FARMERS in Cameron Highlands must prioritise Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles in their agricultural practices or risk losing access to international markets, Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has cautioned.
Speaking at the launch of Phase One of the Sustainable Modern Agriculture Cameron Highlands (SMACH) Agropark in Tringkap on Thursday, His Majesty emphasised that modern farming must align with global standards to remain competitive.
"Farmers in Cameron Highlands must shift their agricultural methods as the world is becoming more advanced. ESG is something we must now integrate,” His Majesty said, according to a statement published on the official Facebook page of the Pahang Royal Household.
"Without these ESG elements, our produce may no longer be accepted internationally. This is already happening, as I have been informed," His Majesty added.
The Sultan called for a new collaborative approach between the government, agricultural experts and local farmers to enhance farming methods suited to the unique environment of the highlands.
“I hope that through collaboration with the government, agricultural specialists and farmers here, we can establish a proper dialogue. There needs to be discussion on how best to improve farming methods in Cameron Highlands,” he said.
In a separate post, the Pahang Royal Household noted the Sultan's firm stance against illegal land clearing in the state, particularly in the sensitive ecological zones of Cameron Highlands.
"I do not want to see uncontrolled land clearing taking place, with scenic hills being stripped bare without regard for their elevation,” His Majesty said.
"We must introduce new procedures and protocols. I urge everyone to take this matter seriously. I have informed the state government and the Exco to look into this deeply and make it a benchmark for future projects.
“We do not want to see hills being cut indiscriminately and without proper regulation. Project developers must be held responsible for the hills or land they clear," His Majesty added.
The remarks underscore growing concern over the environmental degradation in Cameron Highlands, a key agricultural region that has long struggled with illegal farming and unsustainable land use. - September 12, 2025
