adminKUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) — The Pahang State Government today launched seven exclusive publications highlighting the state’s identity, strength and uniqueness in conjunction with the 43rd Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF).
The publications are Sketch Pahang: Pahang First Edisi Istimewa; Best Places in Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve; Pahang Passage Through Sight and Soul; Dasar Biodiversiti Negeri Pahang; Pahang State Action Plan for Peatlands 2026-2035; Pasport Pahang: Edutourism Trail @ Kuantan and Celebrating 25 Years Forest Frontier Discoveries.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the publications were not just a compilation of pictures, facts or documentation, but a record of the state’s journey that connects the past, present and future.
He said each publication carries its own stories and values, proving that Pahang is not only rich in natural resources and heritage, but also in knowledge, experience and narratives to be shared with the world.
“When future generations open these books, they will not just read about Pahang, but will get to know its soul and the values we strive for, especially through Aspirasi Pahang 1st,” he said at the launch of the Exclusive Pahang State Book Collection and Pristine Pahang: Celebrating Stories at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here.
Wan Rosdy said Pahang’s selection as the Guest State at this year’s KLIBF was a great honour, reflecting the state’s growing national recognition and providing significant opportunities, with up to two million visitors expected to attend the event.
He expressed his appreciation to Medal Lions Creative (MLC) for its role as a strategic partner in consistently elevating Pahang’s image through the production of world-class creative products, including coffee table books, gallery development and high-impact promotional materials.
Meanwhile, Wan Rosdy said Tourism Pahang posted a strong performance, recording an increase in visitor arrivals from 13.73 million in 2024 to 15.58 million in 2025.
He said this success was further supported by Tourism Pahang’s recognition as the Most Impactful State Tourism Organisation-Malaysia 2025 at the Asian Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2025-2026.
“Initiatives such as the Pahang Passport: Edutourism Trail @ Kuantan are opening a new chapter in strengthening education-based tourism for Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said.
On environmental conservation, Wan Rosdy said the 60,000-hectare Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve was recognised as the 64th ASEAN Heritage Park in September last year, underscoring the state’s strong commitment to preserving biodiversity.
In addition, he said the Kuala Gandah National Elephant Conservation Centre registered 261,687 visitors in 2025, with the Gandah Gallery set to be upgraded this year.
In the field of research, Wan Rosdy said the Pahang Biodiversity Council conducted 169 studies between 2022 and 2025, with several new species discoveries recorded, further adding value to the state’s biodiversity assets.
Regarding forest management, Wan Rosdy said the Pahang State Forestry Department recorded a total revenue of RM141 million last year, with approval given for an additional 572 hectares of the Bera Forest Reserve to strengthen the Central Forest Spine corridor.
He said Pahang has so far maintained 2.057 million hectares of forested areas, equivalent to 57.07 per cent of the state’s total area, with 1.6 million hectares gazetted as Permanent Forest Reserves.
— BERNAMA
