HIS Majesty the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas across the state shortly after returning from the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand, underscoring concerns over lingering flood damage and the risk of further inundation.
According to a post on the Pahang Sultanate’s official Facebook page, the Ruler, accompanied by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, boarded a helicopter to inspect several interior and riverine areas, particularly along Sungai Pahang, Lepar, Pekan, Sungai Lembing and Kuantan.
“I noticed that there are areas which have yet to fully recover even though the weather has improved. Roads in Pulau Manis, Pekan and Bukit Kenau are still cut off,” His Majesty said.
“I continuously pray for the weather to improve and Alhamdulillah… today I not only brought back a gold medal, but I also brought the sun.
“With Allah SWT’s permission, from across the sea I have brought the sunshine to Pahang,” His Majesty said, in remarks intended to lift the spirits of flood victims.
The Sultan made the comments while visiting the temporary evacuation centre at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bunut Rendang, which is sheltering 649 families, before proceeding to three other centres at Sekolah Menengah Chong Hwa, Sekolah Kebangsaan Mat Kilau and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Mat Kilau.
During the visits, His Majesty reminded flood victims not to rush back to their homes, citing the possibility of a second wave of flooding in the coming days.
“I have been informed that there is a possibility of a second wave next week… so do not return too quickly. We must be patient and continue to pray that this does not happen,” he said.
“Let us perform special prayers and supplicate to Allah SWT so that we are spared from further calamities,” His Majesty added.
The Sultan also expressed gratitude that the flood situation in Pahang remains under control compared with the severe flooding currently affecting neighbouring regions such as Sumatra and Aceh.
As of Sunday morning, a total of 5,527 flood victims remain at temporary evacuation centres in Pahang and Terengganu, with Pahang continuing to be the worst-affected state.
According to the Social Welfare Department’s Info Bencana data, 4,993 victims from 1,687 families are currently housed at 41 evacuation centres in Pahang that have been operating since Dec 16, involving seven districts: Kuantan, Pekan, Jerantut, Bera, Rompin, Maran and Temerloh.
In Terengganu, 534 victims from 177 families are still sheltering at five evacuation centres in Kemaman and Dungun.
Meanwhile, data from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage’s Public Infobanjir system showed that two rivers in Pahang exceeded danger levels as of 7am, namely Sungai Pahang at Kuala Sungai Chini, Pekan, which is on a declining trend, and Sungai Pahang at Lubuk Paku, Maran, which is showing a rising trend.
In Sarawak, Sungai Nanga Lemai B in Sibu also exceeded the danger level at around 6am but was on a declining trend. Several other rivers in Sarawak, Johor and Selangor were recorded at warning and alert levels.
Separately, the Malaysian Meteorological Department issued a warning yesterday for thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in parts of Sarawak until 9am today.
The affected districts include Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Betong, Sarikei, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri. Residents in high-risk areas have been advised to remain vigilant and comply with instructions from the authorities. - December 21, 2025
