ROMPIN: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah today launched the Pahang-level celebration of the International Day of Forests 2023, here.
His Majesty, who arrived at the Rompin District Forestry Office at 11.10 am, was welcomed by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Also present were Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia director-general Datuk Mohd Ridza Awang and Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman.
International Day of Forests, observed annually on March 21, aims to raise awareness about the importance of forests and their preservation and restoration. This year's celebration theme is "Forests and Health."
During the ceremony, Al-Sultan Abdullah also inaugurated the Rompin District Forestry Office, which is equipped with modern facilities. It was completed in June last year at a cost of RM4.5 million.
The monarch also took the time to visit an exhibition and experience virtual reality showcasing eco-tourism destinations in Pahang. The event culminated with a symbolic tree planting of the Serdang Endau or Livistona Endauensis, marking the state's International Day of Forests celebration and the inauguration of the Rompin District Forestry Office. -- BERNAMA