KUANTAN, August 1 2026 — The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, today stressed that every inch of the state’s land must be protected from illegal encroachment and unlawful occupation.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said that where the sovereignty of the state’s land and the dignity of Pahang are concerned, the law must be upheld without fear or favour, and without compromise.
“When the law is selectively enforced, that is when justice begins to lose its meaning. And when justice collapses, the dignity of a state collapses with it,” His Royal Highness said.
The Ruler said this at the investiture ceremony for the state honours, awards and medals held in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ 67th birthday celebration at Istana Abdulaziz here today.
Also in attendance were the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also urged the people not to be easily influenced by information that goes viral on social media or by narratives deliberately crafted to stir certain sentiments.
“More regrettable is that there are certain parties who pretend to champion the people’s cause, when in reality they are only worsening the situation, encouraging illegal land clearing and taking advantage of the confusion.
“Some hide behind the banner of organisations, others shelter under the political platform, while there are also those who use their positions and influence to interfere in enforcement matters,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said.
His Royal Highness said such actions do not constitute a struggle for the people, but rather a betrayal of the state’s interests and the rule of law.
“Anyone who incites the people to break the law, shields encroachers, spreads misleading information or deliberately inflames the situation for vested interests must be investigated and appropriate action taken in accordance with the law,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness said that to date, more than 1.59 million hectares, or 44 per cent of the state’s land area, remain gazetted as permanent forest reserves, with additional areas also gazetted to further strengthen conservation efforts.
“However, protecting the forests does not come without a cost. Pahang has made a significant sacrifice by choosing to preserve vast forest areas for the benefit of the nation and future generations.
“As such, I am of the view that these conservation efforts should continue to receive fairer support from the federal government through the ecological fiscal transfer mechanism, including in the form of appropriate financial allocations,” His Royal Highness said.
The Sultan of Pahang also reminded all Pahang nobles (Orang Besar Pahang) and members of the royal family to always uphold the good name of the Pahang royal institution.
At the same ceremony, the Sultan of Pahang also announced the appointment of Pahang Investment, Industrial Development, Science, Technology and Innovation Committee chairman Datuk Mohammad Nizar Mohammad Najib as the new Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar Pahang.
— BERNAMA
