Pahang
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| Pahang | |
|---|---|
| Name | Pahang |
| Settlement type | State |
| Coordinates | 3, 45, N, 102... |
| Seat | Kuantan |
| Seat type | Royal capital |
| Seat1 | Pekan |
| Seat1 type | Administrative capital |
| Government type | Parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Leader title | Sultan |
| Leader name | Al-Sultan Abdullah |
| Leader title1 | Menteri Besar |
| Leader name1 | Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail |
| Area total km2 | 35,965 |
| Population estimate | 1,708,000 |
| Population estimate year | 2023 |
Pahang. Officially known as Pahang Darul Makmur, it is the third largest state in Malaysia by area and the largest on the Malay Peninsula. Bordered by Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, its territory also encompasses the Federal Territory of Labuan off the coast of Borneo. The state is governed as a constitutional monarchy under the House of Bendahara, with its administrative capital in Pekan and royal capital in Kuantan.
Geography
The landscape is dominated by the expansive Titiwangsa Mountains, which form its western backbone, and the vast Pahang River basin, the longest river system on the peninsula. Significant natural features include Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, the highland retreat of Genting Highlands, and the popular hill station of Cameron Highlands. Its coastline along the South China Sea features notable areas like Cherating and the Tioman Island marine park. The terrain encompasses alluvial plains, dense rainforests, and mountainous regions, creating diverse ecosystems.
History
Ancient settlements existed along the Pahang River, with the region being part of early empires like Srivijaya and later the Majapahit sphere of influence. The Old Pahang Kingdom was established by the 5th century, with later periods seeing it as a vassal under the Malacca Sultanate and then the Johor Sultanate. In the 19th century, the Pahang Civil War was a major conflict before the state came under British influence through the Pangkor Treaty of 1874, eventually becoming a Federated Malay States protectorate. Modern Pahang was a key site during the Malayan Emergency and joined the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1948 and Malaysia in 1963.
Government and politics
The state is a constitutional monarchy, with the Sultan as the hereditary ruler, currently Al-Sultan Abdullah. The state government is led by the Menteri Besar, Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail of the Barisan Nasional coalition. The legislative branch is the unicameral Dewan Undangan Negeri, with representatives from constituencies like Indera Mahkota and Bentong. Pahang's administration is divided into districts such as Kuantan, Cameron Highlands, and Rompin.
Economy
Historically reliant on tin mining and gold mining, the economy has diversified into agriculture, with vast oil palm and rubber plantations, particularly in areas like Bera. The Cameron Highlands is a major producer of tea, vegetables, and flowers. Tourism is a vital sector, centered on destinations such as Genting Highlands, Tioman Island, and Taman Negara. Kuantan hosts significant industrial activity, including the Gebeng industrial area which features petrochemical plants linked to the East Coast Economic Region development initiative.
Demographics
The population is predominantly Malay, with significant communities of Chinese, Indians, and indigenous Orang Asli groups such as the Semai and Batek. Major urban centers include the capital Kuantan, the royal town of Pekan, and other towns like Bentong, Raub, and Mentakab. The state has several public universities, including Universiti Malaysia Pahang and the Kuantan campus of the International Islamic University Malaysia.
Culture
Traditional Malay culture is strongly preserved, with the Pahang Malay dialect being widely spoken. The state is renowned for its rich heritage in songket weaving, silverware, and traditional crafts from Pekan. Key cultural events include the annual Pahang International Silk Festival and the traditional Main Puteri healing ritual. Pahang's cuisine is famous for dishes like nasi dagang and freshwater fish preparations from the Pahang River. The state also hosts international sporting events, notably the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.