THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has issued a decree to the Pahang government, emphasising the paramount importance of environmental sustainability that should not be compromised in development planning.

Al-Sultan Abdullah urged the state to prioritise the preservation of environmental treasures, even in its pursuit of revenue, ensuring that these resources endure for generations to come.

“I believe Pahang is a big and fortunate state because there are beautiful hills, islands and parks that we can be proud of. I hope that the state government will preserve these environmental treasures by developing it.

“I am concerned that if there is no long-term planning, it will cause problems for the future generations. That is why all parties in all districts must learn which are the areas that can be developed and be careful when approving projects in Pahang,” he said.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said this in his Royal Address after the Proclamation Ceremony of Lipis as a National Geopark at Taman Negara, Sungai Relau in Kuala Lipis today.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Huang Tiong Sii.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also advised that development should not be done hastily because instant development has the risk of bringing other problems relating to traffic congestion and cleanliness.

“In addition to preserving environmental treasures, urban areas must also be kept beautiful and clean. Don’t want dirty urban areas. This is required and desired in Islam.

“When I come back, I will visit every district and town so that all these areas are clean because I don’t want any diseases in Pahang,” said Al-Sultan Abdullah, who also expressed a desire for the state to be an example for others.

He also congratulated all parties involved in ensuring Lipis was recognised as the 11th National Geopark in Malaysia on November 9, 2023.

The other National Geoparks are Jerai, Kedah; Kinta and Lenggong (Perak); Kinabalu (Sabah); Labuan; Sarawak Delta (Sarawak); Gombak-Hulu Langat (Selangor); Stong (Kelantan); Kenyir (Terengganu); and Perlis.

Langkawi and Kinabalu, meanwhile, have received recognition as Unesco Global Geoparks. – Bernama, January 18, 2024.