Kuantan: The Pahang government has emphasized that the degazettement of Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) within the state is conducted with strict adherence to controls, specific conditions, and prescribed procedures. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail stated that the decision to forgo a public inquiry in this process is based on the state's jurisdiction over land and forest management. He noted that Pahang is not alone in this approach, as several other states have also adopted similar measures. He reiterated that land and forests are state matters, and thus the state government is responsible for managing them, with specific conditions in place to ensure smooth operations. These comments were made during the Makmur Pahang Initiative Handover Ceremony.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pahang has been identified as the fourth state not to implement two key safeguards under the National Forestry Act (Amendment) 2022. These include the requirement for a public inquiry and the provision of replacement land before the removal of an area from the Permanent Forest Reserve. In addition to discussing forest management, Wan Rosdy announced plans for an interest-free loan initiative to assist youths in purchasing motorcycles. This initiative targets youths aged 18 to 21 who are enrolled in public and private higher education institutions. It is intended as an encouragement for students and will be included in the 2027 Pahang Budget, set to be tabled at the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting.

During the ceremony, incentives were distributed to over 2,000 high-achieving students from Pahang, recognizing their excellent performance in the 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM), and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM). The incentives, amounting to RM2.4 million, underscore the state's commitment to rewarding educational excellence.