KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, is proud that four districts in the state have been recognised among Malaysia’s 20 happiest towns for 2025.
His Royal Highness said that the recognition is fitting, especially for the atmosphere found in Lipis.
"I am proud of the success in Lipis, Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, and Temerloh. In Lipis on Friday (March 21), I visited the town and mosque, and I saw everyone smiling, which reflects this title; it is truly well-deserved.
"The people of Pahang are very fortunate, and I pray everyone is blessed and continues to work hard, pray, study, and do good deeds," he said in a post on the Kesultanan Pahang Facebook page on Saturday (March 22).
Al-Sultan Abdullah made the remarks after opening Maahad Tahfiz Ar-Rushd (MTAR) in Kampung Tanjung Gahai here on Friday.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry announced on Thursday (March 20) that the Malaysia Happiness Index 2025 ranked the four districts among the eight happiest under the district council category, while 12 others received recognition under the city/municipal council category.
Meanwhile, the Sultan also expressed his hopes of seeing the younger generation in the state grow into knowledgeable, well-mannered, and competitive individuals while upholding Islamic values as the foundation of their lives.
His Royal Highness said the establishment of Maahad Tahfiz Ar-Rushd, founded by Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, reflects the state’s commitment to strengthening Islamic education, particularly in nurturing well-educated huffaz.
"Pahang children must be equipped with modern knowledge, technology, and leadership skills.
"Furthermore, I welcome the collaboration between the Institut Ilmu Darul Makmur under the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, and (Abu Dhabi’s) Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities to enhance Islamic and tahfiz education in the state,” he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said that this strategic collaboration not only strengthens the tahfiz curriculum but also facilitates knowledge exchange, teacher training, and the advancement of Islamic research.
Additionally, His Royal Highness expressed his desire to further empower tahfiz centres, madrasahs, and pondok schools in the state by implementing various educational approaches to bring these institutions into the mainstream and contribute significantly to the prosperity of Islam in Pahang.
"I would like to once again remind the principals of tahfiz centres, madrasahs, and pondok schools to remain committed to implementing the policies set by MUIP to fulfil my aspirations," he added. - Bernama
