These malaya private covers often include unique designs, cachets (illustrated endorsements), or special cancellations to commemorate the stamp issue. They are distinct from "official" FDCs issued by the postal service.
Collectors often seek out these private covers because they can be more varied, artistic, and sometimes rarer than official issues. They tell a story of philatelic enthusiasm and the significant events or images chosen to represent the new Federation of Malaya.
For example, the 1957 definitive issue of the Federation of Malaya featured pictorial elements like the Malayan tiger, fishing craft, and various sultans' portraits. First Day Covers, both official and private, featuring these stamps would be highly collectible. There are also private covers related to significant events like the Merdeka (Independence) in 1957, often bearing the first pictorial stamps or commemorative issues.