TELUK MELANO: Returning to Telok Melano continues to evoke fond memories for Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who recalled the warmth shown by Sarawakians during his Kembara Kenali Borneo journey three years ago.
He said being back in Sarawak, particularly Telok Melano, brought a sense of nostalgia as he remembered the reception he received during the road trip while serving as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Returning to Sarawak, and especially to Telok Melano, brings back a sense of nostalgia for me. As I was travelling earlier, I could still picture the people who waited for me along the journey,” he added.
He said this when officiating Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah here today.
Al-Sultan Abdullah said memories of the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ journey remained close to his heart and were something he would not forget for the rest of his life.
Reflecting on the experience, he said those memories were now part of history, while stressing the importance of looking towards the future.
“That is history. What is more important is the future,” he stressed.
Against that backdrop, Al-Sultan Abdullah expressed hope for even closer ties between Sarawak and Pahang, including through improved air connectivity.
He suggested that with Sarawak now having AirBorneo, Pahang could perhaps be considered as one of the airline’s future destinations.
“Now that there is AirBorneo, perhaps it can stop by Pahang,” he said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also highlighted the geographical proximity between the two states, pointing out that Telok Melano and Pulau Tioman in Pahang are only about 333 nautical miles or approximately 616 kilometres apart.
He said the distance was close enough for a sea journey to be completed within the same day.
“So, it is actually not that far. If we imagine travelling by helicopter, it would take approximately two hours and 10 minutes,” he added.
“If we were travelling by boat at around 30 knots, it would take approximately 11 hours.”
Al-Sultan Abdullah also spoke warmly of the relationship between Pahang and Sarawak, saying he had seen comments on social media describing the two states as being like “cousins”.
“I read a lot of comments on TikTok saying that Pahang and Sarawak are like cousins. I agree with that. My children agree with it too,” he said.
He hoped the relationship between the leadership and people of Sarawak and Pahang would continue to be strengthened, building on the close ties and fond memories he has developed with Sarawak over the years.
