State land must be protected from illegal clearing, encroachment, says Pahang sultan

 Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah says the law must be upheld without fear or favour when it comes to safeguarding the state’s land and its dignity.

The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, said to date more than 1.59 million hectares, or 44% of the state’s land area, has been gazetted as permanent forest reserves. (Kesultanan Pahang Facebook pic)

KUANTAN:

The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, today stressed that every inch of the state’s land must be protected from illegal encroachment and unlawful occupation.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said the law must be upheld without fear or favour when it comes to safeguarding the state’s land and its dignity.

“When the law is selectively enforced, that is when justice begins to lose its meaning. And when justice collapses, the state’s dignity collapses with it,” he said.

The ruler said this at the investiture ceremony for state honours, awards and medals held in conjunction with his 67th birthday celebration at Istana Abdulaziz here today.

Also in attendance were the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also urged the public not to be easily influenced by information that goes viral on social media or by narratives deliberately crafted to stir certain sentiments.

“Regrettably, there are certain parties who pretend to champion the people’s cause, when in reality they are only worsening the situation by encouraging illegal land clearing and taking advantage of the confusion.

“Some hide behind the banner of organisations, others shelter under political platforms, while there are also those who use their positions and influence to interfere in enforcement matters,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said.

The sultan said such actions amount to 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 must be taken in accordance with the law,” the ruler said.

According to the sultan, to date more than 1.59 million hectares, or 44% 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.

“These conservation efforts should continue to receive support from the federal government through the ecological fiscal transfer mechanism, including in the form of appropriate financial allocations,” he said. - FMT