SIBU: The Sarawak Philatelic and Numismatic Society is initiating an educational outreach programme aimed at introducing stamp and coin collecting to schoolchildren across the state.
The initiative seeks to promote healthier hobbies and reduce excessive screen time among the youth.
Chairman John Goh voiced concern over the health risks linked to prolonged mobile phone use among children.
“I recently came across a video by an eye specialist who warned that children spending more than four hours daily on handphones could develop serious eye issues by the age of seven or eight,” he said at a press conference at his office on Wednesday.
He noted that many children, often left in the care of their grandparents while parents are at work, are handed mobile phones for entertainment.
“We need to offer better alternatives. Stamp and coin collecting provides an educational, family-friendly and meaningful pastime,” Goh said.
An avid collector of stamps, coins, currency and phone cards, Goh said the society plans to visit schools and hold exhibitions – pending approval from the Education Department and school authorities.
The initiative aims to spark interest in history, culture and science through philately and numismatics, which he described as enriching and accessible hobbies.
The society is also seeking support from Pos Malaysia to ensure the programme’s success.
“In Kuching, Pos Malaysia has already been very supportive, often giving free gifts to young participants to ignite their curiosity,” he added.
Currently, two active collector societies exist in Kuching – one for stamps and another for currency – with a growing number of younger members joining through family involvement.
“That’s how this passion gets passed down through generations,” Goh said.
He encouraged children to start with stamp collecting due to its affordability.
“Currency collecting can be quite costly for students. Stamps are more accessible – I started with stamps myself before moving on to coins,” he said.
Goh also reminisced about the once-popular phone card collecting trend, particularly artistic Japanese cards featuring trains, birds and fish, which families enjoyed collecting together.
He said several teachers have already joined the society and are working with schools and education departments to arrange potential exhibitions at both primary and secondary levels.
“We want to inspire more families and students to discover the joys of collecting. This hobby can be a gateway to future scientists, historians or educators,” he said.