Pahang Sultan warns those clearing land illegally, abusing palace's name

CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Illegal farmers in Cameron Highlands were royally warned today to stop their activities with immediate effect.
An infuriated Sultan of Pahang who visited the Bertam Valley today to see for himself the damage caused by the recent floods, squarely laid the blame on illegal farmers.
"Illegal farmers are responsible ... they have been here since the time of the British and for ages they have been responsible for this ... They are to blame!" Sultan Ahmad Shah told reporters after a visit to flood sites here today.
"I am fed up with all these illegal activities, (and I know) these farmers can resort to violence, with the help of gangsters," he said, adding that the state government takes a serious view of the matter and will initiate legal action against those involved.
Also present were Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and state government leaders.
Asked to comment on the purported existence of "surat kuning" (letters from the palace) which allows the bearers to carry out land clearing in the area, Sultan Ahmad Shah said he was unaware of the matter.
"If anyone shows these 'surat kuning' which uses the name of the palace, I will personally beat him, so do not believe in such allegations," said the sultan, who was clearly not amused.
"Verify with the state government first. Do not believe in such claims which simply abuse the names of others."
"Jika saya tahu siapa, saya akan bagi cukup cukup," (If I find out who they are, they will face the full force of my wrath)," he added.
During the two-hour visit, the sultan also held discussions with the local authorities on works to restore Sungai Bertam with federal government funds.
In this regard, the ruler called on the federal government to use all facilities and agencies to assist the state government as Cameron Highlands is a tourist destination.
Sultan Ahmad Shah, who arrived at the area by helicopter with Sultanah Hajah Kalsom, is expected to be briefed at the Cameron Highlands land office in Tanah Rata today.