King presents five boats to Pekan residents

PEKAN: Yang di-pertuan Agong Al-sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-mustafa Billah Shah handed over fibre boats to five Pekan residents to prepare them for the monsoon season.

“The boats are also for use by other residents affected by the flood to help your neighbours and others. Also, don’t sell the boats,” said His Majesty when presenting the boats to the recipients.

The presentation ceremony was held in the Sultan Ahmad Shah Mosque compound here after His Majesty, accompanied by the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, joined the congregation there for the Friday prayer.

Also present were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and the state secretary Datuk Seri Dr Sallehudin Ishak.

At the event, Sultan Abdullah also handed over contributions comprising essential food items from the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council to 50 asnaf (tithe recipients).

Bernama reported that a recipient of the boat, Mohamad Fahamy Mohamad Sarif, 49, said the gift came as a surprise.

“I was lost for words when informed that I would receive the boat because I had to borrow other people’s boats whenever a flood occurs. Now that I have my own boat, it will help me, my family, and our neighbours to evacuate.

“Sometimes, it takes a long time for us to wait for the security team to arrive (to evacuate),” said the gardener, who has three children.

Another recipient is Ahmad Ghairah Abdul Rahman, 54, from Kampong Ganchong.

“His Majesty’s concern moves me. Every time it floods, our house will be affected,” said the food stall assistant.