Pahang: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is proud that four districts in the state have been recognised among Malaysia’s 20 happiest towns for 2025. His Royal Highness said that the recognition is fitting, especially for the atmosphere found in Lipis.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Sultan expressed his pride in the success of Lipis, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, and Temerloh. During his visit to Lipis, he observed the smiling residents, which he believes justifies the town’s new title. He conveyed his hopes for the people of Pahang to continue their hard work and virtuous deeds.

Al-Sultan Abdullah’s remarks came after he inaugurated the Maahad Tahfiz Ar-Rushd (MTAR) in Kampung Tanjung Gahai. The Housing and Local Government Ministry recently announced that the Malaysia Happiness Index 2025 ranked these districts among the happiest in the district council category.

Additionally, the Sultan emphasized the importance of nurturing the younger generation in Pahang to be knowledgeable and uphold Islamic values. He commended the establishment of Maahad Tahfiz Ar-Rushd, initiated by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, as a step towards enhancing Islamic education.

The collaboration between the Institut Ilmu Darul Makmur and Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities aims to strengthen the tahfiz curriculum and promote Islamic research in Pahang. Al-Sultan Abdullah highlighted the significance of this partnership in empowering tahfiz centres and integrating them into mainstream education.

His Royal Highness urged principals of tahfiz centres, madrasahs, and pondok institutions to adhere to the policies set by the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, reinforcing his vision for the future of Islamic education in the state.