If you've ever walked into a stationery shop in Sungai Petani and asked for "a stamp", you probably got a follow-up question that felt like an exam: "Rubber, self-inking, pre-ink or polymer ah?"
After making custom stamps for Kedah businesses for over 25 years, here's the truth: most offices buy the wrong type — either over-paying for features they'll never use, or under-buying and replacing the stamp every two years. This guide gives you the honest answer.
The 5 stamp types you'll see in Malaysia
1. Traditional rubber stamp (with separate ink pad)
The classic. A rubber die mounted on a wooden or plastic handle. You press it onto an ink pad, then onto paper. Cheap, but the ink pad is a separate purchase and you'll have ink on your fingers within a week.
- Best for: very occasional use (e.g. a "PAID" stamp used once a week)
- Price: RM 15–35
- Lifespan: 5–10 years if stored carefully
2. Self-inking stamp (Shiny, Trodat, COLOP)
The workhorse. The ink pad is built into the body — every time you stamp, the rubber die rolls onto the pad automatically. Clean impressions, no fingers stained, fast for high-volume use.
- Best for: the 90% of offices that need a company stamp, address stamp, or signature stamp used daily
- Price: RM 35–90 depending on size
- Lifespan: 5–10 years; replace the ink pad every 8,000–10,000 impressions (~RM 10)
3. Pre-ink stamp (also called "flash" stamp)
Photo-quality impressions. The "rubber" is actually a porous polymer pre-filled with ink — so the impression is super crisp, perfect for company logos with fine detail. Re-inking is done by injecting ink into the top.
- Best for: companies with intricate logos, or anyone making 20+ impressions in a row (medical clinics, government counters, accountants)
- Price: RM 70–150
- Lifespan: 8–15 years
4. Polymer stamp
Made by exposing a polymer sheet to UV light through a film negative. Produces a fine, durable rubber die. Often used for traditional rubber stamps with detailed artwork.
- Best for: custom artistic stamps, school crests, signature reproductions
- Price: RM 60–120
- Lifespan: 10+ years
5. Dater & numberer stamps
Self-inking stamps with adjustable wheels — change the date/number on the fly. Found at every reception desk in Malaysia.
- Best for: "RECEIVED [date]" stamps, sequential numbering for filing
- Price: RM 50–110
Quick comparison: which one is right for you?
| Your need | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily company chop for invoices & letters | Self-inking | Cheap, clean, lasts years |
| Stamp with company logo & fine detail | Pre-ink | Crisp impression every time |
| "RECEIVED [today's date]" | Self-inking dater | Adjustable wheels save you from buying new stamps |
| Signature stamp for boss who hates signing things | Pre-ink | Sharper signature reproduction |
| Address stamp used 2× per month | Traditional rubber | No point paying RM 80 for occasional use |
| School crest, sports day prizes | Polymer | Crisp artwork, doesn't wear out |
Common mistake: Buying a giant 60mm pre-ink stamp because "bigger looks more official". A small 35mm self-inking is more durable, easier to carry, and Malaysian SSM has no minimum size requirement for company stamps.
What about Malaysian SSM compliance?
This question comes up a lot. The Companies Act 2016 doesn't actually require a physical company seal anymore — many transactions can be authorised by director signatures alone. But banks, government agencies and traditional partners strongly prefer a clear company chop on documents.
What your stamp should show:
- Full company name as registered with SSM
- Company registration number (e.g. 123456-A or the new 12-digit format)
- Optionally: "Sdn. Bhd." or "Bhd." designation
Most companies use a 40mm × 15mm self-inking stamp for this — costs about RM 40 at our shop and is accepted by every bank, LHDN office and government counter in Kedah we've heard back from.
How long should a stamp last?
Here's what we see in the shop:
- Self-inking: customers come back for new ink pads every 1–3 years (depending on use). Replace the whole stamp every 5–10 years.
- Pre-ink: ink top-up every 2–4 years. Often outlasts the company's branding before it wears out.
- Traditional rubber: depends entirely on storage. If you let it dry out flat against a desk, 1–2 years. Stored upright with the cap on, 8+ years.
Where to buy in Sungai Petani
If you're in Kedah, we make all five types at our shop on Jalan Taman Indah. Same-day for simple stamps (most company chops, address stamps, "PAID" stamps); 1–3 working days for stamps with custom artwork or photo-quality logos. In the south of the state? We also serve rubber stamp orders for Kulim businesses with delivery from Sungai Petani.
You can browse our stamp catalog or WhatsApp us your stamp design at 010-451 8088 and we'll quote within the hour.
Need a stamp made?
Send us your design or company name on WhatsApp — same-day service for most stamps.
WhatsApp 010-451 8088Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a rubber stamp and a self-inking stamp?
A traditional rubber stamp needs a separate ink pad — you press the stamp onto the pad, then onto paper. A self-inking stamp has the ink pad built into the body and re-inks the rubber automatically every time you stamp. Self-inking is faster and cleaner for daily use; rubber is cheaper for occasional use.
How long does a self-inking stamp last?
Around 8,000–10,000 clear impressions before the built-in pad needs re-inking. The rubber die itself lasts 5–10 years. Replacement ink pads are RM 8–15.
Are pre-ink stamps better than self-inking?
Pre-ink makes sharper impressions and can do 20,000+ before re-inking, but costs 2–3× more. For most office text stamps, self-inking is better value. Pre-ink wins for company logos with fine detail.
How much does a custom rubber stamp cost in Sungai Petani?
Traditional rubber: from RM 15. Self-inking: RM 35–90. Pre-ink: RM 70–150. Polymer logo stamps: from RM 60. Same-day service available at Seri Jadi for most types.
Read next: 5 office stationery items every SME in Kedah should stock · Bill book printing in Sungai Petani — what to ask before you order