compared to the British Pound, it equals 28 pence (The British 28 new pence would be equivalent to about 5 shillings 7 pence in the old terminology). (Note: In July 2011, the Malaysian Ringgit (Dollar) is approximately equal to US$ 0.34 cents).

By early 1921, practically all silver coinage, with the exception of small change, had been gradually replaced in the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States with the new Straits Settlements banknotes. The denominations of the banknotes in circulation by this time were the 10 cents, 25 cents, $1, $5, $10, $50, $100 and $1000. A $10,000 banknote was introduced soon after in 1922 but this was meant mainly for interbank transactions.

In 1921, ‘The Legal Tender (Supplementary) Enactment came into force. The Chartered Bank of India, Australia & China as well as the Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation relinquished their banknote issuing rights at the request of the Straits Settlements Government. Most of the old banknotes of these two banks had been withdrawn but a total of Straits Settlements $250,185 was still outstanding by late 1921. This balance was however covered by securities lodged in London with the Crown Agents for the Colonies.

It is interesting to note that by 1921 the banknotes of the Straits Settlements circulated at par in British North Borneo (Sabah) but the banknotes of the British North Borneo Company were accepted at a slight discount in the Straits Settlements.

10 Cents, various dates (1917 – 1920)  Emergency issue. Size: 118mm x 76mm.

Printer: Government Survey Office, Kuala Lumpur, F.M.S.

Signature: A.M. Pountney (Treasurer),   H. Marriot (Acting Treasurer)

10 Cents 14thy October 1919  Emergency issue. Size: 109mm x 63mm

Printer: Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd, London

Signature: A.M. Pountney (Treasurer). Dragon on reverse.

25 Cents, No Date (1917 – 1918)   Emergency issue. Size: 109mm x 76mm

Printer: Government Survey Office, Kuala Lumpur,  F.M.S.

Signature: H. Marriot (Acting Treasurer), Tiger on reverse.

References:

(a)   ‘A History of Currency in the British Colonies’ by Robert Chalmers, pages 381 – 388 (England, 1893)

   

(b)  ‘Colonial and Foreign Coinage of Britain’ published by the National Bank of South Africa Ltd. in Pretoria, Transvaal, page 275 (South Africa, 1920)

(c)   ‘Guttag’s Foreign Currency and Exchange Guide’ page 56 (New York, 1921)

(d)   ‘Dictionary of the World’s Currencies and Foreign Exchanges’ by William F. Spalding, pages 181 – 183 (England, 1928)

(e)      Illustrations of above three notes – courtesy of Mr Steven Tan, Kuala Lumpur.

 

(This article was originally published in the Malaysia Numismatic Society Bulletin,

Volume 15 No. 10, October 1983).

Saran Singh Sidhu

Mr.Saran Singh Sidhu, Kuala Lumpur

                                         1976                   1996                   2003

The Patron and Malaysia Numismatic Society Members at Akhbar Restaurant ,

Kuala Lumpur on 27th March 1971.

Standing (Left to Right):
Shahrun bin Yub (Honorary Member),
Mohd Kassim bin Haji Ali (Committee Member),
Dr Fritjof Korn ( Committee Member),
Sim Ewe Eong (President),
Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud (Patron),
H.Ottevanger (Vice President-partly hidden),
Tony Lye Fong Nge (Committee Member),
M.L.A. Rashid (HonoraryTreasurer),
Saran Singh (Honorary Secretary),
A.W.O’Brien (Committee Member ),
Yee Yue Phang (Committee Member),
Captain T.L.Craze (Committee Member),
Phun Kong Lim (Honorary Auditor),
B.P.Campbell (member) and
William B.Shaw (Honorary Member)

                                    Malaysia Numismatic Society Management Committee 1988 – 1990

Seated (Left to Right):
Cheok Yeow Kwang (Hon. Secretary),
Mohd Kassim bin Haji Ali (1^st Vice President),
Sim Ewe Eong (President),
Saran Singh (2^nd Vice President), 
Tan Tai Seng (Treasurer)

Standing (Left to Right):
S.Anthony (Auditor),
Lawrence De Souza (Comm. Member), 
Tony Au Yin Hoong (Comm. Member),

Ishar bin Abdul Latiff (Comm.Member),

Tony Lye Fong Nge (Comm. Member),
Haji Hanapi bin Haji Rasol (Comm. Member),

Bob Chew Tat Chye (Auditor)

Mr.Saran Singh with his wife, Amarjit Kaur, at the Central Market, Kuala Lumpur–April 1987. Saran held an exhibition on the coins of the Sikhs from Punjab for one week on the occasion of Vasakhi – The birth of the Khalsa Panth (Sikh Brotherhood), which also coincides as the Sikh new  year). This event was organized by The Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia and the focus was on Sikh history and culture.

The late Jerome H. Remick, Numismatic Consultant and author of several books (including co-author of “The Guide Book and Catalogue of British Commonwealth Coins 1649 – 1971) with Saran Singh in Quebec, Canada - November 1976.

Mr.Saran Singh with the late Major Fred Pridmore, Author and Researcher, one of the leading authority on early Malay and British Colonial Coinage of the World, in London, U.K. -December 1976.



Mr.Saran Singh receiving the Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N.) award from His Majesty D.Y.M.M., S.P.B Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Haji Ahmad

Shah, the Seventh Paramount Ruler (King) of Malaysia on   23^rd June 1979.

 







Mr.Saran Singh with his wife Amarjit Kaur at the Istana Negara (National Palace), Kuala Lumpur - 23^rd June 1979.

Mr.Saran Singh receiving the Ahli Mahkota Perak (A.M.P.) award from the Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah on  9^th June 2007.

Mr.Saran Singh with his wife Amarjit Kaur at the Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar, Perak -  9^th June 2007.

To Be continued.

YTL Land recognised for architecture excellence at 2011 PAM awards

By Sharen Kaur

YTL Land & Development Bhd, the property arm of YTL Corp Bhd recently won three awards for its innovative concepts and design for its projects in Kuala Lumpur, at the recent PAM (Malaysian Institute of Architects) Awards 2011.
 
The developer won two Gold awards for Centrio in Pantai Hillpark for high-rise residential, and YTL Communications Centre in Sentul Park. For d7 at Sentul East, YTL clinched a Silver award in the commercial building category.
 
At the time of launch, YTL Land's branded properties are constantly well-received by the market because of its innovative concepts, designs and layout.

An example includes the successful sell-out of d7 where all 100 units were snapped up in just one hour of its pre-launch sales. Launched at a starting price of RM380 per sq ft, d7 is currently valued at RM700 per sq ft.
d7 is a stunning piece of 7-storey architecture conceptualised to redefine traditional office spaces that are uniform and homogeneous in form and character.

Completed in December 2010, d7 features an iconic form - bold, simple and with a severe façade that is set to invigorate Sentul by infusing a new vibrancy into n area treasured for its rich historical background and business heritage.

"The more than 50-year experience that we have had especially in construction, has allowed us to emerge on strong footings and guided us towards our accomplishments as a property developer," said YTL Land executive director, Datuk Yeoh Seok Kian.

"Not only has it given us the luxury of being creative with our designs, but also the expertise to ensure they are safely built, at an affordable and manageable cost; in turn, passing on valuable returns to our buyers," he said.
 

Centrio is an exclusive hub of SOHO (Small Office, Home Office) suites, boutique offices and trendy retail stores that brings a new age of working and living to the Pantai Hillpark address.  Designed as modular sculptures that form rectilinear geometry, Centrio features unique spaces that include cosy office suites that open out to garden views, spacious and stylish SOHO suites that offer open sundecks, and tranquil private gardens.

Besides the PAM Award, Centrio has won four other awards at CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2009 for ‘Best Mixed Development’ and ‘The Architecture Award’ under the Commercial category and ‘Best Architecture’ and ‘Best Property Marketing’ in the Residential category. 


YTL Communications Centre’s PAM Gold award for Adaptive Re-Use pays tribute to Sentul’s railway heritage where a former railway workshop that dates back to 1906 is today, the state-of-the-art nerve centre for WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) in Malaysia housing the Data Centre,
Laboratories & Support Offices for YTL's 4G services – YES.
 
The PAM Awards is the premier award for architecture in Malaysia, honouring contributions made by architects, clients/owners and builders/contractors for architectural design excellence and advancement of quality built environment.
-ENDS-

How public-private partnerships can bring renewable energy to the poorest

A report published on July 29 2011 by the International Institute for Environment and Development examines how governments, donors and businesses can work together to provide poor communities with low-carbon energy supplies.

The study analyses an Argentinean programme that has successfully delivered basic electricity access to remote, rural communities that are beyond the reach of the grid.

PERMER (the Project for Renewable Energy in Rural Markets) has provided a combination of renewable (solar and wind power) and hybrid fossil fuel-renewable energy (e.g. diesel-solar mini grids) to around 10,000 households and 1,800 schools and other public buildings, and is on its way to reaching another 18, 000 households.  

The programme was introduced in the late 1990s, when it became clear that power sector privatisation had done little to extend access in remote rural areas. Long distances, low population density and poverty meant the cost of extending grid networks was prohibitively high.

PERMER has used government and donor funding to install generating equipment and subsidise user tariffs, with exclusive delivery contracts awarded to concessionaires (private sector, public sector, co-operatives) that run and maintain the service. 

Most of the start-up funding came from international loans and grants from the World Bank and Global Environment Facility, along with co-financing from national and provincial government budgets, companies and users. 

The programme has provided better quality and safer illumination to households at costs that are equivalent to, or lower than, what residents paid previously for kerosene lamps and candles. This enables users to listen to radios or have a light source for studying, reading or making handicrafts at night.

However, PERMER installations do not provide enough electricity for productive or domestic activities such as pumping water, refrigerating food or shearing sheep, so the project has not created new economic opportunities or addressed poverty directly. 

The report says that to reduce poverty and create productive opportunities, electrification projects like PERMER need to be integrated with rural development plans and programmes, which involve all relevant ministries, are rooted in community participation and address a much wider range of energy needs.

“While PERMER has not transformed lives it has certainly improved them,” says the report’s author, Sarah Best (who was working at the time for Sustainable Development Advisors). “The biggest positive impact has been felt by students and teachers in rural schools because the level of power provided there is greater.”

“For schools, the programme has not only meant more hours of light for teachers to prepare classes and for students to study. It has allowed staff and pupils to use radios, televisions and sometimes computers, - and gain a greater understanding of the wider world.”

Despite these gains, progress has been much slower than expected and capital costs have been higher. There is also the challenge of economic sustainability. Provincial governments set the tariffs that users pay for electricity, and level of tariff subsidy, according to the local context and people’s ability to pay, but some private-sector concessionaires complain that tariffs are too low for them to make a profit.

“There is a lot of interest from donors and governments in promoting private sector investment for expanding energy access in Southern countries,” says Dr Emma Wilson, who leads IIED’s access to energy research. “They should look to the Argentinean experience, which shows that the right institutional, market and financial and regulatory conditions need to be in place to support this kind of approach.”

“Public finance for start-up support and subsidies with a sustainable source are playing an important role in overcoming the lack of commercial attraction that such isolated, low-income communities present to the private sector,” says Wilson.

“Meanwhile international finance must be flexible to allow countries to develop delivery models that are appropriate to local conditions. It is also crucial to invest in building the knowledge and effectiveness of key government bodies — especially regulators, who must ensure that companies are properly serving low-income customers.”

The new report describes PERMER’s delivery model, its successes and challenges, and the social impact on residents and schools. It focuses on Argentina’s north-eastern province of Jujuy — one of the poorest and most remote provinces, and one of the first to implement PERMER.

#This report was prepared for IIED by Sustainable Development Advisors (SDA), a Buenos Aires-based consultancy working on sustainable development. (www.sd-advisors.com)
 

Mah Sing lands M Sentral deal

By Sharen Kaur
sharen@nstp.com.my
Published in NST on August 3 2011

Asie Sdn Bhd has dished out the first contract for the RM9 billion privatised urban regeneration project in Kuala Lumpur to Mah Sing Group Bhd, Malaysia's fifth largest property developer by revenue.

The contract given to Mah Sing entails it to undertake a niche development on 1.6ha.

Called M Sentral, it will feature serviced residences and retail lots worth a combined RM900 million.

The urban regeneration project, dubbed Tamansari Riverside Garden City and mooted more than 10 years ago, is one of key developments under the Entry Point Projects.


Asie, a private concessionaire, has full rights and approvals to build residential and commercial properties, leisure, recreation and infrastructure facilities on 15 parcels of development land with five air rights in Precinct 2-Pekeliling of the River Corridor Development under the Blue Corridor policy of Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2020.

Located on 23ha along Jalan Tun Razak-Jalan Pahang, the former site of the Tunku Abdul Rahman flats or Pekeliling flats, the 15-year project is envisaged to be bigger than Mid Valley City.

Yesterday, Mah Sing's wholly-owned unit, Grand Pavilion Development Sdn Bhd, signed a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Asie and its subsidiary Usaha Nusantara Sdn Bhd to develop M Sentral.

Under the JVA deal, Usaha Nusantara will grant Grand Pavillion the sole and absolute rights to develop the 1.6ha land for an entitlement of RM106.60 million. This will be settled via 60 per cent in cash (RM63.96 million) and 40 per cent stake in Grand Pavillion.

Mah Sing will continue to have 60 per cent shareholding in Grand Pavillion, it said in a statement issued yesterday.

Mah Sing group managing director and group chief executive officer Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum said work on M Sentral will commence by the first half of next year, pending authorities' approval and fulfillment of conditions. It will take five years to develop.

Leong said there is a provision for a sky bridge's connection to the remaining 58 acres, in line with the understanding that Mah Sing may be the potential joint venture partner for other parcels within the land, subject to terms and conditions to be mutually agreed upon.

-ENDS-

Serious collector of mint errors and rare coins

SARAN SINGH. AMN,PNM,FRNS,AMP

( @ SARAN SINGH SIDHU )  -  Numismatist / Author



AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Saran Singh was born on 10th March 194 in Kuala Lumpur. He was educated at St.  Gabriel’s School, an Anglican Missionary School in Kuala Lumpur.  He joined the Ministry of Defence in April 1964 and retired in March 1992 after 28 years of service. During his youth, Saran was affectionately called Sukhrajan Singh, a name that is more familiar to his childhood friends. Saran’s father, the late Dhan Singh (1886 – 1954) came from village Dalla, Tehsil Jagraon, District Ludhiana in the Malwa region of Punjab. His mother, the late Gurdial Kaur (1910 – 1989) was from the village Dabri Khana (renamed Gobindgarh) near Jaito in Faridkot, Punjab.

 SARAN SINGH. AMN,PNM,FRNS,AMP   Numismatist / Author   

On 1^st January 1967, Saran Singh married Amarjit Kaur Grewal (daughter of the late Najer Singh Grewal (1918 – 1982) village (Ratan) Lekho Gedowal, Ludhiana and the late Dalip Kaur (1922 – 1978) village Dhal Majra, Ludhiana) at the Gurdwara Sahib Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. By God’s grace, he has been blessed with five children, Dalwinder Singh Sidhu, the late Balwinder Singh Sidhu, Kiranjit Kaur Sidhu, Selinderjit Kaur Sidhu and Sharen Kaur Sidhu.

Saran entered the field of Numismatics in 1969 at a time when this hobby was in its infancy in Malaysia. He spent many years doing extensive research on the currency of the Straits Settlements, Sarawak, British North Borneo (Sabah), Malaya, Singapore Merchant Tokens, the native tin and gold coinage of the Malay States (Bidor, Tampang, Animal currency, Keping, Pitis, Katun, Tra, Mas, Kupang and Jokoh etc.), the tin/lead coinage of the Sultanate of Brunei, the currency notes of the private banks in the Straits Settlements and lastly, the Sikh coins of the Punjab (1711 – 1849). Numerous articles and various books on the coinage of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei by Saran were published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society over the years.

Saran’s other major interests also include photography, collecting baby feeding bottles in glass and humorous postcards.

On 23^rd June 1979, Saran Singh was awarded the Ahli Mangku Negara (A.M.N.) (Member of the Most Distinguished Order of the Defender of the Realm) by His Majesty D.Y.M.M., S.P.B. Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah, the Seventh Paramount Ruler of Malaysia, on the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday.

In 1979, Saran was also made a Fellow of the Royal Numismatic Society, London. On 3^rd December 1989, Saran was bestowed with the P.N.M. (Pakar Numismatik Malaysia) by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in recognition of his contributions to Malaysian Numismatics.

On 9^th June 2007, Saran was awarded the Ahli Mahkota Perak (A.M.P.) by DYMM Pduka Seri Sultan Azlan Mihibbuddin Shah, Sultan of the State of Perak in recognition of his literary contributions.

In 2003 Saran’s dream of preparing a well illustrated book on all the Sikh Gurdwaras (Temples) in Malaysia and Singapore was accomplished with the publication of “Sikh Gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore 1873 – 2003”.

In 2005, Saran wrote a well illustrated 454 pages biography on Malaysia’s most respected and beloved Sikh Sant titled “Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji of Malacca 1902 – 1972 – His Life and Times”

Saran Singh served as Honorary Secretary of the Malaysia Numismatic Society from 1971 to 1984 and its Second Vice President from 1984 to 1992 .He was also M.N.S. Bulletin Editor for many years. Saran retired from the numismatic scene in Malaysia in 1992 and left for Canada.

Saran has also served in the Gurdwara Sahib Jalan Sungei Besi (Sha’pa), Kuala Lumpur as Honorary Auditor for 35 years from 1963 to 1987 and 1993 to 2002. He also served as a Honorary Treasurer in this Gurdwara Sahib for 5 years from 1987 to 1992.

A few words from Saran Singh –

“This is my first foray into the Internet as I am not exactly computer savvy. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the hundreds of my fellow numismatists, both dealers and collectors, in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, England, Australia and America. Their ever ready assistance and advice, including making available to me their valuable collections for study and cataloguing, made it possible for me to prepare the above informative articles and publications. I would also like to record my heartfelt appreciation to my “Sifu” (Master), the well known Numismatist/Collector/Dealer, the late Mr Low Chin Chuan (C. C. Low). He encouraged me and thought me everything there was to know about Numismatics in the early 1970s, at a time when collecting coins and banknotes was in its infancy in this country.

My advice to new collectors is – Do not go into this hobby blindly. Acquire the necessary knowledge first - “Buy the Book before the Coin” and seek assistance from other knowledgeable collectors. While collecting, stick to a particular country and period or topic. Plan your budget carefully and buy only the best conditions available (unless rare), within your means. You will thus enjoy this hobby, which is sometimes jokingly known as our second wife, because one may end up spending more time and money on this hobby than on your wife!!!. It is truly said that Numismatics is the “King of Hobbies and the Hobby of Kings”.  Anyway, to all you wonderful people in this hobby, I wish you well, Happy Collecting.”

Saran Singh.     July 2011.

PUBLICATIONS BY SARAN SINGH

1.  “The Catalogue of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Coins 1700 – 1974” – 92 pages  

     (Published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in 1974)

2.   “Standard Catalogue of Coins and Bank Notes of Malaysia, Singapore and    Brunei 1700 – 1976”

       – 403 pages. Co-authored with C. C. Low, Mohd Kassim bin Haji Ali and Tony Lye.

       (Published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in 1976)

3.  “Pictorial Guide to Grading of Malaysian Coins and Banknotes” – 143 pages.

       (Published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in 1978)

4.   “The Formation of Sikhism and the Coins of the Sikhs 1469 – 1489”- 24 pages.

       (Published by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia in 1979)

5.   “The Coinage of the Sultanate of Brunei 1400 - 1980” – 65 pages.

       (Published in the Brunei Museum Journal Volume 4 Number 4 of 1980)

6.   “Standard Catalogue Coins of Malaysia Singapore Brunei 1786 – 1980” – 100 pages, First Edition.

       Co-authored with C. C. Low (Published by World Monetarium, Kuala Lumpur in 1980)  

7.   “The Encyclopaedia of the Coins of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1400 – 1986” – 675 pages,

       First Edition. (Published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in 1986)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

8.  "Malaya and Sarawak Rubber Export Coupon 1922-1942”–40  pages.(Published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in 1990)

     

9   “A history of the new Sikh Temple Jalan Sungei Besi (Sha’pa), Kuala Lumpur – 52 pages

      (Published in 1991)

10. “The Encyclopedia of the Coins of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1400 – 1967” – 604 pages,

      Second Edition (Published by the Malaysia Numismatic Society in 1996,

      Produced by International Stamp & Coin Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur)

11.   “Sikh Gurdwaras in Malaysia and Singapore – An Illustrated History 1873 – 2003”) – 470 pages

      First Edition 2003 (Published by Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur)

12.   “Contributor and Editorial Adviser on the Chapter on Sikhism (Pages 116 – 121) in “The Encyclopedia of Malaysia – Religions and Beliefs” Volume 10 by Prof. Dr M. Kamal Hasan and Dr Ghazali bin Basri (Published by Editions Didier Millet, 2005. Archipelago Press)

13.    “Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji of Malacca 1902 – 1972 – His Life and Times” -454 pages, First Edition 2007 (Published by  Gurdwara Sahib Malacca and Sant Sohan Singh Ji Malacca Memorial Society)

14.   Contributor to “Sikh Community in Malaysia” by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Darshan Singh Gill (A project by Gerak Sikh. Printed by MPH Group Printing (M) Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur , 2009)

ARTICLES BY SARAN SINGH

1.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter One – State of Malacca (Malaysia Numismatic Society Bulletin Vol.7 No.3 and No.4 (1975)

 (Serial No.1 and 2, Pages 1 – 11)

2.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Two – State of Kelantan (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.7 No.5 and No.6 (1975) (Serial No. 3 and No.4, Pages 12 – 21)

3.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Three – State of Pahang (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.7 No.7 (1975) and Vol.8 No.1 (1976) (Serial No. 5 and No.6, Pages 22 – 31)

4.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Four – State of Johore (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.8 No.2 and No.3 (1976) (Serial No.7, Pages 32 – 38)

5.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Five – State of Perak (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.8 No.3 (1976) (Serial No.7, – Pages 39 -41)

6.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Six – State of Kedah and Perlis (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.9 No.3 (1977)  (Serial No. 8, Pages 42 – 45)

7.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Seven – State of Trengganu (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.9 No.4 and No.5 (1977) (Serial No.9 and No.10, Pages 46 – 54)

8.  “Tin and Gold Coins of the Malay States 1400 – 1963” – Chapter Eight – State of Selangor and Negri Sembilan (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.9 No.6 (1977) (Serial No.11, Pages 55 – 58)

(Note: The above articles were the forerunners of what eventually became “The Encyclopaedia of the Coins of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1400 – 1986)

9.   “What to collect?”  (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.9 No.5 (1977)

10.  “The Coins of the Sikhs” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.11 No.3, No.4 and No.5 (1979)

11.  “The Miniature Cannons of Brunei” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.11 No.4 (1979)

12. “Modern Banknotes of Malaya 1935 – 1962 (includes Japanese Invasion Money) (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.12 No.4 (1980)

13. “Modern Banknotes of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1967 – 1980” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.12 No.5 (1980)

14.  “Coins and Banknotes of the British North Borneo Company 1881 – 1953” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.13 No.4)

15.  “Bank Notes of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei 1967 – 1981” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.13 No.5 (1981)

16.   “Early Native Coinage of the State of Selangor 1743 – 1898” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.14 No.1 (1982)

17.   “Currency of the Straits Settlements 1865 – 1921” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.15 No.10 (1983)

18.  “Unlisted Private Estate Tokens of British North Borneo 1882 – 1924” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.17 No.5 (1985).  This article was also published in Spinks Numismatic Circular Volume XC III No.10,  Pages 328 -330, Dec 1985 and Volume XCIV No.1, Pages 7 – 9, Feb 1986.

19.   “The Currency of the State of Perak” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.18 No.1 (1986)

20.   “A Dictionary of Common Numismatic Terms” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.18 No.2 (1986)

21.  “Malaya – Japanese Occupation Pattern Coins (MALAYSIA) 20 Cents 2602 (=1942)” (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.18 No.3 (1986)

22.   “A brief history of Banks in the Straits Settlements and Malaysia 1840 – 1986” Part I – III (M.N.S. Bulletin Vol.19 No.1, No.2 and No.3 (1987)

23. Malaya – Rubber Export Coupons 1922 – 1942” (M.N.S. 21^st Anniversary Souvenir Book (1989)

24.   “Unlisted Tin and Gold coins of the Malay States of Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perak” (M.N.S. 21^st Anniversary Souvenir Book (1989)

25.   “The Private Currency Notes of the Malayan Communist Party” (M.N.S. Bulletin Volume 22 No.2 Sep/Oct 1991

26.  “The First Coins of the Sikhs – Year 2 (1711) and Year 3 (1712) issued by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur (1708 - 1716)” and “The symbol of the leaf on Sikh coinage” (published in the Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter No.144 (Spring 1995)    

27. “Bank Notes of Malaysia 1967 – 1998” (M.N.S. 30^th Anniversary Souvenir Book 1968 – 1998)

To Be Continued.

Link:
http://dniewcollectors.blogspot.com/2011/07/saran-singh-numismatist-author-ii.html