KUCHING – The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, concluded their four-day official visit to Sarawak on Monday, departing from Kuching International Airport (KIA) at 11.35 a.m. for Kuantan Air Base.
Their Majesties were seen off by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, alongside senior state leaders and dignitaries including Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, State Secretary, and several deputy ministers.
The royal couple’s visit, which began last Friday, was aimed at strengthening ties between Sarawak and Pahang, particularly in the areas of cultural heritage, crafts, and tourism.
The programme opened with the Sarawak-Pahang Friendship Dinner, symbolising the long-standing relationship between the two states.
On Saturday, Their Majesties visited Seri Gedong Songket, where they observed the weaving of Sarawak’s traditional songket, a craft gaining popularity in Peninsular Malaysia.
Tengku Ampuan later visited Puncak Borneo Prison, where she praised the quality of songket produced by inmates and proposed a new motif combining Pahang and Sarawak elements, symbolising unity in traditional arts.
That evening, the royal couple officiated the Sarawak Gendang Festival 2025, which featured a bermukun competition and cultural performances showcasing the traditions of both Sarawak and Pahang.
During the event, the Sultan of Pahang was noted for his people-oriented approach, personally checking on a performer who collapsed during the competition, reflecting his concern for the public’s wellbeing.
On Sunday, Their Majesties toured the Sarawak Cultural Village, visiting traditional houses of the Bidayuh, Iban, Penan, and Orang Ulu communities. Each stop highlighted cultural practices and heritage unique to Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups.
Later, they attended a theatre performance of Rentap – Battle of Bukit Sadok, which dramatised the resistance of the legendary Iban warrior against British colonial forces in the 19th century.
The visit concluded with Their Majesties attending the Sarawak Regatta 2025 Closing Ceremony, where they witnessed the final races and presented prizes to winners.
They also visited the Sarawak Borneo Craft Festival 2025, held in conjunction with the regatta, to view handicrafts produced by local artisans.
The four-day engagement underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy and inter-state cooperation. By highlighting Sarawak’s crafts, traditions, and community spirit, the visit further strengthened the bonds between Sarawak and Pahang, while promoting Malaysia’s shared heritage on a national stage.
