KUANTAN, April 18 – The Sultan of Pahang, Al Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al Mustafa Billah Shah, expressed full support for the State Government’s firm action in combating illegal land encroachment activities in the state for more than four decades.

His Majesty said that the encroachment of more than 14,000 hectares of government land for the purpose of planting oil palm, rubber, durian and other agricultural products is a form of “open robbery of government's property”, which must be stopped immediately.

“I would like to emphasize that there will be no new approval by the State Executive Council for any land application that has been illegally encroached upon.

"This is a principle that cannot be compromised, in order to uphold the rule of law," said His Majesty when officiating the Opening Ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th Pahang State Assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang, today.

His Majesty also reminded land administrators at all levels to never bow to any party that tries to fight encroachment in the name of welfare or the people.

His Majesty was clear that such actions not only tarnish the image of government institutions, but also undermine the sovereignty of the state administration.

As a preventive and remedial measure, His Majesty called for enforcement bodies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Pahang State Enforcement Unit (UPNP) to be given full space to carry out their duties without interference.

"I will not tolerate any individual who tries to interfere, obstruct or challenge the power of law enforcement and civil servants while carrying out their duties," he said.

Also attending the ceremony was the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.