On Sunday (March 3), the first-ever Mahkota Sungai Pahang Expedition 2024 will commence, led by Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The four-day expedition will cover approximately 400km from Pekan Riverfront to Tanjung Gahai, Lipis, marking a significant moment for the Pahang Royal family. This expedition will see Tengku Hassanal navigating the river, reminiscent of the era when boats were the primary mode of transportation for the people of Pahang.
A statement on the Pahang Royal House Facebook page mentioned that Pahang Ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah wished their son, Tengku Hassanal, success in his upcoming expedition. They reminded him to prioritize safety, remain alert, and ensure his health throughout the journey. The royal couple also encouraged him to seize the opportunity to better understand his subjects and witness their daily lives firsthand.
They expressed their hope that this expedition would allow Tengku Hassanal to develop a greater appreciation for the magnificence and historical importance of Sungai Pahang. The post also highlighted the approachable nature of previous Pahang rulers, such as Sultan Abu Bakar and Sultan Ahmad Al-Muadzam Shah, who actively engaged with their subjects by navigating the river and traveling on elephant back to various parts of the state.
Tengku Hassanal’s journey will take him through the districts of Pekan, Maran, Bera, Temerloh, Jerantut, and Lipis via river routes, where he will engage with local communities at different events, including a camping session at the Chenor Heritage House in Maran and Kampung Gintong in Jerantut. A total of 18 boats and 150 participants from various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department, the Civil Defence Force, the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and Tourism Pahang, will be part of this expedition. – Bernama
