KUANTAN, July 2 — The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, today expressed his appreciation to both the federal and state governments for the financial allocations channeled to execute various public infrastructure projects, specifically crucial flood mitigation efforts.

His Royal Highness emphasized that the rollout of flood mitigation initiatives is incredibly vital, particularly in Sungai Lembing, an area that is traditionally among the first to bear the brunt of the monsoon season and acts as an early indicator of impending flood risks for the greater Kuantan area.

“I am grateful to the state and federal governments, which have spent on many infrastructure projects such as flood mitigation that require substantial expenditure, including in Sungai Lembing,” he said when officiating the opening of the Sungai Lembing Fire and Rescue Station here today.

The event was also attended by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, and Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah, who also serves as the Paya Besar Member of Parliament.

Call for River Management and Praise for First Responders

In tandem with the infrastructure developments, Al-Sultan Abdullah directed that rivers running adjacent to residential neighborhoods be systematically deepened to drastically reduce the danger of overflowing during periods of intense, heavy rainfall.

The Sultan of Pahang went on to laud Fire and Rescue personnel for their unwavering commitment and dedication when executing their duties across a spectrum of emergencies, spanning fires, road accidents, and natural disasters, to guarantee public safety.

“I would like to thank them because every morning when I check my phone, there is always news about Fire and Rescue personnel who are working hard and striving to carry out their duties to assist those affected by disasters,” His Royal Highness shared.

Al-Sultan Abdullah, who regularly visits emergency and disaster zones to offer personal comfort to affected residents, reaffirmed his intention to continue going down to the ground alongside Fire and Rescue teams whenever conditions allow, as a token of recognition for their hard work and sacrifices.

Additionally, His Royal Highness advised that a volunteer fire brigade be established in Kampung Bantal, Ulu Tembeling in Jerantut, noting that its remote geographic isolation could lead to critical delays in receiving emergency assistance.

-NMT