Raub: Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today visited the site of land encroached upon with durian plantations at Batu 3 Sungai Ruan-Sungai Klau here. His Highness personally drove a four-wheel drive vehicle to the hilly, sloping location, accompanied by his son, the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Al-Sultan Abdullah acknowledged the challenges faced by enforcement authorities, but emphasised that enforcement efforts must continue and be intensified with prudence and discipline. “I was shocked when I was informed that 10,521 hectares (26,000 acres) of land in Raub had been encroached upon… I want the state government to be firm on this matter. We must find the best solution, and as soon as possible, we cannot allow this activity, not only in Raub but also throughout Pahang,” he said.

The Sultan stressed the importance of collaboration among all parties to stop illegal land activities, urging those who wish to apply for land ownership to follow proper channels and procedures. Present during the visit were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, State Secretary Datuk Nazri Abu Bakar, and State Police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman.

Al-Sultan Abdullah remarked that enforcement against land encroachment signifies the government’s firm direction in managing land affairs in a more organised manner. “We are working to resolve this issue in stages, it cannot be done all at once. It is quite complex, at least we now have a clear direction. If left unchecked, this encroachment problem will persist. Appropriate actions will be taken and harsher penalties will be imposed,” he stated.

Expressing his concerns, the Sultan of Pahang also mentioned the condition of the Cameron Highlands, particularly the Bertam Valley area, which he described as having become a ‘plastic forest’. “I often go there, and every time I fly over Bertam Valley, I feel saddened. What used to be a forest now appears as a plastic forest… We will examine the situation and take appropriate follow-up,” he added.

Earlier, Al-Sultan Abdullah received a briefing from the Head of the Pahang Enforcement Unit, Saifullah Muhammad Ali, about enforcement actions that have been implemented and those planned for encroached areas.