An adventurer and sports enthusiast

Sultan Muhammad V waving after a walk with the rakyat near the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in June 2013.

A former go-kart track in Bachok has been converted into a mini safari park by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

He even had a lion and two lionesses imported from Africa to give the sprawling 75ha wildlife sanctuary at Kampung Baruh Raja in Gunong, a touch of the savannah.

However, the two lionesses sadly died of snake bite barely six months after their arrival in September last year.

Royal Kelantan Endurance manager Tuan Ngah Tuan Muda said His Majesty accepted the tragic deaths of the lionesses as fate.

Sultan Muhammad V presenting zakat gifts to orphans during a breaking of fast event at Istana Negara in June this year. Also present is Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim (second from right). —Bernama

“It took us six months to prepare a conducive habitat for the lions, complete with two caves for them to rest,” he said, adding that about 16% of the total park area was allocated for the lions.

The park also houses 130 deer, 50 buffaloes, 15 horses, an ostrich as well as goats.

Tuan Ngah said Sultan Muhammad V would occasionally donate the deer and goats as sacrifice to the poor and the orphans in the Bachok district.

His Majesty is also into adventure and is a recreational sports enthusiast. He likes to go on four-wheel-drive expeditions and enjoys horse-riding, archery and shooting.

Charitable activities

Apart from that, Sultan Muhammad V is involved in many charitable activities.

Sultan Muhammad V is patron to various associations and clubs, including the Society for Anti-Ageing Aesthetic Regenerative Medicine Malaysia, Yayasan Sultan Kelantan, Red Crescent Society Malaysia, Kelantan Shooting Association, Kelantan Council of Royal Chieftains, Equestrian Sports Association, 4 x 4 Motorsports Association and Archery Association.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said: ‘Even the Siamese community in Kelantan would seek the consent of Tuanku Sultan before appointing their chief monk. Tuanku Muhammad is a true king for all.’

The King also plays an active role in organisations associated with security and the military. His Majesty has emphasised the need to maintain peace and harmony in a plural society.

Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob said the King also maintains good ties with non-Muslims.

“Even the Siamese community in Kelantan would seek the consent of Tuanku Sultan before appointing their chief monk. Tuanku Muhammad is a true king for all,” said Ahmad.