Photo via NST
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has shown time and time again that he’s a people’s King, and yesterday (December 3rd), His Majesty literally got his hands dirty, as he joined the search and rescue mission for teenager, Mohd Loqman Hamka, who is believed to have fallen into Sungai Pahang at Kampung Tebing Tinggi last week.
His Majesty’s three sons, the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah and Tengku Panglima Muda Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu'adzam Shah were also present.
On November 27th, 20-year-old Loqman had gone to inspect the fishing line at the river that morning, but a few hours later, his family realised he had gone missing when his friend noticed his boat just drifting in the river.
According to his father, Hamka Abu Bakar, Loqman was a good swimmer and often checked on the fishing line, besides helping him look after the catfish cages he began working on after his retirement 12 years ago.
“We have been in a state of grief for a week because our child is still not found...when in fact I myself have helped recover over 20 drowned bodies in Sungai Pahang during my service as a policeman here,” said Hamka.
Photo via The Star
The King, of course, didn’t leave without handing over some contributions and words of encouragement to Loqman’s family, telling them to remain patient and steadfast during this difficult time.
Hamka said he was so moved by His Majesty’s actions and could not stop thanking him and his sons for being there with the family.
“I am also touched by the fact so many have come forward to help. The security forces and the villagers have been helping us here for a week. My friends are also taking turns waiting downstream in case his body appears there, after being swept away by the currents,” he said.
Let’s hope Loqman is found soon!
by Kyle Roshen Jacob
