Royal voyage: Tengku Hassanal led 150 participants from various organisations in the 400km expedition along Sungai Pahang over four days. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Sungai Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia’s longest river, holds its own unique charm and is steeped in history.
Long ago, this 459km-long river and its tributaries were the lifeblood of local communities. They not only served as crucial transportation routes but also provided livelihoods and water.
Interestingly, folklore suggests that the river even influenced the local dialects.
Those residing in the upper reaches of Sungai Pahang, such as Ulu Tembeling, Lipis and Raub, speak rapidly and as swiftly as the rushing waters while those downstream like in Kuantan and Pekan, tend to speak more slowly.
Originating from the Titiwangsa mountain range, where the Jelai and Tembeling rivers converge in Jerantut district, Sungai Pahang flows into the South China Sea near Pekan town.
Throughout history, it served as the primary mode of transportation for rulers, including Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’azzam Shah, who eagerly traversed its waters annually to connect with his people.
Sultan Abu Bakar, the fourth sultan of modern Pahang who reigned from 1932 to 1974, and grandfather of the present Pahang Ruler Al-Sultan Abdullah Ria’yatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, also travelled by boat to Perak to ask for Tengku Ampuan Besar Raja Fatimah Almarhum Sultan Sir Iskandar Shah Kadasullah’s hand in marriage.
Going back further, Sultan Ahmad Al-Muadzam Shah, who ruled Pahang for 33 years from 1881 to 1914, would either travel by river or by elephant on land.
Sungai Pahang played a significant role even during the times of the earlier rulers.
To honour this historical legacy, the Pahang government organised the inaugural Mahkota Sungai Pahang Expedition 2024 from March 3 to March 6.
Led by Tengku Mahkota Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the expedition aimed to replicate the journeys of past rulers and appreciate the river’s significance, according to Bernama.
With 150 participants from various organisations, the 400km expedition “set sail” using 18 engine-powered perahu kajang and boats through Maran, Bera, Temerloh and Jerantut, starting from Pekan Riverfront and concluding in Kampung Tanjung Gahai in Lipis.
Despite challenges like withstanding the scorching heat or relentless rainfall and shallow waters, Tengku Hassanal embraced the experience.
The expedition provided insights into riverine villages and their conditions.
And though some of the legs in the journey were rather exhausting, it did not deter Tengku Hassanal from engaging with local communities along the way.
Tengku Hassanal’s interactions with villagers, such as those living in poverty in Kampung Belimbing, Pekan, showcased his genuine concern for their well-being.
Villagers warmly welcomed the Crown Prince.
Tengku Hassanal was invited to attend a feast in Bera, to walk the Lipis heritage trail in Kuala Lipis and camp at the Chenor Heritage House in Maran.
The expedition not only fostered connections with local communities but also highlighted Sungai Pahang’s continued importance for sustenance and income like in Temerloh, where villagers scour for shrimp or farm ikan patin on the river.
The Tengku Mahkota Pahang has asked the Pahang Museum authorities to document various historical facts related to the background and origins of settlements, as well as districts in the state, including the villages he visited.
“Our stops not only provided an opportunity to approach the people but also enabled us to hear their stories and the historical tales of the local places,” said Tengku Hassanal.
The expedition also attracted the attention of hordes of people residing in settlements near the river.
State communication and multimedia, youth, sports and non-governmental organisations committee chairman Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said most villagers waited for hours at the riverbank and jetty to take a closer look at the Crown Prince.
In Kampung Durian Hijau, Jerantut, they could be seen waving the Pahang flag and chanting ‘Daulat Tuanku’ the minute they spotted the royal perahu.
The locals also did not miss the opportunity to take photographs and present gifts to Tengku Hassanal.
“The Tengku Mahkota Pahang is deeply concerned about the needs of the people. Despite feeling tired, he remained cheerful and engaged with them.
“His determination and capabilities are truly remarkable. Tuanku is willing to leave his comfort zone,” Fadzli told reporters.
Tengku Panglima Raja Tengku Amir Naseer Ibrahim Shah Ibni Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah accompanied Tengku Hassanal on the expedition.
