Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah urged the people of Pahang to avoid disputes and continue to live in harmony regardless of race and religious beliefs.

He said the peace and security enjoyed by the country at present could only be maintained if the rakyat continued to persevere in supporting the government and remain loyal to the Agong.

“The people have an obligation to ensure that the bond of friendship that has been built remained.

“In today’s era of globalisation, we encounter various challenges including allegations and talk on political and economic situation which we need to face and deal with wisely,” he said at a zakat presentation ceremony at Kampung Pamah Rawas, Ulu Dong, Raub.

Also present were Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob and state executive councillor Shahiruddin Abdul Moin.

He also reminded Muslims in the country to take advantage of Ramadan to step up their spiritual deeds including paying zakat for the poor and needy.

Tengku Abdullah, who is also Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) president, expressed his gratitude to Muslims in the state for the yearly increase in zakat collection.

“Last year alone MUIP managed to collect a total revenue of RM109 million compared to the last 20 years when the amount was only about RM36 million,” he said.

As such he expressed the hope that more Muslims and corporate bodies would make their contribution so that the proceeds could be channelled to the deserving recipients including the poor, orphans and elderly.

- Bernama