KUCHING – His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, the Sultan of Pahang, and Her Majesty Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah have commenced a four-day official visit to Sarawak. The royal couple arrived at the Kuching International Airport’s Orang Kenamaan Terminal on Friday afternoon.
Their aircraft touched down at approximately 12.10 pm, where they were formally received by a high-level delegation. The welcoming party was led by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
Several other prominent state figures were also present to greet Their Majesties. These included the Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian, the State Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, and the Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam.
Following a brief welcoming ceremony and a doa selamat (prayer for blessings) at the airport, the royal entourage departed for the Darul Barakah Mosque in Taman Satria Jaya BDC. There, they joined local congregants for the obligatory Friday prayers.
This visit marks their first return to Sarawak since their previous engagement during the Borneo Journey 2023 programme. That trip occurred while Al-Sultan Abdullah was serving as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia.
The itinerary for the current visit is packed with a blend of official and cultural engagements designed to foster closer ties with the people of Sarawak. The first major event was scheduled for Friday evening: a Sarawak-Pahang Friendly Evening at the State Legislative Assembly Complex.
On Saturday, the programme includes a trip to Kampung Kanchong Baru in Gedong. Their Majesties are set to inspect traditional weaving activities at the Seri Gedong Songket facility, highlighting the state’s indigenous crafts.
Later, the royal couple will split for separate engagements. The Sultan is expected to visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, renowned for its orangutan conservation programme. Meanwhile, Tengku Ampuan Pahang will tour the Sri Kenyalang Songket Complex located at the Puncak Borneo Prison.
The day will conclude with a joint appearance at the Kuching Riverbank. They are scheduled to grace the opening of the Sarawak Gendang Festival 2025, which will be followed by a musical fountain show and a fireworks display.
Sunday’s agenda involves a morning visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, a living museum showcasing the state’s diverse ethnic traditions. In the afternoon, they will attend the closing ceremonies of two major events: the Sarawak Regatta 2025 and the Sarawak Borneo Craft Festival 2025.
The official visit is scheduled to conclude on Monday. Their Majesties are expected to depart from Kuching International Airport, returning to Pahang via the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Kuantan.
