PAHANG SULTAN APPLAUDS STATE'S REVENUE MILESTONE

KUANTAN, April 18 (Bernama) -- The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has lauded the state government for its consistent achievement in surpassing RM1 billion in annual revenue for three consecutive years, a feat the Sultan described as a testament to the state’s effective governance, integrity, and dedication in managing its natural and economic resources.

His Royal Highness also credited the success to the tireless efforts of government machinery that has upheld its mandate with responsibility and commitment.

“I hope this achievement will serve as motivation to double the efforts in 2025. Productivity must be enhanced, competitiveness strengthened, and a culture of excellence must be continuously practised,” the Sultan said in his royal address when opening the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Pahang State Assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang today.

Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah was in attendance.

According to Al-Sultan Abdullah, as of March 5, Pahang has received RM31.65 million in federal allocations for infrastructure development and public facility maintenance.

Additionally, Pahang also secured RM7.54 billion in committed investments through strategic agreements finalised in 2024, he said.

“The impact of these investments is substantial, not only contributing to economic growth but also generating employment, enhancing productivity, and promoting upward social mobility for the people of Pahang,” he said.

The Sultan expressed confidence that Pahang’s strategic geographical location, coupled with the facilities at Kuantan Port and the upcoming East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), set to begin operations in 2027, will position the state as one of the region’s most dynamic investment destinations.

“I urge that all state development policies be pursued with determination and sincerity. Let us not be complacent in our success because the future demands that we prepare earlier and move faster,” he said.

The ruler also expressed joy in the state’s historic achievement in eradicating hardcore poverty as of May 29, 2024, describing it as a milestone that brought renewed hope to 1,946 household heads.

At the same time, Al-Sultan Abdullah called on the federal government to expedite the upgrade of FT012 Jalan Kuantan-Segamat, noting that improvements would not only enhance comfort but significantly reduce fatal accidents along the route.

He also raised concerns over the lack of rest and service (R&R) areas along Pahang’s major highways and called for federal funding to construct R&R facilities at strategic locations to improve motorist welfare and safety.

The Sultan also voiced concern over the spread of deviant teachings, religious misinterpretations, and misguided doctrines, especially via digital platforms, which transcend geographical boundaries.

As such, he also urged the state government to take proactive and courageous steps to raise public awareness and promote accurate religious understanding to combat these threats.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Syariah legal system in Pahang by integrating cutting-edge technologies, by specifically highlighting the use of artificial intelligence tools such as Court Recording Transcription (CRT), as successfully implemented in Sarawak.

-- BERNAMA