PEKAN – The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today handed over five fibre boats to Pekan district residents to prepare them for the monsoon season.
“The boats are for residents affected by the flood and can also be used to help your community. Also, don’t sell the boats,” said His Majesty when presenting the boats to five recipients.
The handing over of the boats was held in the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque compound here after the Agong, accompanied by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, joined the congregation there for Friday prayers.
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and State Secretary Datuk Seri Sallehudin Ishak.
At the event, the Agong handed over contributions comprising essential food items from the Pahang Islam Religion and Malay Customs Council to 50 asnaf (tithe recipients).
Meanwhile, one of the boat recipients Mohamad Fahamy Mohamad Sarif, 49, of Kg Pelak, said he was surprised with His Majesty’s gift.
“I was lost for words when informed that I would receive the boat because every time the flood occurs, I had to borrow other people’s boat. Now that I have my own boat, it will be easy for my family, as well as our neighbours, to evacuate.
“Sometimes, we have to wait for a long time for the security team to arrive (and evacuate),” said the father of three children.
Another recipient is Ahmad Ghairah Abdul Rahman, 54, from Kg Ganchong, here.
“I’m moved by His Majesty’s concern. Every time there is a flood, our house will be affected because it is located near the river,” said the food stall assistant. – Bernama, December 2, 2022