View source for Pahang

{{Short description|State in Malaysia}}
{{cleanup lang|date=June 2021}}
{{use British English|date=January 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{confuse|Penang}}
{{Infobox political division
| name               = Pahang
| official_name       = State of Pahang<br />{{nobold|{{native name|ms|Negeri Pahang Darul Makmur}}}}
| native_name        = 
| settlement_type    = [[States and federal territories of Malaysia|State]]
| image_skyline      = 
| imagesize          = 
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = 
| image_flag         = Flag of Pahang.svg
| flag_size          = 120px
| flag_alt           = Flag of Pahang
| image_shield       = Coat of arms of Pahang.svg
| shield_size        = 85px
| shield_alt         = Coat of arms of Pahang
| established_title  = 
| established_date   = 
| established_title1 = Establishment of the sultanate
| established_date1  = 1882
| established_title2 = [[Federated Malay States]]
| established_date2  = 1895
| established_title3 = [[Japanese occupation of Malaya|Japanese occupation]]
| established_date3  = 1942
| established_title4 = <nowiki>Accession into the </nowiki>{{nowrap|[[Federation of Malaya]]}}
| established_date4  = 1948
| established_title5 = [[Malayan Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]]
| established_date5  = 31 August 1957
| established_title6 = <nowiki>{{[[Accession into the </nowiki>{{nowrap|[[Federation of Malaya]]}}
| established_date6  = 
| established_title7 = 
| established_date7  = 
| nickname           = 
| motto              = ''[[Latif|Ya Latif]]''<br />O God the Gentle<ref>{{cite web|title=Constitution of Pahang|url=http://www.dirajapahang.my/portaldiraja/muat_turun/Undang2%20Tubuh.pdf|website=www.dirajapahang.my|publisher=Portal Diraja Pahang|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2016|page=30|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417163743/http://www.dirajapahang.my/portaldiraja/muat_turun/Undang2%20Tubuh.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| anthem             = {{lang|ms|[[Allah Selamatkan Sultan Kami]]}}<br />({{langx|en|"Allah, Save Our Sultan"}}){{parabr}}[[File:Lagu Rasmi Pahang - Allah Selamatkan Sultan Kami.ogg|center]]
| image_map          = Pahang in Malaysia.svg{{!}}class=notpageimage
| mapsize            = 
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = {{Legend inline|#C41E3A|outline=silver}} '''Pahang''' in {{Legend inline|#FDF9D2|outline=silver}} '''[[Malaysia]]'''
| coordinates_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{MYS}}
| capital            = [[Kuantan]]
| coordinates = {{coord|3|49|N|103|20|E|display=inline}}
| largest_settlement = capital
| admin_center       = [[Pekan, Pahang|Pekan]]
| admin_center_type  = Royal capital
| official_languages = [[Malaysian Malay|Malay]]
| regional_languages = {{hlist|[[Pahang Malay]]|[[Terengganu Malay]]|[[Semai language|Semai]]|[[Semelai language|Semelai]]|[[Temiar language|Temiar]]|[[Jah Hut language|Jah Hut]]|Others}}
| ethnic_groups_year = 2020
| ethnic_groups_ref  = {{my10|2020kf}}
| ethnic_groups      = {{tree list}}
* 81.0% [[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|Bumiputera]]
* 14.7% [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]]
* 3.7% [[Malaysian Indian|Indian]]
* 0.6% Other ethnicities
{{tree list/end}}
| religion_year      = 2020
| religion_ref       = {{my10|2020kf}}
| religion           = {{ubl|76.5% [[Islam in Malaysia|Sunni Islam]] ([[State religion|official]])|13.6% [[Buddhism in Malaysia|Buddhism]]|4.1% [[Irreligion|No religion]]|3.7% [[Hinduism in Malaysia|Hinduism]]|1.5% [[Christianity in Malaysia|Christianity]]|0.7% Others}}
| demonym = Pahangite, Pahangese<!-- both found in passages fr Google Books -->
| government_type    = [[Federated state|Federated]] parliamentary [[constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarchy]]
| leader_title1      = [[Sultan of Pahang|Sultan]]
| leader_name1       = [[Abdullah of Pahang|Abdullah]]
| leader_title2      = [[Menteri Besar of Pahang|Menteri Besar]]
| leader_name2       = [[Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail]] <br /> ([[Barisan Nasional|BN]]–[[United Malays National Organisation|UMNO]])
| legislature = [[Pahang State Legislative Assembly|Legislative Assembly]]
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="area">{{cite web |url=https://open.dosm.gov.my/dashboard/kawasanku/Pahang |title=Pahang |access-date=22 April 2025}}</ref>
| area_km2     = 35,965
| area_water_km2     = 
| elevation_max_m    = 2187
| elevation_max_point = [[Mount Tahan]]
| population_census   = 1,591,295<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cone&menu_id=QVNTL3R3cTdLTEg4dENzT3lCdTVBQT09|title=Department of Statistics Malaysia Official Portal|website=www.dosm.gov.my|access-date=22 April 2025|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203001252/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cone&menu_id=QVNTL3R3cTdLTEg4dENzT3lCdTVBQT09|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| population_census_year   = 2020
| population_density_km2 = 45
| population_density_sq_mi = <!-- Do not remove as per WP:MOSNUM -->
| population_density_rank = 14th
| population_density_rank_link = Demographics of Malaysia#Demographic trends and key rate
| GDP_PPP             = $59.122 billion 
| GDP_PPP_year        = 2024
| GDP_PPP_rank        = 8th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita  = $35,441<ref name=":dosm"/>
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 8th
| GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank_link = List of Malaysian states by GDP#Gross Domestic Product per capita by state
| GDP_nominal         = $18.072 billion
| GDP_nominal_year    = 2024
| GDP_nominal_rank    = 8th
| GDP_nominal_rank_link = List of Malaysian states by GDP#Gross Domestic Product by state
| GDP_nominal_per_capita = $10,833<ref name=":dosm">{{Cite web |last=DOSM |title=Department of Statistics Malaysia |url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/gross-domestic-product-gdp-by-state- |access-date=2023-09-11 |website=www.dosm.gov.my}}</ref>
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 8th
| GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank_link = List of Malaysian states by GDP#Gross Domestic Product per capita by state
| HDI                 = 0.808
| HDI_year            = 2024
| HDI_change          = increase
| HDI_ref             = <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/malaysia-human-development-index-mhdi-2023/|title=Malaysia Human Development Index (MHDI), 2023 |website=dosm.gov.my|language=en|access-date=11 December 2024}}</ref>
| HDI_rank            = 9th
| HDI_rank_link       = List of Malaysian states by Human Development Index
| Gini                = 0.308
| Gini_year           = 2022
| Gini_change         = decrease
| Gini_ref            = <ref name="dosm2024">{{Cite journal |date=Aug 2024 |title=Laporan Sosioekonomi Negeri Pahang 2023 |journal=[[Department of Statistics Malaysia]] |language=ms |issn=2600-9919 }}</ref>
| currency            = [[Malaysian ringgit]] (RM/MYR)
| currency_code       = 
| timezone            = [[Time in Malaysia|Malaysian Time]]
| utc_offset          = +8
| date_format         = dd-mm-yyyy
| electricity         = 
| drives_on           = Left
| blank_name_sec1     = [[Malaysian vehicle license plates|Number plate prefixes]] 
| blank_info_sec1     = C
| iso_code            = MY-06
| postal_code_type    = [[List of postal codes in Malaysia|Postal code]]
| postal_code         = 25xxx to 28xxx, 39xxx, 49000, 69000
| calling_code        = 09 (Pahang except as noted)<br /> 05 ([[Cameron Highlands]])<br />03 ([[Genting Highlands]])
| website            = {{URL|pahang.gov.my}}
}}
'''Pahang''' ({{IPA|ms|paˈhaŋ}}; {{Langx|mis|Paha|label=Pahang Hulu Malay}}, {{Langx|mis|Pahaeng|label=Pahang Hilir Malay}}, {{Langx|mis|Pahaq|label=Ulu Tembeling Malay}}), officially '''Pahang Darul Makmur''' with the Arabic honorific {{Langx|ms|Darul Makmur|label=none}} ("The Abode of Tranquility") is a [[sultanate]] and a [[states and federal territories of Malaysia|federal state]] of [[Malaysia]]. It is the third largest state in the country and the largest state in [[Peninsular Malaysia]], and the ninth most populous.<ref name="DOSM Pahang">{{cite web|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cone&menu_id=b2lJM0IwRGdGSjVnV1dOZktWVGYzdz09|title=Pahang @ a Glance|publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417163747/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column%2Fcone&menu_id=b2lJM0IwRGdGSjVnV1dOZktWVGYzdz09|url-status=dead}}</ref> The state occupies the [[river basin|basin]] of the [[Pahang River]], and a stretch of the east coast as far south as [[Endau]]. The state borders the Malaysian states of [[Kelantan]] and [[Terengganu]] to the north, [[Perak]], [[Selangor]] and [[Negeri Sembilan]] to the west and [[Johor]] to the south, with the [[South China Sea]] is to the east. Pahang is separated from the west coast states by the [[Titiwangsa Mountains]] that forms a natural divider between the peninsula's east and west coasts from north to south, and from Terengganu in the east by the [[Pantai Timur Range]]. The state's highest elevation culminates at [[Mount Tahan]] in the eponymous [[Tahan Range]], which is {{convert|2187|m|ft}} high. Although two thirds of the state is covered by dense rain forest, its central plains are intersected by numerous rivers, and along the coast there is a {{convert|32|km|mi|adj=on}} wide expanse of alluvial soil that includes the deltas and estuarine plains of the [[Kuantan River|Kuantan]], Pahang, [[Rompin River|Rompin]], [[Endau River|Endau]], and [[Mersing River|Mersing]] Rivers.<ref name="Y. Tachikawa 2004"/>

The state is divided into 11 [[districts of Malaysia|districts]] ({{lang|ms|daerah}}) – Pekan, Rompin, Maran, Temerloh, Jerantut, Bentong, Raub, Lipis, Cameron Highlands and Bera. The largest district is Jerantut, which is the main gateway to the [[Taman Negara]] national park. Pahang's capital and largest city, [[Kuantan]], is the eighth largest urban area by population in Malaysia. The royal capital and the official seat of the [[Sultan of Pahang]] is located at [[Pekan, Pahang|Pekan]]. Pekan was also the old state capital and its name translates literally into 'the town', it was known historically as '[[Inderapura]]'.<ref name="Linehan 1973 2">{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=2}}</ref> Other major towns include [[Temerloh]], [[Raub, Pahang|Raub]], [[Bentong]], [[Jerantut]], [[Kuala Lipis]] and its [[hill station|hill resorts]] of [[Genting Highlands]], [[Bukit Tinggi, Pahang|Bukit Tinggi]], and [[Cameron Highlands]]. The head of state is the [[Sultan of Pahang]], while the head of government is the ''[[List of Menteris Besar of Pahang|Menteri Besar]]''. The government system is closely modelled on the [[Westminster system|Westminster parliamentary system]]. The [[state religion]] of Pahang is [[Islam]], but allows other religions in its territory.

Archaeological evidence shows that humans have inhabited the area that is now Pahang since as early as the [[Paleolithic]] age. The early settlements gradually developed into an ancient maritime trading state by the 3rd century.<ref name="Munoz"/> In the 5th century, the [[Old Pahang Kingdom]] sent envoys to the [[Liu Song dynasty|Liu Song]] court. During the time of [[Langkasuka]], [[Srivijaya]] and [[Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom|Ligor]], Pahang was one of the [[Naksat cities|outlying dependencies]]. In the 15th century, the [[Pahang Sultanate]] became an autonomous kingdom within the [[Malacca Sultanate]]. Pahang entered into a [[dynastic union]] with the [[Johor Sultanate]] in the early 17th century and later emerged as an autonomous [[Pahang Kingdom|kingdom]] in the late 18th century. Following the bloody [[Pahang Civil War]] that concluded in 1863, the state under Tun Ahmad of the [[Bendahara dynasty]], was eventually restored as a sultanate in 1881. In 1895, Pahang became a [[Federated Malay States|British protectorate]] along with Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. During the [[World War II]], Pahang and other states of [[British Malaya|Malaya]] were [[Japanese occupation of Malaya|occupied]] by the [[Empire of Japan]] from 1941 to 1945. After the war, Pahang became part of the [[Malayan Union]] before being absorbed into the [[Federation of Malaya]] which gained full independence from the British.

Modern Pahang is an economically important state with main activities in the services, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. As part of the [[East Coast Economic Region]], it is a key region for the manufacturing sector, with the local logistics support network serving as a hub for the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER)|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/ecer-wilayah-ekonomi-pantai-timur-|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014|archive-date=22 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171122031340/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/ecer-wilayah-ekonomi-pantai-timur-|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over the years, the state has attracted much investment, both local and foreign, in the mineral sector. Important mineral exports include iron ore, gold, [[tin]] and [[bauxite]]. Malaysia's substantial oil and natural gas fields lie offshore in the South China Sea. At one time, timber resources also brought much wealth to the state. Large-scale development projects have resulted in the clearing of hundreds of square miles of land for [[oil palm]] and rubber plantations and the resettling of several hundred thousand people in new villages under federal agencies and institutions like [[Federal Land Development Authority|FELDA]], [[FELCRA Berhad|FELCRA]] and [[Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority|RISDA]].

== Etymology ==
The [[Khmer language|Khmer]] word for [[tin]] is {{Transliteration|km|pāhang}}<ref>{{Cite web |last=Headley |first=Robert |date=1997 |title=Modern Cambodian-English Dictionary |url=http://sealang.net/khmer/dictionary.htm}}</ref> ({{Langx|km|ប៉ាហាំង|label=none}}) and it is phonetically identical to {{lang|ms-arab|{{Script|Arab|ڤهڠ}}}} (note that the [[Jawi script|Jawi]] spelling, literally, "phŋ", deviates<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ahmad |first=Zainal-Abidin |date=1928 |title=Jawi spelling |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41559699 |journal=Journal of the Malayan Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=81–104 |jstor=41559699 }}</ref> from modern [[Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka]] rules although its sound is unmistakably {{IPA|/paahaŋ/}}, note that the long ā sound is not explicitly rendered or stressed in old Jawi, just like {{Langx|ms|ڤد|label=none}}). Since the tin mines at [[Sungai Lembing]] had been known since ancient times and that the [[Malay Peninsula]] was within the sphere of influence of Khmer civilisation, William Linehan hypothesized<ref name="Linehan 1973 2" /> that the name of the state was named after the Khmer word for tin (note that tin-rich [[Perak]] is also etymologically linked to tin).

This lexemic starting point can be used to explain other derivatives terms such as the [[Pahang River]], Mahang the place (name given to Pahang by [[Jakuns]]), Mahang the tree (''[[Macaranga]]'', a common tree species in secondary forests, likely named after the toponym of the same phoneme).<ref name="Linehan 1973 2" /> The [[Proto-Malay]]s of Sungai Bebar who interacted with Trito-Malays likely acquired the term from their city counterparts. The theories that the state was named after the river or tree are unsatisfactory as they do not explain how the river or the tree got their names.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

There were many variations of the name Pahang outside the [[Malay world]]. For examples, [[Song dynasty]] author Zhao Rukuo ({{Langx|zh-Hant|趙汝适|label=none}}) wrote in Zhufanzhi ({{Langx|zh-Hant|諸蕃志|label=none}}) (circa 1225) that Phong-hong ({{Langx|zh-Hant|蓬豐|label=none}} romanised according to [[Southern Min]] dialect since Zhao was from Quanzhou) was a dependency of [[Srivijaya]]. The transition from Inderapura to Pahang, approximately around the Song period indicates that Khmer influence on the state was weakened and displaced by that of Srivijaya and [[Majapahit]].

During the [[Yuan dynasty]], Pahang was known as Phenn-Khenn ({{Langx|zh-Hant|彭坑|label=none}}) in Daoyi Zhilue ({{Langx|zh-Hant|島夷志略|label=none}}) (circa 1349), and in Ming Shilu ({{Langx|zh-Hant|明實錄|label=none}}) (circa 1378), it was transliterated as Pen-Heng ({{Langx|zh-Hant|湓亨|label=none}}), and in Haiguo Wenjianlu ({{Langx|zh-Hant|海國聞見錄|label=none}}) (circa 1730), compiled in the Qing period, Pahang was transliterated as ({{Langx|zh-Hant|邦項|label=none}}) (Pang-hang).

[[Arabs]] and [[Europeans]], transliterated Pahang to ''Pam, Pan, Paam, Paon, Phaan, Phang, Paham, Pahan, Pahaun, Phaung, Phahangh.''<ref name="Linehan 1973 2" />

== History ==
{{Quote box |width=23em |align=right   |bgcolor=#B0C4DE
|title=Historical affiliations
|fontsize=90% |quote=
{{flagicon image|}} [[Old Pahang Kingdom|Old Pahang]] 5–15th century<br />
{{flagicon image|White Flag of the Malay Sultanates.svg}} [[Pahang Sultanate]] 1470–1623<br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of Johor (1855 - 1865).svg}} [[Johor Sultanate|Old Johor Sultanate]] 1623–1770<br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of Pahang (1853 - 1887).svg}} [[Pahang Kingdom]] 1770–1881<br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of the Federated Malay States (1895 - 1946).svg}} [[Federated Malay States]] 1895–1941<br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg}} [[Japanese occupation of Malaya|Empire of Japan]] 1942–1945<br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of the Federated Malay States (1895 - 1946).svg}} [[Malayan Union]] 1946–1948<br />
{{flagicon image|Flag of Malaya.svg}} [[Federation of Malaya]] 1948–1963<br />
{{flag|Malaysia}} 1963–present
}}

=== Prehistory ===
Archaeological evidence shows that humans have inhabited the area that is now Pahang since as early as the [[Paleolithic]]. Relics of a of Mesolithic civilisation that used using paleolithic implements have been found at Gunung Senyum. Chipped Paleolithic artefacts without traces of polishing have been discovered at [[Sungai Lembing]], [[Kuantan]], from the remains of a 6,000 years old civilisation.<ref name="Linehan 1973 3">{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=3}}</ref> Traces of [[Hoabinhian]] culture are represented by a number of limestone cave sites.<ref name="harvnb|Benjamin||pp=88–89">{{harvnb|Benjamin|pp=88–89}}</ref> Late [[Neolithic]] relics are abundant, including polished tools, quoit discs, stone ear pendants, stone bracelets and cross-hatched bark pounders.<ref name="Linehan 1973 3"/> By around 400 BCE, the development of bronze casting led to the flourishing of the [[Đông Sơn culture]], notably for its elaborate [[Đông Sơn drums|bronze war drums]].<ref>{{harvnb|Benjamin|p=91}}</ref>

The early [[Iron Age|iron civilisation]] in Pahang that began around the beginning of [[Common Era]] is associated by prehistorians with the late neolithic culture. Relics from this era, found along the rivers are particularly numerous in the Tembeling Valley, which served as the old main northern highway of communication. Ancient [[gold working]]s in Pahang are thought to date back to this early Iron Age as well.<ref name="harvnb|Benjamin||pp=88–89"/>

=== Hindu-Buddhist Era ===
{{main|Old Pahang Kingdom}}

[[File:Mao Kun map - Pahang, Pulau Tioman.jpg|thumb|250px|The 17th century [[Mao Kun map]] based on the early 15th century navigation maps of [[Zheng He]] showing [[Pahang River]] estuary (彭杭港), Pulau Siribuat (石礁) and [[Tioman Island]] (苧麻山).]]
The [[Kra Isthmus]] region of the [[Malay Peninsula]] and its peripheries are recognised by historians as the cradle of Malayic civilisations.<ref>{{harvnb|Barnard|2004|pp=56–57}}</ref> Primordial Malayic kingdoms are described as tributaries to [[Funan (Southeast Asia)|Funan]] by the 2nd century Chinese sources.<ref>{{harvnb|Jacq-Hergoualc'h|2002|pp=101–102}}</ref> Ancient settlements in Pahang can be traced from Tembeling to as far south as Merchong. Their tracks can also be found in the deep hinterland of Jelai, along the [[Chini Lake]], and up to the head-waters of the [[Rompin]].<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=11}}</ref> One such settlement was identified as ''Koli'' in ''[[Geographia (Ptolemy)|Geographia]]'' or ''Kiu-Li'', centred on the estuary of [[Pahang River]] south of [[Langkasuka]], that flourished in the 3rd century CE. It possessed an important international port, where many foreign ships stopped to barter and resupply.<ref>{{harvnb|Farish A Noor|2011|pp=19–20}}</ref> In common with most of the states in the Malay Peninsula during that time, Kiu-Li was in contact with [[Funan]]. The Chinese records mention that an embassy sent to Funan by the Indian King Murunda sailed from Kiu-Li's port (between 240 and 245 CE). Murunda presented to the Funanese King Fan Chang four horses from the [[Yuezhi]] ([[Kushan Empire|Kushan]]) stud farms.<ref name="Munoz">{{harvnb|Munoz|2007|p=47}}</ref>

By the middle of the 5th century, a polity suggested to be ancient Pahang, was described in the ''[[Book of Song]]'' as ''Pohuang'' or ''Panhuang'' ({{Langx|zh-Hant|婆皇|label=none}}). The king of Pohuang, ''She-li Po-luo-ba-mo'' ('Sri Bhadravarman'), was recorded to have sent an envoy to the [[Liu Song dynasty|Liu Song]] court in 449–450. In 456–457, another envoy of the same country arrived at the Chinese capital, [[Jiankang]].<ref name="Guy 2014 29">{{harvnb|Guy|2014|p=29}}</ref> This ancient Pahang is believed to had been established later as a [[mueang]]<ref name="Rajani 1987 87">{{harvnb|Rajani|1987|p=87}}</ref> to the [[Mandala (political model)|mandala]] of [[Langkasuka]]-[[Kedah Kingdom|Kedah]] centred in modern-day [[Patani (historical region)|Patani]] region that rose to prominence with the regression of Funan from the 6th century.<ref>{{harvnb|Farish A Noor|2011|p=17}}</ref> By the beginning of the 8th century, Langkasuka-Kedah came under the military and political hegemony of [[Srivijaya]].<ref>{{harvnb|Farish A Noor|2011|p=36}}</ref> In the 11th century, the power vacuum left by the collapse of Srivijaya was filled by the [[Nakhon Si Thammarat Kingdom]], commonly known in Malay tradition as 'Ligor'. During this period, Pahang, designated as ''Muaeng Pahang''<ref name="Rajani 1987 87"/> was established as one of the twelve [[Naksat cities|naksat city states]]<ref>{{harvnb|Rajani|1987|p=65}}</ref> of Ligor.<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|pp=9–10}}</ref>

In the 14th century, Pahang began consolidating its influence in the southern part of the Malay Peninsula. The kingdom, described by Portuguese historian, [[Manuel Godinho de Erédia]] as ''Pam'', was one of the two kingdoms of ''[[Malays (ethnic group)|Malayos]]'' in the peninsula, in succession to [[Pattani Kingdom|Pattani]], that flourished before the establishment of the [[Malacca Sultanate]]. The Maharaja of Pahang, was also the overlord of countries of {{Langx|ms|Ujong Tanah|label=none}} ('land's end'), on the southern part of the peninsula including [[Temasek]].<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|pp=6–7}}</ref> The Majapahit chronicle, ''[[Nagarakretagama]]'' even used the name Pahang to designate the [[Malay Peninsula]], an indication of the importance of this kingdom.<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=1}}</ref> The ''[[History of Ming]]'' records several envoy missions from Pahang to the Ming court in the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1378, Maharaja Tajau sent envoys with a letter on a gold leaf and sent six foreign slaves and products of the country as tribute. In 1411, during the reign of Maharaja ''Pa-la-mi-so-la-ta-lo-si-ni'' (transliterated by historian as 'Parameswara Teluk Chini'), he also sent envoys carrying tribute.<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=5}}</ref>

=== Old sultanate ===
{{main|Pahang Sultanate}}

[[File:Nieuhof-Ambassade-vers-la-Chine-1665 0737.tif|thumb|left|250px|[[Tioman Island]] in 1665.]]
The Old Pahang Sultanate centred in modern-day [[Pekan]] was established in the 15th century. At the height of its influence, the sultanate was an important power in Southeast Asia and controlled the entire Pahang basin, bordering the [[Pattani Kingdom|Pattani Sultanate]] to the north and the [[Johor Sultanate]] to the south. To the west, its  jurisdiction extended over parts of modern-day [[Selangor]] and [[Negeri Sembilan]].<ref name="Linehan 1973 31">{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=31}}</ref>

The sultanate has its origin as a vassal to the [[Malacca Sultanate]], with its first sultan, [[Muhammad Shah of Pahang|Muhammad Shah]] having been a Malaccan prince, and was the grandson of [[Dewa Sura]], the last pre-Malaccan ruler of [[Old Pahang Kingdom|Pahang]].<ref name="Linehan 1973 31"/> Over the years, Pahang grew independent from Malaccan control and at one point even established itself as a rival to Malacca<ref>{{harvnb|Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid|2011|p=80}}</ref> until the latter's [[Capture of Malacca (1511)|demise in 1511]]. In 1528, the last Sultan of Malacca, [[Mahmud Shah of Malacca|Mahmud Shah]] died. Pahang joined forces with his successor, [[Alauddin Riayat Shah II]] who established himself in Johor to expel the Portuguese from the Malay Peninsula. Two attempts were made in 1547 at [[Muar (town)|Muar]] and in 1551 at [[Portuguese Malacca]]. However, in the face of superior Portuguese arms and vessels, the Pahang and Johor forces were forced to retreat on both occasions.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 81">{{harvnb|Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid|2011|p=81}}</ref>

During the reign of Sultan [[Abdul Kadir Alauddin Shah of Pahang|Abdul Kadir]], Pahang enjoyed a brief period of cordial relations with the Portuguese. However, this relationship was discontinued by his successor, Sultan [[Ahmad Shah II of Pahang|Ahmad II]]. The next ruler, Sultan [[Abdul Ghafur Muhiuddin Shah of Pahang|Abdul Ghafur]] attacked the Portuguese and simultaneously challenged the Dutch presence in the [[Strait of Malacca]]. Nevertheless, in 1607, Pahang not only tolerated the [[Dutch Empire|Dutch]], but, following a visit by [[Cornelis Matelief de Jonge|Admiral Matelief de Jonge]], even cooperated with them in an attempt to get rid of the Portuguese.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 81"/>

The Sultan tried to reforge the Johor-Pahang alliance to assist the Dutch. However, a quarrel which erupted between Sultan Abdul Ghafur and [[Alauddin Riayat Shah III of Johor]], resulted in Johor declaring war on Pahang in 1612. With the aid of Sultan [[Abdul Jalilul Akbar]] of [[Bruneian Empire|Brunei]], Pahang eventually defeated Johor in 1613. Sultan Abdul Ghafur's son, [[Alauddin Riayat Shah of Pahang|Alauddin Riyat Shah]] ascended to the throne in 1614. In 1615, the [[Aceh Sultanate|Acehnese]] under [[Iskandar Muda]] invaded Pahang, forcing Alauddin Riayat Shah to retreat into the interior. He nevertheless continued to exercise some ruling powers. His reign in exile is considered to have officially ended after the installation of a distant relative, [[Abdul Jalil Shah III|Raja Bujang]] to the Pahangese throne in 1615, with the support of the Portuguese following a pact between the Portuguese and Sultan of Johor.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 81"/>

Raja Bujang who reigned as Abdul Jalil Shah was eventually deposed in the Acehnese invasion in 1617, but restored to the Pahangese throne and also installed as the new [[Sultan of Johor]] following the death of his uncle, [[Abdullah Ma'ayat Shah]] in 1623. This event led to the union of the crown of Pahang and Johor, and the formal establishment of the [[Johor Empire]].<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 81"/>

=== Modern history ===
{{main|Pahang Kingdom|Federated Malay States|Federation of Malaya}}

[[File:CO 1069-505-01 (7893293906).jpg|thumb|[[Ahmad al-Muadzam Shah of Pahang|Sultan Ahmad]] and his attendants circa 1897. The ruler seized the Pahang throne in 1863 after six years of [[Pahang Civil War|civil war]] against his brother [[Tun Mutahir of Pahang|Tun Mutahir]] and his [[Straits Settlements|British]]-[[Johor]] allies. His reign marked the restoration of Pahang as a Sultanate and modernisation of the state.]]
The modern Pahang kingdom came into existence with the consolidation of power by the [[Bendahara dynasty|Bendahara family]] in Pahang, following the gradual disintegration of [[Johor Empire]]. Self-rule was established in Pahang in the late 18th century, with [[Tun Abdul Majid of Pahang|Tun Abdul Majid]] declared as the first [[raja bendahara]].<ref name="Linehan 1973 52">{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=52}}</ref> The area around Pahang formed a part of the hereditary domains attached to this title and administered directly by the raja bendahara. The weakening of the Johor Sultanate and the disputed succession to the throne was coupled with the increasing independence of the [[Bendahara]] in Pahang, the [[Temenggong]] in Johor and Singapore, and the Yamtuan Muda in Riau.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 82">{{harvnb|Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid|2011|p=82}}</ref>

In 1853, the fourth raja bendahara [[Tun Ali of Pahang|Tun Ali]], renounced his allegiance to the Sultan of Johor and became the independent ruler of Pahang.<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=66}}</ref><ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 83">{{harvnb|Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid|2011|p=83}}</ref> He was able to maintain peace and stability during his reign. After his death in 1857 his younger son [[Sultan Ahmad al-Muadzam Shah|Wan Ahmad]] challenged the succession of his half-brother [[Tun Mutahir of Pahang|Tun Mutahir]], in a dispute that escalated into a [[Pahang Civil War|civil war]]. Supported by the neighbouring [[Terengganu|Terengganu Sultanate]] and the Siamese, Wan Ahmad emerged victorious, establishing control over important towns and expelled his brother in 1863. He served as the last raja bendahara, and was proclaimed [[Sultan of Pahang]] by his chiefs in 1881.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 83"/>

Due to internal strife within Pahang, the British pressured Sultan Ahmad to agree to the presence of a British adviser. Aided by Sultan [[Abu Bakar of Johor]] and William Fraser of the Pahang Mining Company, they succeeded in convincing Sultan Ahmad to accept a British agent, [[Hugh Clifford (colonial administrator)|Hugh Clifford]], in December 1887. In October 1888, Sultan Ahmad reluctantly accepted [[John Pickersgill Rodger]] as Pahang's first Resident. Following the intervention, Sultan Ahmad became a Ruler-in-Council and acted in accordance with the advice of the British Resident and the State Council, except in matters pertaining Islam and Malay customs. Taxes were to be collected in the name of the sultan by the Resident, with the assistance of European officers.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 84">{{harvnb|Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid|2011|p=84}}</ref>

Between 1890 and 1895, [[Dato' Bahaman]], the Orang Kaya Setia Perkasa Pahlawan of Semantan, and [[Tok Gajah|Imam Perang Rasu]], the Orang Kaya Imam Perang Indera Gajah of Pulau Tawar, led a revolt against the British encroachment. Sultan Ahmad appeared to be co-operating with the British, but he was known to be sympathetic  to the dissidents. By 1895 the revolt was suppressed by the British and many of the dissidents surrendered. In July 1895, Sultan Ahmad signed the Federation Agreement, which made Pahang, along with [[Perak]], Selangor and [[Negeri Sembilan]], one of the [[Federated Malay States]], a protectorate of the [[British Empire]]. This had effectively reduced the Sultan's powers and authority, as did the creation of Federal Council in 1909. The executive and legislative functions of the State Council became increasingly nominal.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 84"/>

Like other [[Malay States]], Pahang suffered during the [[Japanese occupation of Malaya]] until 1945. During the Japanese Occupation, the reigning Sultan [[Abu Bakar of Pahang|Abu Bakar]] opened a large potato plantation behind the Terentang Palace to help ease the food shortage and he personally approved proposals to form the ''[[Rejimen Askar Wataniah|Askar Wataniah]]'', an underground Malay resistance force. The Sultan spent the final days of the occupation in a jungle hideout with members of [[Force 136]], resistance fighters and refugees. In late 1945, to mark the decommissioning of the Askar Wataniah, the troops paraded through [[Pekan]] and submitted to a royal inspection, after which they were honoured at the Sa'adah Palace with what has been called 'the first ''[[ronggeng]]'' of the liberation'.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 85">{{harvnb|Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid|2011|p=85}}</ref>

During his reign, Sultan Abu Bakar revived the office of State Mufti and established the Pahang Islamic and Malay Customs Council. The state's administrative capital, which was established in [[Kuala Lipis]] during British intervention, was moved to [[Kuantan]].<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 85"/>

After [[World War II]], Pahang formed the [[Federation of Malaya]] with the other eight [[Malay States]] and two [[Straits Settlements|British Crown Colonies]], Malacca and Penang in 1948. The semi-independent Malaya was granted independence in 1957, and was then reconstituted as [[Malaysia]] with the inclusion the states of Singapore (left the federation in 1965), [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]] in 1963.

== Geography ==
[[File:Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation 2012.JPG|thumb|[[Cameron Highlands]].]]
Pahang covers an area of {{convert|35965|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}},<ref name="DOSM Pahang"/> and is the third largest state in Malaysia after [[Sabah]] and [[Sarawak]], and the largest in [[Peninsular Malaysia]]. Geographically diverse, Pahang occupies the vast [[Pahang River]] basin, which is enclosed by the [[Titiwangsa Mountains|Titiwangsa]] Range to the west and the eastern highlands to the north. Although about two thirds of the state is dense jungle,<ref>{{harvnb|WWF-Malaysia|1997|p=4}}</ref> its central plains are intersected by numerous rivers, joining to form the Pahang River which dominates the drainage system. Pahang is divided into three [[ecoregion]]s, the freshwater systems, the lowlands and highlands rainforests and the coastline.<ref name="Y. Tachikawa 2004">{{harvnb|Y. Tachikawa|R. James|K. Abdullah|Mohd. Nor bin Mohd. Desa|2004}}</ref>

The [[Pahang River]] basin connects with Malaysia's two largest natural freshwater lakes, [[Bera Lake|Bera]] and [[Chini Lake|Chini]]. Described as wetland of international importance, Bera Lake was accepted as Malaysia's first [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] site in 1994.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annotated List of Wetlands of International Importance - Malaysia|url=https://rsis.ramsar.org/sites/default/files/rsiswp_search/exports/Ramsar-Sites-annotated-summary-Malaysia.pdf?1507864871|website=www.ramsar.org|publisher=The Ramsar Convention Secretatiat|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014}}</ref>

The highest peak, [[Mount Tahan]], reaches {{convert|2187|m|ft|abbr=on}} in elevation, which is also the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. The climate is temperate enough to have distinct temperature variations year round, and much of the highlands are covered with tropical [[rainforest]]. Pahang is home to two of Malaysia's [[national park]]s, [[Taman Negara]] and [[Endau-Rompin National Park|Endau-Rompin]], both located in the north and south of the state respectively. These large [[Rainforest|primary rainforests]] are extensive, and are home to many rare or endangered animals, such as the [[tapir]], [[Chevrotain|mouse-deer]], tigers, elephants and [[leopard]]s. [[Fern]]s are also extremely common, mainly due to the high humidity and fog that permeates the area. Popular hill resorts located along these main highland areas are [[Cameron Highlands]], [[Genting Highlands]], [[Fraser's Hill]] and [[Bukit Tinggi, Pahang|Bukit Tinggi]]. The Cameron Highlands is home to extensive tea plantations and also a major supplier of [[legume]]s and vegetables to both [[Malaysia]] and Singapore. The largest of [[Federal Land Development Authority|Felda]]'s palm oil plantations in Malaysia are located in the Jengka Triangle centred around the [[Bandar Tun Razak, Jengka|Bandar Tun Razak]] in [[Maran]] district.

[[File:Cherating, Pantai Cherating.jpg|thumb|left|[[Cherating]] beach.]]
Pahang's long, coastline has sandy beaches like [[Cherating]], [[Teluk Cempedak]], [[Beserah]], [[Batu Hitam]] and [[Tanjung Sepat, Pahang|Tanjung Sepat]]. Also located along the coastal plain, is a {{convert|32|sqkm|sqmi|abbr=on}} wide expanse of alluvial soil that includes the deltas and estuarine plains of the Kuantan, Pahang, Rompin, Endau, and Mersing Rivers.<ref name="Y. Tachikawa 2004"/> Important economic centres can be found along the coastline, where both capital and royal capital of the state, [[Kuantan]] and [[Pekan]], are located. About 58&nbsp;km off the coast of Pahang lies [[Tioman Island]], in the South China Sea, acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tioman|url=http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/tioman|website=www.pahangtourism.org.my|publisher=Pahang Tourism Office|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017|archive-date=4 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304135817/http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/tioman|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Pahang has a [[tropical geography]] with an [[tropical rainforest climate|equatorial climate]] and a year-round of humidity of no less than 75%. It is warm and humid throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 21&nbsp;°C to 33&nbsp;°C. The rainfall here averages 200&nbsp;mm monthly, a large proportion of which occurs during the [[northeast monsoon]]. Precipitation is the lowest in March, with an average of 22.25&nbsp;mm. In October and November, the precipitation reaches its peak, with an average of 393&nbsp;mm. The hottest month in Pahang is May when the average maximum temperature is 33°, average temperature is 28° and average minimum temperature is 24°. At highland areas, the temperature can vary from {{convert|23|C|F}} during daytime to {{convert|16|C|F}} during night time.<ref name="Pahang Tourism Climate">{{cite web|title=Climate|url=http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/about-us/travellers-essentials2/climate|website=www.pahangtourism.org.my|publisher=Pahang Tourism Office|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018165239/http://pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/about-us/travellers-essentials2/climate|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Annual average weather for Pahang, Malaysia|url=https://beach-weather.com/South-Eastern-Asia/Malaysia/Pahang/averages/|website=www.beach-weather.com|publisher=Beach Weather|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017}}</ref>

Pahang experiences two [[monsoon]] seasons: a northeast monsoon and a southwest monsoon. The tropical storms of the northeast monsoon wash ashore from the end of October until the beginning of March ever year, bringing heavy rainfall, powerful currents and unpredictable tempest of the monsoon season coming in from the South China Sea. The southwest monsoon, which occurs beginning March every year, brings somewhat less rainfall, with sunny and tropical weather up until the end of October.<ref name="Pahang Tourism Climate"/>

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Landscapes of Pahang">
File:Gunung Tahan. Snapped from Gunung Tangga Lima Belas.jpg|[[Mount Tahan]], the highest mountain of [[Peninsular Malaysia]].
File:Temerloh bridge3.JPG|[[Pahang River]].
File:Taman-Negara.jpg|View of [[Taman Negara]].
File:Salang, Tioman - panoramio (4).jpg|[[South China Sea]] view from [[Tioman Island]].
</gallery>

<!--
=== Highlands ===
[[File:Cameron Highlands Tea Plantation 2012.JPG|thumb|[[Cameron Highlands]].]]
Peninsular Malaysia straddles a rich [[quartz]] vein that is associated with the mountain range in the centre. [[Rainforest]] covers much of the highlands, but it tends to be thinner, with more [[deciduous]] trees. [[Fern]]s are also extremely common, thanks mainly to the high humidity and fog that permeates the area.

The [[Cameron Highlands]] area in the west is home to extensive tea plantations. The area is the highest on the mainland, and the climate is temperate enough to have distinct temperature variations year round. The area is also known as a major supplier of [[legume]]s and vegetables to both [[Malaysia]] and Singapore.

[[Genting Highlands]] is known as Malaysia's playground. It is home to several hotels, a theme park and Malaysia's only casino. Genting Highlands was developed by [[Lim Goh Tong]], who envisioned a hillside getaway destination for people wanting to get away from city hustle and bustle, and is conveniently situated 40 minutes from the capital of [[Kuala Lumpur]], accessible by highway. The border of Genting Highlands straddles both the states of Pahang and [[Selangor]].

The famous silk merchant and fashion designer [[Jim Thompson (designer)|Jim Thompson]] mysteriously disappeared in the area, and it was also home to the [[Communist]] guerrillas who fought the British during the 1950s.

[[Fraser's Hill]] was used as a British summer getaway to escape the tropical heat. It is distinctive that the road to and from [[Fraser's Hill]] is a single lane up the hill and traffic limited to a single direction at certain hours. It is now a small hamlet with British architectural buildings and also a holiday destination.

There is also a population of native [[Orang Asli]] who live in the area, although most have been relocated from the forests to other areas.

=== Rainforest ===
The north of the state is home to the country's largest [[national park]], [[Taman Negara]].  This large [[Rainforest|primary rainforest]] is extensive, and is home to many rare or endangered animals, such as the [[tapir]], [[kancil]], tigers, elephants and [[leopard]]s.

Rainforest covers 2/3 of the area of the state, and the peninsula's highest point, [[Mount Tahan]], is located within Taman Negara. Since the equator is so close, the rain forests in Malaysia are among the oldest in the world: roughly 130 million years old.

=== Rivers and lakes ===
Two famous lakes are found in Pahang. [[Bera Lake]] is a [[Ramsar Convention|Ramsar]] site and is important for its rich freshwater [[peat]] environment, home to various flora and fauna. The [[Semelai]] [[Orang Asli]] live in the area and continue their traditional way of life, hunting, fishing and making use of their natural environment.

[[Chini Lake]] is home to a legend whereby a [[dragon]] was believed to reside in the lake. Talks also abound about a lost city that sunk beneath the water. Famed for its [[nelumbo|lotus]] blooms, recently controversy has sparked with mismanaged tourism development resulting in the massive die off of trees, and recent findings of pollution in the water.

=== Coastline ===
[[File:TelukCempedak.jpg|thumb|Chempedak Bay.]]
The largely mountainous state flattens out towards the coastline, and this is where the state capital [[Kuantan]] is located.  There are also many islands offshore, including [[Tioman Island]], with extensive [[coral reef]] systems. Fine stretches of beach are found from Kuantan heading to [[Terengganu]].

A traditional fishing industry still exists along the coast. [[Prawn cracker#Malaysia|Keropok]] dried fish cakes are a welcome favourite among locals and traditional industry includes the mass processing of dried fish and seafood as well as the famed ''keropok lekor''.
-->

=== Biodiversity ===
[[File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Pahang, 2001-2024.png|thumb|right|upright=1.1|alt=Map of Pahang showing tree-cover loss years, with forest remaining since 2000 in green and loss years shaded yellow through purple.|Tree-cover loss year in Pahang, 2001–2024, from the [[Global Forest Change dataset]].]]
Malaysia, as a nation, is considered one of the most biodiverse on earth.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=my |title=Malaysia Main Details Biodiversity Facts |website=CBD.int |publisher=Convention on Biological Diversity |accessdate=6 June 2023}}</ref> Pahang maintains a protected network of managed areas rich in flora, fauna, and natural resources, in spite of [[deforestation]], rapid industrialisation and an ever-growing population. In Pahang, there are some 74 forest reserves, including ten virgin-jungle reserves and 13 different amenity forests, [[wildlife reserves]], [[national parks]] and offshore [[marine park]]s. There are many examples of nationally  and internationally relevant areas, including the [[Krau Wildlife Reserve]], [[Bera Lake|Bera Lake Ramsar Site]], [[Tioman Island|Tioman Island Marine Park]] and [[Cameron Highlands|Cameron Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary]].<ref name="WWF-Malaysia 1997 1">{{harvnb|WWF-Malaysia|1997|p=1}}</ref>

Total forest in Pahang is about 2,367,000 ha (66% of the land area), of which 89% is a dryland forest, 10% peat swamp forest, and 1% [[mangrove]]s. About 56% of the total forest is within the Permanent Forest Estate. This includes almost the full range of forest types found in Malaysia, although some of the more unique environments (such as heath forest or forest on ultrabasic rocks) exist only in fragmented areas of Pahang. The protected forest within [[Taman Negara]] and [[Krau Wildlife Reserve]] includes small areas of extreme lowland [[alluvial plains]]. Elsewhere, most of the dryland forest in Pahang is on steep slopes, therefore benefiting from both catchment protection and slope protection functions.<ref name="WWF-Malaysia 1997 1"/> Virtually every species of bird and [[mammal]] found in Peninsular Malaysia has been recorded in Pahang, other than a few confined to the north of the country or the west coast. There are a large number of montane species. Peaks within Taman Negara, [[Mount Benom]], and peaks along the [[Titiwangsa Mountains|Titiwangsa Range]], with different endemic species in each of these montane regions are located in Pahang. The large forest blocks of the west and northeast support nationally important populations of big mammals and other fauna, and act as a unit with Taman Negara.<ref>{{harvnb|WWF-Malaysia|1997|p=5}}</ref>

[[File:Clownfishes, Paya Beach, Tioman - panoramio.jpg|thumb|[[Clownfish]] at Paya Beach, [[Tioman Island]].]]
The Pahang River is the longest river on the peninsula, and from its headwaters to the estuary it includes virtually all of the natural river types. These range from montane streams, saraca streams and neram rivers to rasau and nipah tidal reaches. [[Drainage basin|Water catchments]] have been defined as covering 81% of the state and more than half of this is forested.<ref>{{harvnb|WWF-Malaysia|1997|p=3}}</ref> The huge network of rivers in Pahang is home to freshwater aquatic biodiversity, important to the economy of the state. Connecting to this riverine systems are a number of natural freshwater lakes, most notably [[Bera Lake|Bera]] and [[Chini Lake|Chini]] lakes. Surrounded by a patchwork of dry lowland dipterocarp forests, the lake environment stretches its tentacles into islands of peat swamp forests. Rich in wildlife and vegetation, the lakes provide an ecosystem which supports not only a diversity of animal and plant life, but sustains the livelihood of the [[Orang Asal]], the aboriginal people inhabiting the wetlands.

Most of the coastline is sandy, with rocky headlands at intervals. [[Mangrove]]s and [[Nypa fruticans|nipah]] swamps are confined to estuaries and do not occur along the exposed coast. These estuaries can be seasonally important to fishermen when rough weather prevents fishing at sea. There are limited areas of hard and soft coral offshore, which have been mapped together with coastal features. There are many islands off the east coast, the largest being [[Tioman Island|Tioman]] and Seri Buat islands. Besides the island populations of fauna and flora, which sometimes differ genetically from mainland forms of the same species, these islands are of value for the reefs and other bottom features which support marine biological diversity. The reefs in particular are sensitive to sedimentation from activities on land. These features are related to the maintenance of marine fisheries, an important sector of the coastal economy. Tioman, Chebeh, Tulai, Sembilang and Seri Buat islands constitute the Tioman group of islands within the Marine Parks system of Peninsular Malaysia.<ref>{{harvnb|WWF-Malaysia|1997|p=6}}</ref>

== Politics and government ==
{{main|Pahang State Executive Council|Pahang State Legislative Assembly}}

{{see also|Malaysian State Assembly Representatives (2018-)#Pahang}}
[[File:Pintu gerbang Istana Abu Bakar 1.jpg|thumb|Main entrance of the Royal Palace, [[Pekan]].]]
[[File:Sky Kuantan.jpg|thumb|[[Kuantan]], capital of Pahang.]]
[[File:PahangDistrict.svg|thumb|Parliamentary constituencies of Pahang.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
| colspan=6 | [[File:PahangADUN2022.svg|300px]]
|-
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" |Affiliation
! rowspan="2" |Coalition/Party Leader
! rowspan="2" |Status
! colspan="2" |Seats
|-
![[Pahang state election, 2022|2022 election]]
!Current
|-
|{{Color box|#000080|border=darkgray}} <br /> {{Color box|#CC2200|border=darkgray}}
|[[Barisan Nasional]] <br /> [[Pakatan Harapan]]
|[[Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail]]
|Government
|25
|25
|-
|{{Color box|#000080|border=darkgray}}
|[[Perikatan Nasional]]
|[[Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man]]
|[[Opposition (Malaysia)|Opposition]]
|17
|17
|-
! colspan="4" |Total
!42
!42
|-
! colspan="4" |Government majority
!8
!24
|}

The modern constitution of Pahang, the {{Langx|ms|Undang-Undang Tubuh Kerajaan Pahang|label=none}}, was first drafted on 1 February 1948. It was formally adopted on 25 February 1959. The constitution proclaims that Pahang is a [[constitutional monarchy]]. The constitutional head is the [[Sultan of Pahang|Sultan]], who is described as "the fountain head of justice and of all authority of government" in the state. He who is vested with the power as a monarch of the state, is also the Head of Islam and the source of all titles and dignities, honours and awards.<ref>{{harvnb|Farish A Noor|2011|p=116}}</ref><ref name="Constitution">{{cite web|title=Constitution of Pahang|url=http://www.dirajapahang.my/portaldiraja/muat_turun/Undang2%20Tubuh.pdf|website=www.dirajapahang.my|publisher=Portal Diraja Pahang|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2016|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417163743/http://www.dirajapahang.my/portaldiraja/muat_turun/Undang2%20Tubuh.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The current Sultan belong to the male line of the [[Bendahara dynasty]] who have been ruling the state since the 17th century.<ref name="Linehan 1973 52"/> Since 2019, the reigning monarch has been [[Abdullah of Pahang|Abdullah]]. He was proclaimed as Sultan on 15 January 2019, succeeding his father, [[Ahmad Shah of Pahang|Ahmad Shah]], whose abdication was decided at a Royal Council meeting on 11 January. On 24 January 2019, days after his accession to the throne of Pahang, he was elected as the 16th [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]] of Malaysia, succeeding [[Muhammad V of Kelantan|Muhammad V]] who abdicated from the throne on 6 January. [[Succession order]] to the throne of Pahang is generally determined roughly by [[agnatic primogeniture]]. No female may become ruler, and female line descendants are generally excluded from succession. In Pahang traditional political structure, the offices of {{Langx|ms|Orang Besar Berempat|label=none}} ('four major chiefs') are the most important positions after the Sultan himself. The four hereditary territorial [[magnate]]s are; [[Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan]], [[Orang Kaya Indera Perba Jelai]], [[Orang Kaya Indera Segara]] and [[Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar]]. Next in the hierarchy were the {{Langx|ms|Orang Besar Berlapan|label=none}} ('eight chiefs') and {{Langx|ms|Orang Besar Enam Belas|label=none}} ('sixteen chiefs') who were subordinated to the principal nobles.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 82"/>

The Sultan headed two institutions, the [[Pahang State Legislative Assembly|State Legislative Assembly]] and [[Pahang State Executive Council|State Executive Council]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Organisational Structure of the State Government|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/struktur-pentadbiran-kerajaan-negeri|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022105915/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/struktur-pentadbiran-kerajaan-negeri|archive-date=22 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The legislative branch of the state is the unicameral {{Langx|ms|Dewan Undangan Negeri|label=none}} ('State Legislative Assembly') whose 42 members are elected from single-member constituencies. The assembly has the power to enact the state laws. State government is led by a [[List of Menteris Besar of Pahang|Menteri Besar]], who is a member of the State Legislative Assembly from the majority party. According to the constitution of Pahang, the Menteri Besar is required to be a Malay and a Muslim, appointed by the ruler from the party that commands the majority of the State Legislative Assembly.<ref name="Constitution"/> By convention, state elections are held concurrently with the federal election, held at least once every five years, the most recent of which took place in [[Malaysian general election, 2018|May 2018]]. Registered voters of age 21 and above may vote for the members for the state legislative chamber.<ref>{{cite web|author=Shahanaaz Habib|title=Stand up and be counted|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/23/stand-up-and-be-counted-there-are-42-million-malaysians-who-are-eligible-to-vote-but-they-have-not-r/|website=www.thestar.com.my|publisher=The Star Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=23 October 2016}}</ref>

Executive power is vested in the [[Pahang State Executive Council|State Executive Council]] as per 1959 constitution. It consists of the Mentri Besar, who is its chairman, and 13 other members.<ref>{{cite web|title=State Government Executive Council|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/majlis-mesyuarat-kerajaan-negeri/exco|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028012344/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/majlis-mesyuarat-kerajaan-negeri/exco|archive-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Sultan of Pahang appoints the Mentri Besar and the rest of the council from the members of the State Assembly. The Mentri Besar is both the head of the Executive Council and the head of the State Government.<ref name="Constitution"/> The incumbent, [[Malay titles|Dato' Seri]] [[Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail]] from the [[United Malays National Organisation]], a major component party of the [[Barisan Nasional]] (BN) coalition, appointed in 2018, is the 15th Mentri Besar.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of Pahang Menteri Besar|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/senarai-yab-menteri-besar-pahang|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023225144/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/senarai-yab-menteri-besar-pahang|archive-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

As a federal state, Pahang is subjected to [[Law of Malaysia|Malaysia's legal system]] which is based on [[English Common Law]]. The highest court in the judicial system is the [[Federal Court of Malaysia|Federal Court]], followed by the [[Court of Appeal of Malaysia|Court of Appeal]] and the [[High Court of Malaya]]. Malaysia also has a special court to hear cases brought by or against royalty. The death penalty is in use for serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, drug trafficking, and kidnapping. Separate from and running parallel to the civil courts, are the [[Syariah Court]], which apply [[Sharia]] law to Muslims in the areas of family law and religious observances. As provided in Article 3 of the [[Constitution of Malaysia|Federal Constitution]], Syariah or Islamic law is a matter of state law, passed in the State Legislative Assembly. Matters related to the enforcement of the Syariah law falls under the jurisdiction of the {{Langx|ms|Jabatan Agama Islam Pahang|label=none}} ('Pahang Islamic Religious Department'). Pahang's constitution empowers the Sultan as the head of Islam and Malay customs in the state. State council known as {{Langx|ms|Majlis Ugama Islam dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang|label=none}} ('Council of Islam and Malay Customs of Pahang') is responsible in advising the ruler as well as regulating both Islamic affairs and [[adat]].<ref name="Constitution"/>

=== Subdivisions ===
{{main|Districts of Malaysia}}

Pahang is divided into 11 administrative districts, which in turn is divided into 66 [[mukim]]s.<ref name="MyGdi">{{citation | author = MyGdi Standards Technical Committee | title = Kod dan Nama Sempadan Pentadbiran Tanah - Pahang | publisher = Malaysian Centre for Geospatial Data Infrastructure | year = 2011 | url = http://www.mygeoportal.gov.my/sites/default/files/UPI/KOD%20DAN%20NAMA%20SEMPADAN%20PENTADBIRAN%20TANAH_PAHANG.pdf | access-date = 29 October 2017 | website = www.mygeoportal.gov.my | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190914111841/http://www.mygeoportal.gov.my/sites/default/files/UPI/KOD%20DAN%20NAMA%20SEMPADAN%20PENTADBIRAN%20TANAH_PAHANG.pdf | archive-date = 14 September 2019 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Currently, there are also 4 subdistricts in Pahang, which is [[Genting Highlands|Genting]], [[Gebeng]], [[Jelai]] and [[Muadzam Shah]].<ref>{{Cite web| title=Akta Eksais 1976 | trans-title=Excise Act 1976 | language=ms | url=https://ptg.pahang.gov.my/index.php/informasi/pewartaan/66-pewartaan-daerah-kecil/file | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626105001/https://ptg.pahang.gov.my/index.php/informasi/pewartaan/66-pewartaan-daerah-kecil/file | archive-date=2022-06-26}}</ref> For each district, the state government appoints a [[district officer]] who heads lands and district office. An administrative district can be distinguished from a local government area where the former deals with land administration and revenue<ref>{{cite web|title=Districts and Land Office|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/pejabat-daerah-dan-tanah|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021221015/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/pejabat-daerah-dan-tanah|archive-date=21 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> while the latter deals with the planning and delivery of basic infrastructure to its inhabitants. Administrative district boundaries are usually coextensive with local government area boundaries but may sometimes differ especially in urbanised areas. Local governments in Pahang consist of 3 [[List of local governments in Malaysia|municipal councils]] and 8 district councils.<ref name="local_authority">{{cite web|title=Local Authority|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/pihak-berkuasa-tempatan|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016122817/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/pihak-berkuasa-tempatan|archive-date=16 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The administrative divisions in Pahang are originated from the time of the old [[Pahang Sultanate]], whereby [[magnate|territorial magnates]] appointed by the Sultan to administer the historical divisions of the state.<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|pp=190–194}}</ref> The largest historical divisions were; Jelai (corresponds to modern day [[Lipis District]]), [[Temerloh]], [[Chenor]] (corresponds to modern day [[Maran District]]) and [[Pekan]], each administered by the four major chiefs ({{Langx|ms|Orang Besar Berempat|label=none}}). Next in the hierarchy were the {{Langx|ms|Orang Besar Berlapan|label=none}} ('eight chiefs') and then {{Langx|ms|Orang Besar Enam Belas|label=none}} ('sixteen chiefs') who were subordinated to their respective principal nobles. The lowest of this traditional hierarchy are the {{Langx|ms|Tok Empat|label=none}} or village headmen who were subordinated to ''{{Langx|ms|Tok Mukim|label=none}}'', who in turn subordinated to ''[[Penghulu|Tok Penghulu]]'', who in turn subordinated to one of the sixteen chiefs.<ref name="Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid 2011 82"/>

In modern times, the ''{{Langx|ms|Tok Empat|label=none}}'' became formally known as {{Langx|ms|Ketua Kampung|label=none}} (literally 'village headman'), although continued to be referred as such informally. He is subordinated to a [[Penghulu]], the head of the [[mukim]], who in turn subordinated to the [[district officer]].

{|class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto 1em auto; width:65%; font-size:smaller; text-align:left"
|-
! colspan=7 | Administrative divisions of Pahang
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-size:larger" align="center" |{{Pahang Labelled Map}}
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Number !! [[Districts of Malaysia|Districts]]!! Seat !! Local government level<ref name="local_authority"/> || [[Mukim]]<ref name="MyGdi"/>!! Area (km<sup>2</sup>)!! Population (2010)<ref name="DOSM preliminary">{{cite web|title=Preliminary Count Report - Population and Housing Census Malaysia 2010|url=http://www.reigroup.com.my/wp-content/uploads/pdf/resources2/Housing%20census%202010.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.reigroup.com.my/wp-content/uploads/pdf/resources2/Housing%20census%202010.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.reigroup.com.my|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017}}</ref>
|-
! 1
| [[Bera District|Bera]] || [[Bandar Bera]] || District Council || Bera, [[Teriang]] ||align="right"| 2,214 ||align="right"| 93,084
|-
! 2
| [[Bentong District|Bentong]] || Bentong || Municipality ||Bentong, Sabai, Pelangai<br />''Autonomous sub-districts:'' [[Genting Highlands]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Cukai tanah untuk industri turun |date=22 January 2020 |url=https://www.hmetro.com.my/mutakhir/2020/01/537647/cukai-tanah-untuk-industri-turun |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Pejabat Daerah Dan Tanah Bentong, Pahang |website=Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/483659928327075/posts/untuk-warga-bentong-di-genting-janda-baik-dan-bukit-tinggibuat-permulaan-urusan-/3799294776763557/}}</ref>||align="right"| 1,381 ||align="right"| 112,678
|-
! 3
| [[Cameron Highlands]] || [[Tanah Rata]] || District Council || Hulu Telom, Ringlet, Tanah Rata||align="right"| 712 ||align="right"| 37,147
|-
! 4
| [[Jerantut District|Jerantut]] || Jerantut || District Council || Bulau, Hulu Cheka, Hulu Tembeling, Kelola, Kuala Tembeling, Pedah, Pulau Tawar, Tebing Tinggi, Teh, Tembeling ||align="right"| 7,561 ||align="right"| 87,709
|-

! 5
| [[Kuantan District|Kuantan]] || [[Kuantan]] || City || Kuala Kuantan, Hulu Kuantan, Sungai Karang, Beserah, Hulu Lepar, Penor <br />''Autonomous sub-districts:'' [[Gebeng]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Terkini! Kaunter Perkhidmatan Pejabat Daerah Kecil Gebeng |url=https://www.mpk.gov.my/ms/mpk/pusat-media/pengumuman/terkini-kaunter-perkhidmatan-pejabat-daerah-kecil-gebeng |access-date=28 October 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>||align="right"|2,960 ||align="right"| 450,211
|-

! 6
| [[Lipis District|Lipis]] || [[Kuala Lipis]] || District Council || Batu Yon, Budu, Cheka, Gua, Hulu Jelai, Kechau, Kuala Lipis, Penjom, Tanjung Besar, Telang<br />''Autonomous sub-districts:'' [[Jelai (state constituency)|Jelai]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Pejabat Pentadbiran Daerah Kecil Jelai telah beroperasi |url=http://pdtlipis.pahang.gov.my/posts/pejabat-pentadbiran-daerah-kecil-jelai-telah-beroperasi |access-date=28 October 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924051726/http://pdtlipis.pahang.gov.my/posts/pejabat-pentadbiran-daerah-kecil-jelai-telah-beroperasi |url-status=dead }}</ref>||align="right"| 5,198 ||align="right"| 86,200
|-

! 7
| [[Maran District|Maran]] || [[Maran (town)|Maran]] || District Council || Bukit Segumpal, Chenor, Kertau, Luit||align="right"| 3,805 ||align="right"| 113,303
|-

! 8
| [[Pekan District|Pekan]] || [[Pekan, Pahang|Pekan]] || Municipality || Bebar, Ganchong, Kuala Pahang, Langgar, Lepar, Pahang Tua, Pekan, Penyor, Pulau Manis, Pulau Rusa, Temai||align="right"| 3,846 ||align="right"| 105,822
|-

! 9
| [[Raub District|Raub]] || [[Raub, Pahang|Raub]] || District Council || Batu Talam, Dong, Gali, Hulu Dong, Sega, Semantan Hulu, Teras||align="right"| 2,269 ||align="right"| 91,169
|-

! 10
| [[Rompin District|Rompin]] || [[Kuala Rompin]] || District Council || Endau, Keratong, Pontian, Rompin, [[Tioman Island|Tioman]], Bebar<br />''Autonomous sub-districts:'' [[Bandar Muadzam Shah]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Pejabat Daerah Dan Tanah Kecil Muadzam Shah |url=https://www.google.com.my/maps/place/Pejabat+Daerah+Dan+Tanah+Kecil+Muadzam+Shah/@3.0564615,103.0852998,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x6f540eba28e346ea!8m2!3d3.0564615!4d103.0852998 |access-date=28 October 2020}}</ref>||align="right"| 5,296 ||align="right"| 110,286
|-

! 11
| [[Temerloh District|Temerloh]] || [[Temerloh]] || Municipality ||Bangau, Jenderak, Kerdau, Lebak, Lipat Kajang, Mentakab, Perak, Sanggang, Semantan, Songsang||align="right"|2,251 ||align="right"| 155,756
|}

== Economy ==
{{Pie chart
| caption=Pahang GDP share by sector (2016)<ref name="GDP by State 2016"/>
| label1 = Services
| value1 = 49.0
| color1 = #000080
| label2 = Agriculture
| value2 = 23.4
| color2 = #008000
| label3 = Manufacturing
| value3 = 22.1
| color3 = #800080
| label4 = Construction
| value4 = 3.7
| color4 = #808000
| label5 = Mining & Quarrying
| value5 = 1.6
| color5 = #008080
| label6 = Others
| value6 = 0.2
| color6 = #8B0000
}}
[[File:ACV-300 Adnan.jpg|thumb|[[FNSS ACV-15|ACV-300 Adnan]], produced by [[DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies|Deftech]], a subsidiary of [[DRB-HICOM]]. The company is the anchor tenant of the Peramu Jaya Industrial Park, [[Pekan]].]]
As a federal state of Malaysia, Pahang is a relatively open state-oriented [[market economy]].<ref>{{cite web|last1 = Boulton | first1 = WilliaM |last2 = Pecht |first2 = Michael |last3 = Tucker |first3 = William |last4 = Wennberg |first4 = Sam |url=http://www.wtec.org/loyola/em/04_07.htm |title=Electronics Manufacturing in the Pacific Rim, World Technology Evaluation Center, Chapter 4: Malaysia |publisher=The World Technology Evaluation Center, Inc |date = May 1997|access-date=1 November 2010}}</ref> The Pahang State Government Development Corporation, established in 1965, carries the responsibility to drive the economic and social development, by attracting investments, promoting industrial, property and entrepreneurial development, and setting up new commercial hubs and townships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Background|url=http://www.pknp.gov.my/index.php/en/korporat/latar-belakang-pknp|website=www.pknp.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Development Corporation|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|archive-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024205636/http://www.pknp.gov.my/index.php/en/korporat/latar-belakang-pknp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The federal government, through a series development initiatives and programs, the most recent is the [[East Coast Economic Region]] introduced in 2007, is also credited for the robust economic growth in recent years. With GDP growing an average 5.6 per cent annually from 1971 to 2000, Pahang is considered a developing state.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jomo|first1=K. S|last2=Wee|first2=Chong Hui|title = The Political Economy of Malaysian Federalism Economic Development, Public Policy and Conflict Containment|url=http://archive.unu.edu/hq/library/Collection/PDF_files/WIDER/WIDERdp2002.113.pdf|year=2002| publisher = World Institute for Development Economics Research|pages=13–16}}</ref> In 2015, the state economy grew by 4.5%, the tenth highest among 15 states and federal territories of Malaysia, but later reduced to 2% in 2016.<ref name="GDP by State">{{cite web|title=GDP by State 2010-2016|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/uploads/files/1_Articles_By_Themes/National%20Accounts/GDPbyState/Table%20Publication%20GDP%202010-2016.pdf#page=17 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/uploads/files/1_Articles_By_Themes/National%20Accounts/GDPbyState/Table%20Publication%20GDP%202010-2016.pdf#page=17 |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.dosm.gov.my|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017}}</ref> The GDP per capita is recorded at $7,629.39 in 2016, while the unemployment rate was maintained below 3% from 2010 to 2016.<ref name="GDP by State"/> The economy of Pahang in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) at purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2016 was $12.414 billion, the eight largest in Malaysia. The amount constitutes 4.5% contribution to the national GDP, and largely driven by three main economic activities; Services (49%), Agriculture (23%), and Manufacturing (22.1%).<ref name="GDP by State 2016">{{cite web|title=GDP by State 2016|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/pdfPrev&id=dGdveHhRYkY1UnVMQjBFMnlHNTBQZz09|website=www.dosm.gov.my|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017}}</ref>

Historically, by the 19th century, Pahang's economy, like in ancient times, was still heavily dependent on the export of gold. [[Gold mine]]s can be found from [[Bera District|Bera]] to [[Jelai River]] river basin.<ref name="Linehan 1973 57–58">{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|pp=57–58}}</ref> Systematic mining started in 1889 during British protectorate, when the Raub Australian Gold mine was established. Extensive underground mining took place in the area and this continued until 1985 during which time the mine at [[Raub, Pahang|Raub]] produced nearly 1 million ounces, 85% of the production of Peninsular Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Henney|first1=P.J|last2=Styles|first2=M.T|last3=Wetton|first3=P.D|last4=Bland|first4=D.J|title= Characterisation of Gold from the Raub area, Pahang, Malaysia| publisher= British Geological Survey|year=1995|url=http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/international/dfid-kar/WC95020_col.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/international/dfid-kar/WC95020_col.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|access-date=29 October 2017|page=8}}</ref> Another important article of export was tin, which was also mined in a large scale. The [[tin ore]] production was primarily concentrated at [[Sungai Lembing]], where during its heyday, the operations saw the excavation of deep shaft mines that were among the largest, longest and deepest in the world.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ong|first=Han Sean|title=Sungai Lembing's evolution from a tin-mining hub to a tourist destination|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2014/03/20/tunnels-from-a-glorious-past-sungai-lembings-evolution-from-a-tinmining-hub-to-a-tourist-destination/|website=www.thestar.com.my|publisher=The Star Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=20 March 2014}}</ref> The growth of the mining industry had a significant impact on Pahang's society and economy towards the end of the 19th century. Thousands of people were at work in the mines which places had, in consequence, become an important trading centres in the state.<ref name="Linehan 1973 61">{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|p=61}}</ref> Once an important industry, the [[mining industry]] along with [[quarrying]], now accounts only 1.6% of the total state GDP in 2016.<ref name="GDP by State 2016"/> Modern mining industry also include other minerals, in particular iron ore and [[bauxite]]. Pahang accounts for more than 70% of the Malaysia's estimated 109.1 million tonnes of bauxite reserves. Mining of the ore, used to make aluminium, surged in 2015 after neighbouring Indonesia prohibited the raw material from being sold overseas. China, instead, bought almost 21 million tonnes from Malaysia, valued at US$955.3 million.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bauxite: Malaysia's sudden mining boom turns into a headache|url=http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/bauxite-malaysias-sudden-mining-boom-turns-headache-92395|website=english.astroawani.com|publisher=Astro Awani English|access-date=29 October 2017|date=1 February 2016|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814201158/http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/bauxite-malaysias-sudden-mining-boom-turns-headache-92395|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pahang iron ore production is concentrated at small-scale mines scattered across the state. The low grade iron ores were consumed by the pipe-coating industry that supplied the oil and gas sector and cement plants, while the high grades were exported.<ref>{{harvnb|Mines Bureau|Geological Survey|Interior Department|2015|p=16.2}}</ref>

[[File:KITLV - 79969 - Kleingrothe, C.J. - Medan - Raub Gold Mining Company, gold mine at Raub in Pahang, Malaysia - circa 1910.tif|thumb|left|A gold mine in [[Raub, Pahang|Raub]] during British Protectorate. Gold was the most important export of Pahang since the ancient times.<ref name="Linehan 1973 57–58"/>]]
[[File:Kuantan Port Container Berth Year 2007.JPG|thumb|left|[[Kuantan Port]], the major maritime gateway to the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia.]]

The services sector, which constitutes 49% of the total Pahang GDP, is predominantly stimulated by the Wholesale and Retail Trade, Food and Beverage and Accommodation, which amounts to $1.8 billion in 2016.<ref name="GDP by State"/> This sub sector, on the other hand, is the main driving factor for the growth of the tourism industry. With its richness in biodiversity, Pahang is offering [[ecotourism]] to its hill resorts, beaches and national parks. In 2014, the state attracted 9.4 million visitors, and the figure grew to 12 million in 2016. The agricultural sector is another key economic sector of the state.<ref>{{cite news|author=Hidir Reduan|title=Lose your head over Pahang: Visit Pahang Malaysia application launched|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2017/01/203716/lose-your-head-over-pahang-visit-pahang-malaysia-application-launched|newspaper=New Straits Times|access-date=29 October 2017|date=12 January 2017}}</ref> Historically an [[agrarian economy]], Pahang's agriculture was dominated by the production of vegetables, rice, yams and tubers in the past. With extensive support by the federal agencies and institutions like [[FELDA]], [[FELCRA Berhad|FELCRA]] and RISDA, the agricultural sector was rapidly expanding, with the inclusion of products like rubber and palm oil as the main agricultural produce,<ref>{{harvnb|Hill|2013|pp=29–35}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Jomo|first1=K. S|last2=Wee|first2=Chong Hui|title = The Political Economy of Malaysian Federalism Economic Development, Public Policy and Conflict Containment|url=http://archive.unu.edu/hq/library/Collection/PDF_files/WIDER/WIDERdp2002.113.pdf|year=2002| publisher = World Institute for Development Economics Research|pages=2–3}}</ref> The state is home to the largest FELDA settlement known as 'Jengka Triangle' centred in [[Bandar Tun Razak, Jengka|Bandar Tun Razak]], [[Maran District]]. Pahang was historically a primary exporter of forestry products like [[sandalwood]], [[damar gum|damar]] and [[rattan]]s.<ref name="Linehan 1973 61"/> In modern times, the forestry remains the main sub-sector with tropical timber is an important produce, as large swaths of forest supported massive production of wood products.<ref name="Oxford">{{harvnb|Oxford Business Group|2010|p=60}}</ref> Yet a decline in mature trees due to intensive harvesting lately has caused a slowdown and the practice of more [[sustainable forestry]].<ref>{{cite news|title=The Law raises its timbre|url=http://forestry.pahang.gov.my/download/NST20122010.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://forestry.pahang.gov.my/download/NST20122010.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|newspaper=New Straits Times|access-date=29 October 2017|date=20 November 2010}}</ref> [[Fishery]] and [[aquaculture]] products are also a main source of income especially for the communities on the long coastline and large network of rivers of the state. Today, agriculture is the second largest component of the state economy which constitutes 23% of the total state GDP. It contributes approximately 12.3% of the federal GDP, the fourth largest after Sarawak, Sabah and Johor.<ref name="GDP by State 2016"/> Under [[East Coast Economic Region]] (ECER) masterplan, introduced in 2007, the agro-businesses in the state is set to move up further the value chain, with the introduction of agricultural initiatives like Nucleus Cattle Breeding and Research Centre at Muadzam Shah, Rompin Integrated Pineapple Plantation, Kuantan-Maran Agrovalley for leafy vegetables and maize, as well as Pekan-Rompin-Mersing Agrovalley for watermelon, vegetables, roselle, and maize.<ref name="Oxford"/>

The third largest component of Pahang economy is the manufacturing sector. It forms 22.1% of the state economy<ref name="GDP by State 2016"/> and its growth is mainly driven by the many resource-based industries, including the processing of rubber, wood, palm oil, [[petrochemicals]] and other halal products. Pahang [[automotive industry]], which is rapidly developing, is centred in Peramu Jaya Industrial Park in [[Pekan]].<ref name="Oxford"/> Home to well known automotive players including [[DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies|DefTech]], [[Isuzu HICOM Malaysia]], [[Mercedes-Benz]] and [[Suzuki]], the industrial park is expected to expand into the 217ha Pekan Automotive Park, scheduled to complete in 2020. The expansion plan is expected to transform the area into a national and regional hub for car assembly, manufacturing of automotive parts and components, as well as automotive research and development activities.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mahalingam|first=Eugene|title=Car-rying on in Pekan|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/02/21/car-rying-on-in-pekan/|website=www.thestar.com.my|publisher=The Star Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=21 February 2016}}</ref> This would be part of the manufacturing initiatives under East Coast Economic Region (ECER) masterplan, that would also involve development of other manufacturing industrial parks including Gebeng Integrated Petrochemical Complex (GIPC), Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Pahang Technology Park (PTP), Kuantan Integrated Bio Park (KIBP), and Gambang Halal Park (GHP). Most of these industrial parks are located within the ECER Special Economic Zone that stretches from district of [[Kerteh]], Terengganu in the north to the district of Pekan, Pahang in the south. Envisioned to be the key engine of economic growth in the ECER, the economic zone is expected to attract $23 billion of Foreign Direct Investment and create 120,000 new jobs by 2020.<ref name="ECERDC">{{cite web|author=ECERDC Secretariat|title=Introduction of East Coast Economic Region Development Council|url=http://www.jcci.or.jp/Introduction%20of%20East%20Coast%20Economic%20Region%20Development%20Council%20(ECERDC),%20Malaysia.pdf|website=Official Portal of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2016|archive-date=22 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222034345/https://www.jcci.or.jp/Introduction%20of%20East%20Coast%20Economic%20Region%20Development%20Council%20(ECERDC),%20Malaysia.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
Infrastructure in Pahang, like the rest of the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia, is still relatively underdeveloped compared to the west coast.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Jomo|first1=K. S|last2=Wee|first2=Chong Hui|title = The Political Economy of Malaysian Federalism Economic Development, Public Policy and Conflict Containment|url=http://archive.unu.edu/hq/library/Collection/PDF_files/WIDER/WIDERdp2002.113.pdf|year=2002| publisher = World Institute for Development Economics Research|page=16}}</ref> To reduce the development gap, the federal government, have been investing heavily in high impact development as well as in upgrading the existing infrastructures. Development grant to the state government amounts to $24.82 million in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|author=T.N Alagesh|title=Surplus budget of RM1.22 mil tabled for Pahang, state government to identify more new resources to generate sustainable income|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/11/190590/surplus-budget-rm122-mil-tabled-pahang-state-government-identify-more-new|website=[[New Straits Times]] Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=21 November 2016}}</ref> In federal budget 2017, about $958 million allocation was announced for Malaysian states to improve the public infrastructures.<ref>{{cite web|author=NST Online|title=Full Text: PM Najib Razak's 2017 Budget speech|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/10/182202/full-text-pm-najib-razaks-2017-budget-speech|website=[[New Straits Times]] Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=21 October 2016}}</ref> About 46% of the state annual budget are also allocated for the improvement of the state infrastructure. Pahang also financed much of its infrastructure projects under the [[privatisation]] concept, through 13 state [[statutory authority|statutory bodies]] including Pahang Development Corporation, Pahang State Foundation, Development Authority of Pahang Tenggara, Tioman Development Authority and Fraser's Hill Development Corporation.<ref>{{cite web|author=Arkib|title=Adnan Wants Infrastructure Projects Speeded Up|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=1999&dt=0701&pub=utusan_express&sec=Home_News&pg=hn_05.htm|website=[[Utusan Malaysia]] Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=1 July 1999|archive-date=30 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030002943/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/info.asp?y=1999&dt=0701&pub=utusan_express&sec=Home_News&pg=hn_05.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Under the [[Tenth Malaysia Plan]] (2011–2015), $493 million has been allocated for 351 infrastructure projects in the state.<ref>{{cite web|title=Buletin ICU JPM|url=http://www.phg.icu.gov.my/edoc/buletin/EDISI022015.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.phg.icu.gov.my/edoc/buletin/EDISI022015.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.phg.icu.gov.my|publisher=Federal Development Office of Pahang State|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|page=8}}</ref> While under the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (2016–2020), $547 million has been allocated to Pahang, with infrastructure in the rural areas was given attention with the increase of rural water, electricity supply and road coverage.<ref>{{cite web|title=Buletin ICU JPM|url=http://www.phg.icu.gov.my/edoc/buletin/EDISI022016.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.phg.icu.gov.my/edoc/buletin/EDISI022016.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.phg.icu.gov.my|publisher=Federal Development Office of Pahang State|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2016|page=9}}</ref>

Peninsular Malaysia as a whole including Pahang, has almost 100% [[electrification]].<ref>{{harvnb|Oxford Business Group|2010|p=156}}</ref> Transmission and distribution of electricity in the state of Pahang lie under the responsibility of the national utility company, [[Tenaga Nasional]].<ref>{{harvnb|Oxford Business Group|2010|p=155}}</ref> The main [[power plant]] in Pahang is located in [[Cameron Highlands]] with installed capacity 250 [[Megawatt|MW]] that generates about 643 [[Gigawatt|GWh]] of [[hydroelectricity]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Performance and Statistical Information on Electricity Supply Industry in Malaysia|url=http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/en/industry/statistics-reports/category/99-statistics-electricity?download=647:performance-and-statistical-information-on-electricity-supply-industry-in-malaysia-2015|website=www.st.gov.my|publisher=Malaysian Energy Commission|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|page=11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030003355/http://www.st.gov.my/index.php/en/industry/statistics-reports/category/99-statistics-electricity?download=647:performance-and-statistical-information-on-electricity-supply-industry-in-malaysia-2015|archive-date=30 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> Transmission [[voltage]]s are at 500 kV, 275 kV and 132 kV while distribution voltages are 33 kV, 22 kV, 11 kV and 415 V three-phase or 240 V single-phase. System frequency is 50&nbsp;Hz 1%. Under its Total Energy Solution, Tenaga Nasional also offers electricity packaged with steam and chilled water for the benefit of certain industries that require multiple forms of energy for their activities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Electricity Power Supply|url=http://www.investinpahang.gov.my/index.php?ch=en_investinpahang&pg=en_utilities&ac=13|website=www.investinpahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Development Corporation|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2012}}</ref>

Access to [[improved water source]] in Malaysia is 100%. The [[water supply]] in Pahang is managed by the Pahang Water Management Berhad or {{Langx|ms|Pengurusan Air Pahang Berhad|label=none}} (PAIP). The department is also responsible for the planning, development, management of water supply as well as billing and collection of payment. In Pahang, water supply comes mainly from rivers and streams and there are about 79 water treatment plants located in various districts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Water Supply|url=http://www.investinpahang.gov.my/index.php?ch=en_investinpahang&pg=en_utilities&ac=10|website=www.inevstinpahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Development Corporation|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2012}}</ref> Pahang abundant water sources are also significant to the growing demand of water supply in [[Greater Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Selangor]], the industrial heartland of Malaysia. The federal government initiated Pahang-Selangor Raw Water Transfer Project that includes the construction of the Kelau dam on the Pahang river, as well as the transfer of water via a tunnel through the [[Titiwangsa Mountains]].<ref>{{cite web|author=The Star Online|title=Pahang-Selangor raw water transfer project to be completed by 2017, says Adnan Yaakob
|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/09/03/raw-water-pahang-selangor/|website=www.thestar.com.my|publisher=The Star Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=3 September 2014}}</ref>

=== Internet and telecommunication ===
In 2016, the household internet broadband penetration per 100 inhabitants in Pahang was relatively high among states of the east coast, but was lower than Malaysian national figure, 71.7 versus 99.8.<ref>{{cite web|title=Facts and Figures - First Quarter|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/ae/ae45902b-84fa-43ea-be64-112091a5d234/files/assets/basic-html/page-1.html|website=www.mcmc.gov.my|publisher=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017|page=2|archive-date=23 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223025032/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/ae/ae45902b-84fa-43ea-be64-112091a5d234/files/assets/basic-html/page-1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Extensive efforts to increase internet access, have been undertaken by the government since 2007 to bridge the digital divide, focusing especially the rural areas. Since 2013, the programs have been expanded to include underserved urban communities as well. As of 2015, 89 [[internet centre]]s have been established in Pahang, in addition to 11 Mini Community Broadband centres and 1 Community Broadband Library. Community WiFi (WK) initiative has also been implemented by the government since 2011 to provide free internet access through Wifi hotspots. In Pahang alone, a total number of 199 Community [[Wi-Fi]] have been set up. In terms of [[fixed line]] broadband, suburban broadband initiatives were outlined in the Eleventh Malaysia Plan to increase broadband accessibility in suburban and rural areas. By 2016, the number of ports in Pahang was growing up to 7,936 ports, the fourth highest in Malaysia after Selangor, Johor and Perak.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annual Report - Universal Service Provision|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/b7/b75d963f-edda-4dd8-8b59-c4bdeac5409c/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html|website=www.mcmc.gov.my|publisher=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|pages=10–35|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529023801/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/b7/b75d963f-edda-4dd8-8b59-c4bdeac5409c/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[mobile telecommunication]] penetration, although increasingly popular, was lower compared to the national figure per 100 inhabitants, 130.9 against national figure 143.8. Cellular coverage expansion in Pahang is served by 207 communication towers, with [[3G]] [[mobile broadband]] coverage has been expanded to 150 sites and [[LTE (telecommunication)|LTE]] mobile broadband to 42 sites respectively. To accommodate the demand for high-speed mobile broadband, the [[core network]] capacity has been upgraded, with [[fibre-optic network]] has been expanded in 2015 to a total 45.6&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annual Report - Universal Service Provision|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/b7/b75d963f-edda-4dd8-8b59-c4bdeac5409c/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html|website=www.mcmc.gov.my|publisher=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|pages=26–31|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529023801/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/b7/b75d963f-edda-4dd8-8b59-c4bdeac5409c/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, an initiative was announced by the federal government to connect the Peninsular and the East Malaysia states, Sabah and Sarawak with [[submarine cable|submarine fibre optic cable]] network bringing 4 terabits per second capacity with a total distance of approximately 3,800 kilometres. The planned submarine cable will connect the state of Pahang and Sabah through connecting points in [[Cherating]] and [[Kota Kinabalu]] respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=Annual Report - Universal Service Provision|url=https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/b7/b75d963f-edda-4dd8-8b59-c4bdeac5409c/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html|website=www.mcmc.gov.my|publisher=Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|pages=38–39|archive-date=29 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529023801/https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/files/b7/b75d963f-edda-4dd8-8b59-c4bdeac5409c/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Transportation ===
[[File:Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport.jpg|thumb|[[Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport]].]]
[[File:Kuantan Sentral Terminal.JPG|thumb|[[Terminal Kuantan Sentral|Kuantan Sentral Terminal]].]]

Much like many former British protectorates, Pahang uses a [[dual carriageway]] with [[Right- and left-hand traffic|the left-hand traffic rule]]. As of 2013, Pahang had a total of {{convert|19132|km}} of connected roadways, with {{convert|12425|km}} being paved state routes, {{convert|702|km}} of dirt tracks, {{convert|2173|km}} of gravel roads, and {{convert|3832.6|km}} of paved federal road.<ref>{{cite web|title=Basic Data of Malaysia|url=http://www.rurallink.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1-DATA-ASAS-MALAYSIA1.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.rurallink.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1-DATA-ASAS-MALAYSIA1.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.rurallink.gov.my|publisher=Ministry of Rural and Regional Development|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|page=45}}</ref> The primary route in Pahang is the [[East Coast Expressway]], which is the extension of [[Kuala Lumpur–Karak Expressway]], that connects the east coast and the west coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. The expressway passes through 3 states of the peninsular; Pahang, Terengganu and Selangor, connects [[Kuantan Port]] to the [[National Grid (Malaysia)|national grid]] and links many important town and cities of the east coast to the industrial heartland of Malaysia in the west. Another important route, the [[Central Spine Road]] which was laid out in the Eleventh Malaysian Plan, is an alternative road to the east coast, connecting [[Kuala Krai]] in Kelantan and [[Bentong District]] in Pahang.

The main railway line is the [[KTM East Coast Railway Line]], nicknamed the 'Jungle Railway' for its route that passes through the sparsely populated and heavily forested interior. It is operated by [[Keretapi Tanah Melayu]] Berhad, a federal government-linked company. The 526&nbsp;km long single track metre gauge that runs between [[Gemas]] in Negeri Sembilan and [[Tumpat District|Tumpat]] in Kelantan, was historically used during British protectorate to transport [[Tin]]. A more advanced railway line, the [[Double-track railway|double-track]] and [[Electric locomotive|electrified]] [[MRL East Coast Rail Link]] (ECRL), was announced in 2016 as a project under [[East Coast Economic Region|ECER]]'s master plan, to transport both passengers and cargo. The planned 688&nbsp;km long new railway line is set to form the backbone of ECER's [[multimodal transport]] infrastructure, linking the existing transportation hub in ECER Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with the west coast region.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Ganeshwaran Kana|author2=Gurmeet Kaur|title=The real economics of ECRL|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2017/08/12/the-real-economics-of-ecrl/|website=www.thestar.com.my|publisher=The Star Online|access-date=29 October 2017|date=12 August 2017}}</ref>

The Special Economic Zone that centred at [[Kuantan]],<ref name="ECERDC"/> is the main transportation hub for bus services, air routes and sea routes for the entire east coast region. [[Terminal Kuantan Sentral]] serves as the land transportation hub, offering intrastate services that connects all districts of Pahang, as well as interstate services that links the state to the rest of the Peninsular, including Singapore and Thailand. In 2012, the government announced that [[Prasarana]], which runs [[Rapid KL]], would take over all public bus services in Kuantan under a new entity, [[Rapid Kuantan]]. The only airport in Pahang is [[Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport]], also known as Kuantan Airport. Located 15&nbsp;km from Kuantan, it serves both [[domestic flight|domestic]] and [[international flight]]s. Direct international flights connect the state with Singapore. The airport serves the national carrier [[Malaysia Airlines]] and its [[low-cost carrier|low-cost]] subsidiary [[Firefly (airline)|Firefly]]. It also houses the 6th Squadron and 19th Squadron of the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sultan Ahmad Shah (Kuantan)|url=http://www.klia.com.my/index.php?m=business&c=business_about&id=9|website=www.klia.com.my|publisher=Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017}}</ref> Kuantan is also home to Pahang's only [[seaport]], the [[Kuantan Port]]. The multipurpose seaport, that handles both [[intermodal container]]s and [[bulk cargo]], is an important gateway of the international sea trading routes for the entire east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. Since 2013, the port embarked on massive expansion program with the development of New Deep Water Terminal consisting 2&nbsp;km berth extension, to be fully integrated with the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP) and other neighbouring industrial parks within the Special Economic Zone. This expansion plan, along with other high impact development projects are in tandem with the escalating economic development of the Eastern Industrial Corridor.<ref name="ECERDC"/>

=== Healthcare ===
{{see also|List of hospitals in Malaysia}}
[[File:Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital.JPG|thumbnail|The [[Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital]] in Kuantan.]]
Pahang population has benefited from a well- developed [[Healthcare in Malaysia|Malaysian health care system]], good access to clean water and sanitation, and strong social and economic programmes. Health care services consist of tax-funded and federal government-run primary health care centres and hospitals, and fast-growing private services mainly located in physician clinics and hospitals in urban areas. [[Infant mortality rate]] per 1000 live births, a standard in determining the overall efficiency of healthcare, in 2010 was 7.6.<ref name="MOH Indicators2"/> As of national figure, infant mortality fell from 75 per 1000 live births in 1957 to 7 in 2013.<ref>{{harvnb|Britnell|2015|p=36}}</ref> Life expectancy at birth in 2016 was 70.8 years for male and 76.3 years for female.<ref name="DOSM Pahang"/>

The public healthcare system in Pahang is provided by five specialist government hospitals;<ref>{{cite web|title=Hospital|url=http://jknpahang.moh.gov.my/index.php/perkhidmatan/fasiliti-kesihatan/hospital|website=jknpahang.moh.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Health Department|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2016}}</ref> [[Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital]], [[Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital]], Bentong Hospital, Kuala Lipis Hospital and Pekan Hospital, as well as other district hospitals, public health clinics, [[1Malaysia#1Malaysia clinics|1Malaysia clinics]], and rural clinics. There are several private hospitals in Pahang, including Kuantan Medical Centre, KPJ Pahang Specialist Hospital, Darul Makmur Medical Centre, PRKMUIP Specialist Hospital and KCDC Hospital. The IIUM Medical Centre located in [[Bandar Indera Mahkota]], is a government-funded [[teaching hospital]] managed by [[Kulliyyah of Medicine]], [[International Islamic University Malaysia]]. For outpatient treatment, general practitioners are available at private-owned clinics which are easily accessible in most housing estates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Medical Care|url=http://www.investinpahang.gov.my/index.php?ch=en_whypahang&pg=en_livingpahang&ac=2|website=www.investinpahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Development Corporation|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2012}}</ref> The availability of affordable advanced medical services had benefited the state directly from the booming Malaysian [[medical tourism]].

Public health system is financed mainly through general revenue and taxation collected by the federal government, while the private sector is funded principally through out-of-pocket payments from patients and some private health insurance. There is still, however, a significant shortage in the medical workforce, especially of highly trained specialists; thus, certain medical care and treatment are available only in large towns. Recent efforts to bring many facilities to other towns have been hampered by lack of expertise to run the available equipment. As a result, secondary care is offered in smaller public medical facilities in suburbs and rural areas, while more complex tertiary care is available in regional and national hospitals in urban areas like [[Temerloh]] and [[Kuantan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia Health System Review|url=http://www.wpro.who.int/asia_pacific_observatory/hits/series/Malaysia_Health_Systems_Review2013.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327193634/http://www.wpro.who.int/asia_pacific_observatory/hits/series/Malaysia_Health_Systems_Review2013.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2014|website=www.wpro.who.int|publisher=World Health Organization - Western Pacific Region|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2013}}</ref>

=== Education ===
{{see also|List of schools in Pahang}}
Education in Pahang is overseen by two federal ministries, the [[Ministry of Education (Malaysia)|Ministry of Education]] responsible for primary and secondary education, and [[Ministry of Higher Education (Malaysia)|Ministry of Higher Education]] that is responsible for universities, [[Institute of technology|polytechnic]] and [[community college]]s. Although public education is the responsibility of the Federal Government, Pahang has an Education Department to co-ordinate educational matters in its territory. The main legislation governing education is the [[Education Act 1996 (Malaysia)|Education Act 1996]]. The [[Education in Malaysia|education system]] features a non-compulsory kindergarten education followed by six years of compulsory primary education, and five years of optional secondary education.<ref>{{Cite book|author1=Nozawa, M. |author2=Wing, C. |author3=Chaiyasook, S. |title=Secondary Education Regional Information Base: Country Profile – Malaysia|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002147/214736e.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002147/214736e.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|year=2011|location=Bangkok|publisher=UNESCO|page=4 (12)|isbn=978-92-9223-374-7}}</ref> Schools in the primary education system are divided into two categories: national primary schools, which teach in Malay, and vernacular schools, which teach in Chinese or Tamil.<ref>{{cite news|last=Mustafa |first=Shazwan |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malay-groups-want-vernacular-schools-abolished/ |title=Malay groups want vernacular schools abolished |work=The Malaysian Insider |date=22 August 2010 |access-date=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825032917/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/malay-groups-want-vernacular-schools-abolished |archive-date=25 August 2010 }}</ref> Secondary education is conducted for five years. In the final year of secondary education, students sit for the [[Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia|Malaysian Certificate of Education examination]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Education%20and%20Learning/Non%20Citizen/nTheNationalEducationSystem/nSecondaryEducation/Pages/SecondarySchoolEducation.aspx |title=Secondary School Education |publisher=Malaysian Government |access-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231163459/http://mygov.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Relevant%20Topics/Education%20and%20Learning/Non%20Citizen/nTheNationalEducationSystem/nSecondaryEducation/Pages/SecondarySchoolEducation.aspx |archive-date=31 December 2013 }}</ref> Since the introduction of the [[Malaysian Matriculation Programme|matriculation programme]] in 1999, students who completed the 12-month programme in matriculation colleges can enroll in local universities. By [[Law of Malaysia|Malaysian law]], primary education is compulsory.<ref>{{Cite news| title = Malaysia bans opening of new universities| publisher = Investvine.com| date = 12 February 2013| url = http://investvine.com/malaysia-freezes-setting-up-of-universities/| access-date = 13 February 2013| archive-date = 17 March 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190317075359/http://investvine.com/malaysia-freezes-setting-up-of-universities/| url-status = dead}}</ref> Early childhood education is not directly controlled by the Ministry of Education as it does with primary and secondary education. However, the ministry does oversee the licensing of private [[kindergarten]]s, the main form of early childhood education, in accordance with the National Pre-School Quality Standard, which was launched in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ooi|first1=May Sim|title=Pre-school education crucial|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/education/2016/02/21/preschool-education-crucial/|website=The Star Online|publisher=Star Media Group Berhad|access-date=3 April 2017|date=21 February 2016}}</ref>

Around the time of independence in 1957, overall [[adult literacy]] of [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]] in general was quite low at 51%.<ref>{{harvnb|Betts|1965|p=29}}</ref> By the year 2000, adult literacy had increased significantly in Pahang to 92.5% and further increased to 95% ten years later in 2010 census. From these figures, urban literacy was recorded at 95% in 2000 and increased to 97.5 in 2010, while rural literacy was recorded at 90% in 2000 and increased to about 93.5% in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Malaysia - National Education for All Review Report|url=http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002297/229719E.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002297/229719E.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|publisher=Unesco|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2015|page=77}}</ref>

As of 2017, there are 736 schools in Pahang, which 540 are primary and 196 are secondary schools. Included in this figure are 8 technical/vocational schools and 18 state religious secondary schools managed by Pahang Islamic Religious Department.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statistik|url=http://jpnpahang.moe.gov.my/v2/index.php/ms/|publisher=Pahang Department of Education|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028163025/http://jpnpahang.moe.gov.my/v2/index.php/ms/|archive-date=28 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Auditor General's Report 2011 on the Activities of Pahang State Government Departnments/Agencies and the Management of State Government Companies|url=https://www.audit.gov.my/docs/BI/LKAN2011/States/Activities/Pahang%202011%20Activities.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.audit.gov.my/docs/BI/LKAN2011/States/Activities/Pahang%202011%20Activities.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|publisher=National Audit Department Malaysia|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2011|page=7}}</ref> In addition to federal and state government-funded schools, there are a number of [[international school|international private schools]] in Pahang. Garden International School, International School of Kuantan, and International Islamic School Malaysia are the three main international schools serving primary and secondary levels. Another notable international school is Highlands International Boarding School located in [[Genting Highlands]] that caters secondary education.<ref>{{cite web|title=International Schools|url=http://www.investinpahang.gov.my/index.php?ch=en_whypahang&pg=en_livingpahang&ac=1|website=Official Portal Invest in Pahang|publisher=Pahang State Development Corporation|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2012}}</ref>

Tertiary education in the state offers [[academic certificate|certificate]], diploma, [[Undergraduate degree|first degree]] and [[Postgraduate education|higher degree]] qualifications. The higher learning institutions consist of two major groups, public and private institutions. Public institutions includes universities, polytechnics, community colleges and [[Normal school|teacher training institutes]]. While the private institutions includes private universities, [[university college]]s, foreign branch campus universities and private colleges. Among notable public universities are [[Universiti Malaysia Pahang]], [[International Islamic University Malaysia]] Kuantan Campus, one state campus of [[Universiti Teknologi MARA]] in [[Bandar Tun Razak, Jengka|Jengka]], and two satellite campuses in [[Kuantan]] and [[Raub, Pahang|Raub]]. Pahang is also home to private universities like DRB-Hicom University of Automotive Malaysia and [[Universiti Tenaga Nasional]] Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Campus.<ref>{{cite web|title=Colleges and Universities|url=http://www.investinpahang.gov.my/index.php?ch=en_whypahang&pg=en_livingpahang&ac=6|website=Official Portal Invest in Pahang|publisher=Pahang State Development Corporation|access-date=29 October 2017|year=2012}}</ref>

== Demography ==
{{Historical populations
|1970 |504945
|1980 |768801
|1991 |1045003
|2000 |1229104
|2010 |1440741
|2020 |2064384
|source={{my10|2020kf}}
|graph-pos=bottom
}}
According to the latest national census in 2010, Pahang population stood at 1.5 million including non-Malaysian citizens, making it Malaysia's ninth most populous state.<ref name="DOSM Population by State">{{cite web|title=Total population by ethnic group, religion, sex and state 2010|url=https://www.statistics.gov.my/censusatlas/images/ReligionEN.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.statistics.gov.my/censusatlas/images/ReligionEN.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.dosm.gov.my|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|access-date=1 November 2017|year=2011|page=88}}</ref> In 2017, with average annual population growth at 1.61%,<ref name="DOSM preliminary"/> the population number is projected to increase to 1.65 million.<ref name="DOSM Pahang"/> Pahang population is distributed over a large area resulting in the state having the second lowest population density in the country after [[Sarawak]], with only 42{{nbsp}}people per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="DOSM Demography">{{cite web|title=Population Distribution and Basic Demographic Characteristic Report 2010|url=https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=117&bul_id=MDMxdHZjWTk1SjFzTzNkRXYzcVZjdz09&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09|website=www.dosm.gov.my|publisher=Department of Statistics Malaysia|access-date=1 November 2017|year=2011}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In terms of age group, overall population is relatively young, people within the 0-14 age group constitute to 29.4% of the total population; the 14-64 age group corresponds to 65.4%; while senior citizens aged 65 or older make up 5.2%.<ref name="MOH Indicators">{{cite web|title=Health Indicators|url=http://www.moh.gov.my/images/gallery/publications/md/hi/hi_2012.pdf|website=www.moh.gov.my|publisher=Ministry of Health Malaysia|access-date=1 November 2017|year=2012|pages=44–45|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160534/http://www.moh.gov.my/images/gallery/publications/md/hi/hi_2012.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The ratio of males to female is the highest in Malaysia at 113,<ref name="DOSM Demography"/> with male population was recorded at 0.809 million compared to female population figure at 0.615 million.<ref name="MOH Indicators"/> As of 2010, the [[birth rate|crude birth rate]] in Pahang was 17.3 per 1000 individuals, the [[mortality rate|crude death rate]] was 5.1 per 1000 population, and the [[Infant mortality|infant mortality rate]] was 7.6 per 1000 live births.<ref name="MOH Indicators2">{{cite web|title=Health Indicators|url=http://www.moh.gov.my/images/gallery/publications/md/hi/hi_2012.pdf|website=www.moh.gov.my|publisher=Ministry of Health Malaysia|access-date=1 November 2017|year=2012|pages=54–60|archive-date=28 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728160534/http://www.moh.gov.my/images/gallery/publications/md/hi/hi_2012.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

About 95% of the population are Malaysian citizens. Malaysian citizens are divided along ethnic lines, with 75% considered ''[[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|bumiputera]]''. The largest group of {{Langx|ms|bumiputera|label=none}} that make up 70% of Pahang population, are [[Malaysian Malays|Malays]], who are defined in the constitution as Muslims who practice Malay customs and culture. They play a dominant role politically. ''{{Langx|ms|Bumiputera|label=none}}'' status is also accorded to certain non-Malay indigenous peoples that make up 5% of the population, in particular the aboriginal groups known as [[Orang Asli]]. Other non-Malay indigenous peoples also include ethnic Thais, Khmers, Chams and the natives of Sabah and Sarawak. 15.3% of the population are of [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese descent]], while those of [[Malaysian Indian|Indian descent]] comprise 4% of the population.<ref name="DOSM Population by State"/> The presence of Chinese miner-merchants was recorded since the time of the old [[Pahang Sultanate]],<ref name="Linehan 1973 31"/> and the community have historically been dominant in the business and commerce community. Immigrants from India, the majority of them [[Tamil people|Tamils]] and began arriving in large numbers during British protectorate at the end of the 19th century. Every citizen is issued a biometric smart chip [[identity document|identity card]] known as ''[[MyKad]]'' at the age of 12, and must carry the card at all times.

In 1957, a large majority of the population resided in rural areas with urbanisation rate stood at only 22.2%.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Tarmiji Masron|author2=Usman Yaakub|author3=Fujimaki Masami|title=Population Growth and Urbanisation in Peninsular Malaysia from 1911 to 2000|url=http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/acd/re/k-rsc/hss/book/pdf/vol06_08.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/acd/re/k-rsc/hss/book/pdf/vol06_08.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.ritsumei.ac.jp|publisher=Institute of Humanities, Human and Social Sciences, Ritsumeikan University|access-date=1 November 2017|page=119}}</ref> The urbanisation had increased significantly but relatively at a lower rate compared to other states, owing to its large agricultural lands. The state had the second lowest urbanisation rate after [[Kelantan]] in 2010 census, with 50.5% of the population resided in urban areas and the remainder are rural dwellers.<ref name="DOSM Demography"/> By 2020, it has been targeted that the urbanisation rate would reach 58.8%.<ref>{{cite web|last=Chin|first=Siong Ho|title=Urban governance and rapid urbanization issues in Malaysia|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45315543|website=www.researchgate.net|publisher=Research Gate|access-date=1 November 2017|year=2008}}</ref> Major urban centres are [[Kuantan]], [[Temerloh]], [[Bentong]] and [[Pekan]], serving as Pahang main commercial and financial centres. Due to the rise in labour-intensive industries, the state has over 74 thousands migrant workers; about 5% of the population, mainly employed in agriculture and industrial sectors.<ref name="DOSM Population by State"/>

=== Ethnicity ===
[[File:Siti Nurhaliza - KLIFF 08.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Siti Nurhaliza]], a popular singer from Pahang, performing in traditional Malay dress. Malays are the dominant ethnicity in Pahang.]]
As a multiracial country, Malaysia is home to many ethnic groups. In 2016, it is ranked 59th most ethnically diverse countries in the world with index at 0.596. However, ethnic diversity is not equally distributed among its states and territories. Pahang is categorised as medium ethnically diverse state with 0.36 of ethnic diversity index in 2010. It is ranked 5th least diverse among Malaysian states and territories, after Terengganu, Kelantan, Malacca and Perlis. The least ethnically diverse districts are [[Pekan]], [[Rompin]] and [[Temerloh]] (index between 0.1 and 0.39), and the most ethnically diverse districts are [[Bentong]] and [[Raub, Pahang|Raub]] (index between 0.49 and 0.59) where minorities form significant proportion of the population. Ethnic diversity in Pahang was historically high, at an index between 0.5 and 0.6 in the 1970s, but showing a downward trend decades later, largely caused by outward migration, high birth rate of the majority population and the opening up of new agricultural lands particularly the [[Federal Land Development Authority|FELDA]] settlements, that attract many immigrants from other Malaysian states.<ref name="Evers">{{cite web|last=Evers|first=Hans-Dieter|title=Changing Ethnic Diversity in Peninsular Malaysia|url=http://web.usm.my/km/32(1)2014/KM%2032(1)%202014%20-%20ART%202%20(37-53).pdf
|publisher=Institute of Asian Studies, Universiti Brunei Darussalam|access-date=3 November 2017|year=2014|pages=43–47}}</ref>

The most dominant ethnic group are [[Malaysian Malays|Malays]] that make up 70% of Pahang population, who are defined in the constitution as Muslims who practice Malay customs and culture. The Malays in turn, can be further divided into several [[sub-ethnic group]]s, of which the most dominant are the [[Pahang Malays]]. Historically, the community can be found in the vast riverine systems of Pahang and are prominently featured in the state's history. There are also small Pahang Malay communities in the valley of the Lebir River in [[Kelantan]] and the upper portions of several rivers near the [[Perak]] and [[Selangor]] boundaries, descendants of fugitives from the [[Pahang Civil War|civil war]] that ravaged their homeland in the 19th century.<ref>{{harvnb|Linehan|1973|pp=89}}</ref> The [[Terengganuan Malay people|Terengganuan Malays]], another east coast sub-ethnicity, are native to narrow strip of sometimes discontiguous fishermen villages and towns along the coastline of Pahang.<ref>{{harvnb|Collins|1989|pp=258}}</ref> Other important Malay sub-ethnicities include the [[Kelantanese Malay people|Kelantanese]] and [[Kedahan Malay people|Kedahans]], that migrated from [[Kelantan]] and [[Kedah]] respectively, and can be found in major urban centres and agricultural settlements.

The Malays are collectively referred as ''[[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|bumiputera]]'' along with other non-Malay indigenous people that constitutes about 5% of the state's population. The community of [[Orang Asli]] form the most dominant non-Malay indigenous group. According to 2010 census, Pahang has the largest Orang Asli population in Malaysia with 64,000 people, followed by Perak with 42,841 people.<ref>{{cite web|author=Haris Fadilah Ahmad|title=Keunikan suku kaum Orang Asli Pahang|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pahang/20120612/wp_01/Keunikan-suku-kaum-Orang-Asli-Pahang|website=www.utusan.com.my|publisher=[[Utusan Malaysia]]|access-date=1 November 2017|date=12 June 2012|archive-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319052204/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pahang/20120612/wp_01/Keunikan-suku-kaum-Orang-Asli-Pahang|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Orang Asli in Pahang is grouped into 3 large groups; [[Negrito]], [[Senoi]] and [[Proto Malay]]. Approximately 40% of them live close to or within forested areas, and engage in swiddening as well as hunting and gathering of forest products. Some also practise permanent agriculture and manage their own rubber, oil palm, or cocoa farms. A very small number, especially among the Negrito groups, are still semi-nomadic and depend on the seasonal bounties of the forest. Due to sweeping modernisation, a fair number of them are to be found in urban areas surviving on their waged or salaried jobs. The three groups of Orang Asli can be divided further into several smaller tribes that traditionally domiciled in certain geographical part of Pahang. The [[Batek people|Bateq]] tribe of Negrito group can be found in northern part of Pahang. Two Senoi tribes, [[Semaq Beri people|Semaq Beri]] and [[Semai people|Semai]] are also domiciled in northern Pahang. Two other Senoi tribes, [[Chewong]] and [[Jah Hut people|Jah Hut]] communities can be found in central Pahang. Meanwhile, the southern part of the state is dominated by Proto Malay tribes of [[Jakun people|Jakun]], [[Temoq people|Temoq]], [[Semelai people|Semelai]] and [[Temuan]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Tarmiji Masron|author2=Fujimaki Masami|author3=Norhasimah Ismail|title=Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia : Population, Spatial Distribution and Socio-Economic Condition|url=http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/acd/re/k-rsc/hss/book/pdf/vol06_07.pdf|website=www.ritsumei.ac.jp|publisher=Institute of Humanities, Human and Social Sciences, Ritsumeikan University|access-date=3 November 2017|year=2013|pages=80–90}}</ref>

The minorities consist of [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]] and [[Malaysian Indian|Indians]] form collectively about 19.5% of the population. They are descendants of immigrants from China and India that came in large numbers during British protectorate to work in the mines, rubber plantations and various services sector. They are primarily concentrated in the western districts of Raub and Bentong and other urban areas.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:right"
|-
!rowspan="2"|Ethnic Group
!colspan="4"|Population
|-
!colspan="2"|2010<ref name="2010 census">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf|title= 2010 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130205104835/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=5 February 2013 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |page=33}}</ref>
!colspan="2"|2015<ref name="2015 population">{{cite web|url=http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/info-terkini/19463-unjuran-populasi-penduduk-2015.html|title=Population by States and Ethnic Group|publisher=Department of Information, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, Malaysia|year=2015|access-date=12 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212125740/http://pmr.penerangan.gov.my/index.php/info-terkini/19463-unjuran-populasi-penduduk-2015.html|archive-date=12 February 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|style="text-align:left" | Malay ||1,052,774 || 70.15% || 1,146,000 || 70.60%
|-
|style="text-align:left" | Other Bumiputras || 73,413 || 4.89%|| 83,800 || 5.16%
|- style="background: #EEF"
|style="text-align:left" | Bumiputra total || 1,126,187 || 75.04% || 1,229,800 || 75.76%
|-
|style="text-align:left" | Chinese || 230,798 || 15.38%|| 241,600|| 14.88%
|-
|style="text-align:left" | Indian  || 63,065 || 4.20% ||66,300 ||4.08%
|-
|style="text-align:left" | Others|| 6,159 || 0.41%||7,800 || 0.480%
|- style="background: #EEF"
|style="text-align:left" | Malaysian total || 1,426,209 || 95,03% || 1,545,500 || 95.21%
|-
|style="text-align:left" | Non-Malaysian || 74,608 ||4.97% ||77,700 || 4.79%
|- style="background: #DDE"
|style="text-align:left"| '''Total'''|| '''1,500,817'''|| '''100.00%'''|| '''1,623,200''' || '''100.00%'''
|}

=== Religion ===
{{bar box
|width=250px
|barwidth=100px
|title=Religion in Pahang (2010)<ref name="religion 2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |title=2010 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia |access-date=17 June 2012 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522234002/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=22 May 2014 |page=13 }}</ref>
|titlebar=#ddd
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|Green|74.9}}
{{bar percent|[[Buddhism]]|Yellow|14.4}}
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|Orange|4.0}}
{{bar percent|[[Irreligion|No religion]]|Black|2.7}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity]]|Blue|1.9}}
{{bar percent|Others|Gray|0.9}}
{{bar percent|Unknown / None|Brown|0.7}}
{{bar percent|[[Chinese folk religion]]|Magenta|0.5}}
}}

The constitution of Pahang established [[Islam]] as a [[state religion]], but grants [[freedom of religion|freedom to manifest other religions]] in its territory. In the areas of family law and religious observances, the [[Sharia law]] are applied to the Muslims and came under the jurisdiction of the [[Syariah Court|Sharia court]]. The jurisdiction of Syariah courts is limited to Muslims in matters such as marriage, [[inheritance]], divorce, [[apostasy]], [[religious conversion]], and custody among others. No other criminal or civil offences are under the jurisdiction of the Shariah courts, which have a similar hierarchy to the [[Courts of Malaysia|Civil Courts]]. Despite being the supreme courts of the land, the Civil Courts do not hear matters related to Islamic practices.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mahathir |first=Marina |url=http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=28311&lan=en&sid=1&sp=0&isNew=0 |title=Malaysia moving forward in matters of Islam and women by Marina Mahathir |publisher=Common Ground News Service |date=17 August 2010 |access-date=14 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222100655/http://www.commongroundnews.org/article.php?id=28311&lan=en&sid=1&sp=0&isNew=0 |archive-date=22 December 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> Matters related to the enforcement of the Syariah law falls under the jurisdiction of the {{Langx|ms|Jabatan Agama Islam Pahang|label=none}} ('Pahang Islamic Religious Department'). Pahang's constitution empowers the Sultan as the head of Islam and Malay customs in the state. State council known as {{Langx|ms|Majlis Ugama Islam dan Adat Resam Melayu Pahang|label=none}} ('Council of Islam and Malay Customs of Pahang') is responsible in advising the ruler as well as regulating both Islamic affairs and ''[[adat]]''. [[Sunni Islam]] of [[Shafi'i]] school of [[jurisprudence]] is the dominant branch of [[Islam in Malaysia|Islam]],<ref name="Peletz2002">{{cite book|author=Peletz, Michael G. |title=Islamic Modern: Religious Courts and Cultural Politics in Malaysia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q4TA4hjqjJ0C|year=2002|publisher=Princeton University Press|isbn=0-691-09508-6}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/2012/08/09/the-worlds-muslims-unity-and-diversity-1-religious-affiliation/#identity|title=Chapter 1: Religious Affiliation|publisher=[[Pew Research Center]]|date=9 August 2012|access-date=4 September 2013}}</ref> and became the basis of Sharia court rulings and Sharia law passed in the [[Pahang State Legislative Assembly]].

According to the Population and Housing Census 2010 figures, ethnicity and religious beliefs correlate highly. Approximately 74.9% of the population practice [[Islam in Malaysia|Islam]], 14.4% practice [[Buddhism in Malaysia|Buddhism]], 4% [[Hinduism in Malaysia|Hinduism]], 2.7% [[irreligion|non-religious]], 1.9% [[Christianity in Malaysia|Christianity]].<ref name="religion 2010"/>

[[Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia|The Malaysian constitution defines a "Malay"]], as someone who is a Muslim, speaks Malay regularly, practises Malay customs, and lives in or have ancestors from Malaysia and Singapore.<ref>{{cite book|author=Faridah Abdul Rashid|title=Research on the Early Malay Doctors 1900-1957 Malaya and Singapore|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LNu6b6uY7PgC&pg=PA85|year=2012|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|isbn=978-1-4691-7243-9|pages=85–86}}{{self-published source|date=December 2017}}</ref>{{Self-published inline|certain=yes|date=December 2017}} All Malays are therefore necessarily Muslim. Statistics from the 2010 Census indicate that 89.4% of the Chinese population identify as Buddhists, with significant minorities of adherents identifying as Christians (6.7%), [[Chinese folk religion]]s (2.8%) and Muslims (0.4%). The majority of the Indian population identify as Hindus (90.3%), with a significant minorities of numbers identifying as Muslims (3.6%), Christians (2.5%) and Buddhists (2.3%). The non-Malay ''[[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|bumiputera]]'' community are predominantly [[Irreligion|Atheist]]s (51.9%), with significant minorities identifying as Muslims (11.8%) and Christians (11.7%).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |title=2010 Population and Housing Census of Malaysia |language=ms, en |access-date=17 June 2012 |publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116214433/http://www.statistics.gov.my/portal/download_Population/files/census2010/Taburan_Penduduk_dan_Ciri-ciri_Asas_Demografi.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2013 |page=89 }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Religious sites in Pahang">
File:Pahang state mosque 02.jpg|[[Sultan Ahmad Shah State Mosque]]
File:Genting-Highlands Malaysia Chin-Swee-Caves-Temple-02.jpg|[[Chin Swee Caves Temple]]
File:All Souls' Church01.jpg|[[All Souls' Church, Cameron Highlands|All Souls' Church]]
</gallery>

=== Languages ===
The official and state language of Pahang is [[Malaysian language|Malaysian]],<ref name="CIA Fact Book">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malaysia/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110104757/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malaysia |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 January 2021 |title=Malaysia |publisher=CIA |access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref> a standardised form of the [[Malay language]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=zsm |title=Malay, Standard |publisher=Ethnologue |year=2009 |access-date=25 July 2011}}</ref> The terminology as per federal government policy is {{Langx|ms|Bahasa Malaysia|label=none}} (literally "Malaysian language")<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=86783|title=Mahathir regrets govt focussing too much on Bahasa|work=Daily Express|date=2 October 2013|access-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712044336/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=86783|archive-date=12 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> but in the federal constitution continues to refer to the official language as ''{{Langx|ms|Bahasa Malayu|label=none}}'' (literally "Malay language").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jac.gov.my/jac/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf |title=Federal Constitution |publisher=Judicial Appointments Commission |access-date=29 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324042906/http://www.jac.gov.my/jac/images/stories/akta/federalconstitution.pdf |archive-date=24 March 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The National Language Act 1967 specifies the [[Malay alphabet|Latin (Rumi) script]] as the official [[writing system|script]] of the national language, but allow the use of the traditional [[Jawi alphabet|Jawi script]].<ref name="National Language Act 1967">{{cite web|url=http://www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%201/Act%2032.pdf |title=National Language Act 1967 |publisher=Malaysian Attorney General Chambers |year=2006 |access-date=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806212955/http://www.agc.gov.my/Akta/Vol.%201/Act%2032.pdf |archive-date=6 August 2015 }}</ref> Jawi is still used in the official documents of state Islamic religious department and council, on road and building signs, and also taught in primary and religious schools. In 2018, the then [[Abdullah of Pahang|Regent of Pahang]] in a royal decree, expressed his wish for a wider use of Jawi on road signs, business premises, office signs, government agencies and all state education offices in the state. Among the earliest response to the royal decree was by Kuantan Municipal Council that announced enforcement by 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/11/26/kuantan-to-use-jawi-in-road-signs-from-2019/1697066|title=Kuantan to use Jawi in road signs from 2019|access-date=21 August 2019|author=Ida Lim|date=26 November 2018|publisher=[[Malay Mail]]}}</ref> English remains an active [[second language]], with its use allowed for some official purposes under the National Language Act of 1967.<ref name="National Language Act 1967"/>

The Malay language spoken in Pahang can be further divided into several varieties of Malay dialects. [[Pahang Malay]] is the most dominant Malay dialect spoken along the vast riverine systems of Pahang, but it co-exists with other Malay dialects traditionally spoken in the state. Along the coastline of Pahang, [[Terengganu Malay]] is spoken in a narrow strip of sometimes discontiguous fishermen villages and towns. Another dialect spoken in [[Tioman Island]] is a distinct Malay variant and most closely related to Riau Archipelago Malay subdialect spoken in [[Natuna]] and [[Anambas islands]] in the South China Sea, together forming a dialect continuum between the Bornean Malay with the Mainland Peninsular/Sumatran Malay. [[Kelantan Malay|Kelantanese]] and [[Kedah Malay|Kedahan]], along with other Malay dialects are also spoken by immigrants from other Malaysian states.

Pahang is also home to majority of [[Orang Asli]] languages, mostly belong to [[Aslian languages|Aslian]] branch of [[Austroasiatic languages|Austroasiatic]] such as [[Semai language|Semai]], [[Batek language|Batek]], [[Semoq Beri language|Semoq Beri]], [[Jah Hut language|Jah Hut]], [[Temoq language|Temoq]], [[Che' Wong language|Che Wong]], [[Semelai language|Semelai]] (although recognised as "[[Proto-Malay]]"), [[Temiar language|Temiar]] and [[Mendriq language|Mendriq]]. Besides Austroasiatic, Proto-Malay languages that is a branch of [[Austronesian languages|Austronesian]] are also spoken, mostly [[Temuan language|Temuan]] and [[Jakun language|Jakun]].

Malaysian Chinese predominantly speak Chinese dialects from the southern provinces of China. The more common [[varieties of Chinese|Chinese varieties]] in the country are [[Mandarin Chinese|Mandarin]], [[Hokkien]], [[Hakka Chinese|Hakka]], [[Cantonese]], [[Hainanese]] and [[Fuzhou dialect|Fuzhou]].

[[Tamil language|Tamil]] is used predominantly by Tamils, who form a majority of Malaysian Indians.

== Culture ==
[[File:Pahang House1.jpg|thumb|left|The traditional ''Serambi'' house of Pahang.]]
As a less ethnically diverse state, the traditional culture of Pahang is largely predominated by the [[Bumiputera (Malaysia)|indigenous]] culture, of both Malays and Orang Asli. Both cultures trace their origin from the early settlers in the state that consist primarily from both various [[Malayic languages|Malayic]] speaking [[Austronesian peoples|Austronesians]] and Mon-Khmer speaking [[Austroasiatic languages|Austroasiatic]] tribes.<ref>{{harvnb|Benjamin|p=83}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Farish A Noor|2011|pp=15–16}}</ref> Around the opening of the common era, [[Mahayana Buddhism]] was introduced to the region, where it flourished with the establishment of a [[Old Pahang Kingdom|Buddhist state]] from the 5th century.<ref name="Guy 2014 29"/> Malayic cultures flourished during [[Srivijaya]]n era, and [[Malayisation]] intensified after Pahang was established as a [[Pahang Sultanate|Malay-Muslim Sultanate]] in 1470. The development of many Malay-dominated centres in the state, drew some of the natives to embrace [[Malayness]] by converting to Islam, emulating the Malay speech and their dress.<ref>{{harvnb|Andaya|Andaya|1984|p=50}}</ref> [[Pahang Malays]] share similar cultural traits with other sub-groups of [[Malay people]] native to the Malay Peninsula. They are in particular closely affiliated to peoples of the east coast of the peninsula like [[Thai Malays]], [[Terengganuan Malay people|Terengganuan Malays]] and [[Kelantanese Malay people|Kelantanese Malays]].<ref>{{harvnb|Collins|1989|pp=253–254}}</ref>

Unlike the relatively homogeneous Malay culture, the cultural features Orang Asli are represented by significantly diverse tribal identities. Prior to the 1960, the various indigenous groups did not consciously adopt a common ethnic marker to differentiate themselves from the Malays. The label 'Orang Asli' itself was historically came from the British. Each tribe has its own language and culture, and perceives itself as different from the others. This micro identity was largely derived spatially, from geographical area they traditionally settled. Their cultural distinctiveness was relative only to other Orang Asli communities, and these perceived differences were great enough for each group to regard itself as unique from the other.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tarmiji Masron|author2=Fujimaki Masami|author3=Norhasimah Ismail|title=Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia : Population, Spatial Distribution and Socio-Economic Condition|url=http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/acd/re/k-rsc/hss/book/pdf/vol06_07.pdf|website=www.ritsumei.ac.jp|publisher=Institute of Humanities, Human and Social Sciences, Ritsumeikan University|access-date=3 November 2017|year=2013|pages=76–80}}</ref>

In 1971, the government created a "National Cultural Policy", defining Malaysian culture. It stated that Malaysian culture must be based on the culture of the indigenous peoples of Malaysia, that it may incorporate suitable elements from other cultures, and that Islam must play a part in it.<ref name="Papers">{{cite web|url=http://www.hbp.usm.my/tourism/Papers/paper_cultural.htm |title=Cultural Tourism Promotion and policy in Malaysia |publisher=School of Housing, Building and Planning |date=22 October 1992 |access-date=6 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529013206/http://www.hbp.usm.my/tourism/Papers/paper_cultural.htm |archive-date=29 May 2010  }}</ref> It also promoted the Malay language above others.<ref name="Cinema">{{Cite book|last = Van der Heide|first = William|title = Malaysian cinema, Asian film: border crossings and national cultures|publisher = Amsterdam University Press|year = 2002|pages = 98–99|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=k3HTdu1HuWQC|isbn = 90-5356-580-9}}</ref> This government intervention into culture has caused resentment among immigrant communities who feel their cultural freedom was lessened. Both Chinese and Indian associations have submitted memorandums to the government, accusing it of formulating an undemocratic culture policy.<ref name="Papers"/>

=== Arts ===
Traditional visual arts was mainly centred on the areas of carving, weaving, and silversmithing,<ref>{{harvnb|Dunford|2006|p=419}}</ref> and ranges from handwoven baskets from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay courts. The Malays had traditionally adorned their monuments, boats, weapons, tombs, musical instrument, and utensils by motives of flora, calligraphy, geometry and cosmic feature.<ref>{{harvnb|Ismail Said|2005}}</ref> Common artworks included ornamental [[kris]], [[beetle nut]] sets, and woven [[batik]] and [[songket]] fabrics. The Malay handloom industry traced its origin since the 13th century when the eastern trade route flourished under [[Song dynasty]].<ref>{{harvnb|Maznah Mohammad|2000|p=19}}</ref> By the 16th century, the silk weaving industry in Pahang had perfected a style called ''[[Tenun Pahang Diraja|Tenun Pahang]]'', a special clothing fabric used in the special traditional Malay costumes and attires of Pahang rulers and palace officials.<ref>{{cite web|author=Norehan Saleh|title=Tenun Pahang Diraja mengagumkan|url=http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pahang/20120614/wp_01/Tenun-Pahang-Diraja-mengagumkan|website=www.utusan.com.my|publisher=Utusan Malaysia|access-date=8 November 2017|date=14 June 2012|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205048/http://ww1.utusan.com.my/utusan/Pahang/20120614/wp_01/Tenun-Pahang-Diraja-mengagumkan|url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition to silk weaving, [[Batik]] weaving has been part of the small cottage industry in the state. Although not as popular, Pahang batik has, nevertheless, thrived as a small industry in the periphery of the fame of the Terengganu and Kelantan batik.<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Shahrulnizam Ramli|author2=Mohd Khairul Azahari Abdul Rani|author3=Zarlina Mohd Zamari|title=Exploration of Batik Lukis Motifs as a Medium of Art Communication in Pahang|url=http://journalarticle.ukm.my/10541/1/17160-48639-3-PB.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://journalarticle.ukm.my/10541/1/17160-48639-3-PB.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|journal=Malaysian Journal of Communication|publisher=[[Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia]]|access-date=8 November 2017|year=2017}}</ref> Over the centuries, a distinctive style of [[Baju Kurung]] was developed in Pahang, commonly known as {{Langx|ms|Baju Kurung Pahang|label=none}} or {{Langx|ms|Baju Riau-Pahang|label=none}}, or sometimes called {{Langx|ms|Baju Turki|label=none}}. This is a long gown styled dress, cut at the front with 7 or more buttons and worn with a [[sarong]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Ten Baju Kurung Pahang for this season|url=https://www.bajukurung.net/baju-kurung-pahang|website=www.bajukurung.net|access-date=8 November 2017|year=2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205530/https://www.bajukurung.net/baju-kurung-pahang|archive-date=8 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Zieman|title=Trading on tradition|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2014/05/21/trading-on-tradition/|website=www.thestar.com.my|publisher=The Star Online|access-date=8 November 2017|date=21 May 2014}}</ref>

Traditional Malay music is based around percussion instruments,<ref>{{harvnb|Miller|Williams|2008}}</ref> the most important of which is the [[gendang]] (drum). There are at least 14 types of traditional drums.<ref name="Zaki">{{harvnb|Zaki Ragman|2003|p=110}}</ref> Drums and other traditional percussion instruments and are often made from natural materials.<ref name="Zaki"/> Pahang traditional music may be classified as a type of old oral literature in poetic forms, which exist in several different genres. The most notable one is a set of 36 songs in {{Langx|ms|Indung|label=none}} dance.<ref name="Chan 1998 103">{{harvnb|Chan|1998|p=103}}</ref> Another significant genre is a set of healing songs in ''{{Langx|ms|Saba|label=none}}'' dance commonly performed using shamanistic charms<ref name="Chan 1998 103"/> There are other genres exist, among others are songs from traditional dances of ''{{Langx|ms|Mayang'|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Limbung|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Lukah|label=none}}'', songs from ''{{Langx|ms|Dikir Rebana|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Berdah|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Main Puteri|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam|label=none}}'' performances, as well as ''{{Langx|ms|Lagu dodoi|label=none}}'' (lullabies), ''{{Langx|ms|Lagu bercerita|label=none}}'' (story telling songs) and ''{{Langx|ms|Lagu Permainan|label=none}}'' (children game songs).<ref>{{harvnb|Chan|1998|pp=103–104}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Aripin Said|1997|pp=14–18}}</ref> Other popular Pahang folk songs included; ''{{Langx|ms|Walinung Sari|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Burung Kenek-Kenek|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Pak Sang Bagok|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Lagu Zikir|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Lagu Orang Muda|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Pak Sendayung|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Anak Ayam Turun Sepuluh|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Cung-Cung Nai|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Awang Belanga|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Kek Nong|label=none}}'' or ''{{Langx|ms|Dayang Kek Nong|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Camang Di Laut|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Datuk Kemenyan Tunggal|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Berlagu Ayam|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Walida Sari|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Raja Donan|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Raja Muda|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Syair Tua|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Anak Dagang|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Puteri Bongsu|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Raja Putera|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Puteri Mayang Mengurai|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Puteri Tujuh|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Pujuk Lebah|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Ketuk Kabung|label=none}}'' (''{{Langx|ms|Buai Kangkong|label=none}}'') and ''{{Langx|ms|Tebang Tebu|label=none}}''.<ref>{{harvnb|Aripin Said|1997|pp=18}}</ref>

Forms of ritual theatre among the Pahang Malays include the ''{{Langx|ms|Main Puteri|label=none}}'',<ref name="Norazit Selat 2000 28">{{harvnb|Norazit Selat|2000|p=28}}</ref> ''{{Langx|ms|Saba|label=none}}''<ref name="Chan 1998 103"/> and many forms of ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam|label=none}}'' performances. There are ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam Mayang|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam Lukah|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam Kukur|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam Serkap|label=none}}'', all of which involve trance and serve as agents of healing by a [[Bomoh]]. ''{{Langx|ms|Ugam Mayang|label=none}}'' is also popularly known in Terengganu and the rest of Malaysia as ''[[Ulek Mayang]]''.<ref>{{harvnb|Aripin Said|1997|pp=34–35}}</ref> One of the most popular dance theatre is [[Mak Yong]], which is also performed in Kelantan and Terengganu.<ref>{{harvnb|Norazit Selat|2000|p=5}}</ref> Popular dance forms also include ''{{Langx|ms|Joget Pahang|label=none}}'' (a local style of ''[[Joget]]''),<ref>{{harvnb|Norazit Selat|2000|p=4}}</ref> ''{{Langx|ms|Zapin Pekan|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Zapin Raub|label=none}}'' (local styles of ''[[Zapin]]''),<ref>{{harvnb|Norazit Selat|2000|p=31}}</ref> and ''{{Langx|ms|Dikir Pahang|label=none}}'' or ''{{Langx|ms|Dikir Rebana|label=none}}'' (a modified and secularised form of [[dhikr]] or religious chanting, also performed in Kelantan as [[Dikir barat]]).<ref name="Chan 1998 103"/> ''{{Langx|ms|Dikir Rebana|label=none}}'' which is further divided into ''{{Langx|ms|Dikir Maulud|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Dikir Berdah|label=none}}'', has many songs played by a group of 5 to 7 people and was historically performed in the royal court. Pahang performing arts also include some native dance forms like ''{{Langx|ms|Limbung|label=none}}'', ''[[Labi-labi (dance)|Labi-Labi]]'', ''{{Langx|ms|Pelanduk|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Indung|label=none}}''.<ref>{{harvnb|Norazit Selat|2000|pp=28–30}}</ref> A distinct form of ''[[gamelan]]'' adopted from the Javanese culture during the time of [[Johor Empire]], known as [[Malay Gamelan]] or ''{{Langx|ms|Gamelan Pahang|label=none}}'', forms the main musical ensemble heritage in the state and patronised by royal court of Pahang since the 19th century.<ref>{{harvnb|Norazit Selat|2000|pp=24–25}}</ref>

Pahang has a strong oral tradition that has existed since before the arrival of writing, and continues today. Prominent [[Malay folklore]] of Pahang origin, includes such bardic tales as the legends of [[Walinong Sari|Putri Walinong Sari]], [[Sang Kelembai]], ''[[Seri Gumum Dragon|Seri Gumum]]'' of [[Chini Lake]], and the white crocodile ''[[Seri Pahang]]'' of Pahang River. In addition to [[oral literature]], the literary tradition in Pahang traced back to the time of the old [[Pahang Sultanate]]. Contribution into the rich [[Classical Malay literature]] is attested in the form of legal literature like ''[[Hukum Kanun Pahang]]'' and historical literature like {{Langx|ms|Hikayat Pahang|label=none}}.

=== Cuisine ===
Traditional Pahang cuisine features a lot of seafood, similar to the traditional cuisine of other states. From its rivers and lakes come the fresh water fish such as the {{Langx|ms|patin|label=none}} ([[Pangasius]]). Certain dishes are shared with other Malay groups, like ''{{Langx|ms|Singgang|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Tembosa|label=none}}'', ''[[Sata (food)|Satak]]'' and {{Langx|ms|Lempeng Nyiur|label=none}} which also commonly found in Kelantan and Terengganu.<ref>{{harvnb|Hood Salleh|2011|p=15}}</ref> While some other regional dishes are prepared in Pahang style like ''[[Ikan Bakar|Ikan Bakar Petai]]'' and ''[[Laksa|Laksa Pahang]]''. There are also popular foreign dishes prepared with the distinctly Pahang style like ''[[Murtabak|Murtabak Mengkasar]]'' and ''[[Puding Diraja]]'' ('Royal Pudding'), both can be found in Pahang's royal capital, [[Pekan]].<ref name="Khor 2016">{{harvnb|Khor|2016}}</ref>

The staple food in a Pahang culinary tradition is rice, which is also common in any other Asian cultures. Rice is commonly served with ''[[gulai]]'' or {{Langx|ms|singgang|label=none}}, ''[[Ulam (salad)|ulam]]'' and ''[[sambal]]'' condiments. Popular ''{{Langx|ms|sambals|label=none}}'' are ''{{Langx|ms|sambal hitam|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|sambal tempoyak|label=none}}'' and {{Langx|ms|sambal belacan|label=none}}. One of the most famous {{Langx|ms|gulai|label=none}} in Pahang that has been established as the signature dish of the state, is ''{{Langx|ms|Gulai Tempoyak Patin|label=none}}''. The dish consists of juicy, tender patin fish cooked in curry made of ''[[tempoyak]]'' (fermented [[durian]]).<ref name="Khor 2016"/> Other notable Pahang ''{{Langx|ms|gulai|label=none}}'' are ''{{Langx|ms|Gulai Patin Asam Rebus|label=none}}'' (a dish similar to the ''{{Langx|ms|Gulai Tempoyak Patin|label=none}}'' but the watery soup or gravy, tastes a little sour and spicy) and ''[[:ms:Asam Rong|Asam Rong]]'' (a sour and slightly bitter taste gulai made of processed rubber tree fruits).<ref name="Khor 2016"/> Other popular Pahang dishes are ''{{Langx|ms|Nasi Kebuli|label=none}}'', ''{{Langx|ms|Opor Daging|label=none}}'' and ''{{Langx|ms|Paceri Nenas|label=none}}''.<ref name="Khor 2016"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Discover Pahang|url=http://www.trips365.com/malaysia/location/pahang|website=www.trips35.com|publisher=Trips 365|access-date=8 November 2017|year=2017|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108152037/http://www.trips365.com/malaysia/location/pahang|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Holidays and festivals ===
{{main|Public holidays in Malaysia}}

Pahangites observe a number of holidays and festivities throughout the year. Some are federally gazetted public holidays and some are observed by exclusively within the state. Other festivals are observed by particular ethnic or religion groups, and the main holiday of each major group has been declared a public holiday. Hari Hol Pahang is a public holiday commemorating the death date of the former Sultan [[Abu Bakar of Pahang|Abu Bakar]]. The holiday is observed every 7 May. The Sultan of Pahang's Birthday is celebrated as a public holiday on 24 October. Other most observed national holiday is ''[[Independence Day (Malaysia)|Hari Merdeka]]'' (Independence Day) on 31 August, commemorating the independence of the [[Federation of Malaya]] in 1957.<ref name="Marshall">{{Cite book|title = World and Its Peoples: Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei|publisher = Marshall Cavendish Corporation|year = 2008|pages = 1160, 1166–1192, 1218–1222|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=72VwCFtYHCgC|isbn =978-0-7614-7642-9}}</ref> [[Malaysia Day]] on 16 September commemorates federation in 1963.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/10/19/nation/20091019103509&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020113957/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2009%2F10%2F19%2Fnation%2F20091019103509&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2009 |title=Malaysia Day now a public holiday, says PM |author=Chun, Yeng Ai |date=19 October 2009 |access-date=7 May 2011 }}</ref> Other notable national holidays are Labour Day (1 May) and the King's birthday (first week of June).<ref name="Marshall"/>

[[Muslim holidays]] are prominent as Islam is the state religion; {{Langx|ms|Hari Raya Puasa|label=none}} (also called ''{{Langx|ms|Hari Raya Aidilfitri|label=none}}'', Malay for [[Eid al-Fitr]]), ''{{Langx|ms|Hari Raya Haji|label=none}}'' (also called ''{{Langx|ms|Hari Raya Aidiladha|label=none}}'', Malay for [[Eid ul-Adha]]), ''[[Mawlid|Maulidur Rasul]]'' (birthday of the Prophet), and [[Nuzul Al-Quran]].<ref name="Marshall"/> [[Malaysian Chinese|Chinese]] celebrate festivals such as [[Chinese New Year]] and others relating to traditional Chinese beliefs. Majority of the Chinese who are also Buddhist, celebrate [[Wesak|Wesak Day]]. Hindus in Pahang celebrate ''[[Deepavali]]'', the festival of lights,<ref name="MSU">{{cite web |url=http://asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/malaysia/religion.htm |title=Malaysia&nbsp;– Religion |publisher=Asian Studies Center – Michigan State University |access-date=13 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809081015/http://asia.isp.msu.edu/wbwoa/southeast_asia/malaysia/religion.htm |archive-date=9 August 2011  }}</ref> while ''[[Thaipusam]]'', although an important federal public holiday, is not gazetted as state public holiday. Pahang's Christian community celebrates most of the holidays observed by Christians elsewhere, most notably Christmas and Easter. Despite most festivals being identified with a particular ethnic or religious group, celebrations are universal. In a custom known as "open house" all Malaysians participate in the celebrations of others, often visiting the houses of those who identify with the festival.<ref name="MIDA">{{Cite book|title = Guidebook on Expatriate Living in Malaysia|publisher = Malaysia Industrial Development Authority|date = May 2009|pages = 8–9, 69|url = http://www.mida.gov.my/env3/uploads/Publications_pdf/ExpatriateLiving/expatriate2009.pdf|access-date = 8 November 2017|archive-date = 28 September 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110928100352/http://www.mida.gov.my/env3/uploads/Publications_pdf/ExpatriateLiving/expatriate2009.pdf|url-status = dead}}</ref>

== Sports ==
{{Main|Sport in Malaysia}}

[[File:Royal Pahang Polo Club Monument.jpg|thumb|right|The Royal Pahang Polo Club Monument.]]
Sports in Pahang is administered through the State Youth and Sports Committee, chaired by a member of [[Pahang State Executive Council|State Executive Council]].<ref>{{cite web|title=State Government Executive Council (Exco)|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/majlis-mesyuarat-kerajaan-negeri/exco|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=11 November 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111005909/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/majlis-mesyuarat-kerajaan-negeri/exco|archive-date=11 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Youth and Sports Department of Pahang is a state branch of the National Department of Youth and Sports, a department under [[Ministry of Youth and Sports (Malaysia)|Ministry of Youth and Sports]]. To produce more athletes and to improve and raise the standard of sports in the state, the Pahang State Sports Council was established in 1984.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pahang Sports Council|url=http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/majlis-sukan-pahang1;jsessionid=75DDE5E8D455CF3B783872FCA698017B|website=www.pahang.gov.my|publisher=Pahang State Government|access-date=11 November 2017|year=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111204921/http://www.pahang.gov.my/en/majlis-sukan-pahang1;jsessionid=75DDE5E8D455CF3B783872FCA698017B|archive-date=11 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Polo]] is exclusively patronised by the state [[Bendahara dynasty|Royal Family]] in addition to association football. Founded in 1926, the Royal Pahang Polo Club is the country's one of the oldest Polo club. In the 1990s, the club started the Royal Pahang Classic, an annual high goal tournament that brought the best players in the world to play at Pekan, Pahang.<ref>{{cite web|title=History of Polo in Malaysia|url=http://rmpa.org.my/history/|website=www.rmpa.org.my|publisher=Royal Malaysian Polo Association|access-date=11 November 2017|year=2016}}</ref> The three most popular sports at national level are association football, badminton and [[field hockey]]. Sultan [[Ahmad Shah of Pahang|Ahmad Shah]] and his son [[Tengku Abdullah]] are the well-known figures of the [[Football Association of Malaysia]], having headed the governing body of association football for more than three decades. Tengku Abdullah who was president of [[Malaysian Hockey Confederation]] from 2008 to 2015, is also a member of [[FIFA Council]] and president of [[Asian Hockey Federation]]. Within Malaysia, Pahang was the host of the sixth edition of [[SUKMA Games]] in 1996 and the fifteenth edition in [[2011–2012 Sukma Games|2012]]. The state also has its representatives in national camp that compete at various international sporting events.

[[File:Stadium Pahang.jpg|thumb|left|[[Darul Makmur Stadium]].]]
[[File:CYpJtNmUMAEdN3x.jpg|thumb|left|[[Tun Abdul Razak Stadium]].]]
The state is served by 6 main sports complexes, managed by the Youth and Sports Department,<ref>{{cite web|title=Facilities|url=http://www.jbsn.gov.my/en/kemudahanphg.html|website=www.jbsn.com|publisher=Youth and Sports Department|access-date=11 November 2017|year=2015|archive-date=11 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111214833/http://www.jbsn.gov.my/en/kemudahanphg.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> two [[multi-purpose stadium]] and a [[Soccer-specific stadium|football stadium]]. [[Darul Makmur Stadium]] in Kuantan is the main stadium for [[Pahang FA]] that compete in [[Malaysia Super League]], [[Kuantan FA]] that compete in [[Malaysia Premier League]], and [[Shahzan Muda F.C.]] that compete in [[Malaysia FAM League]]. [[Tun Abdul Razak Stadium]] located in [[Maran District]] is the home stadium for [[Felda United F.C.]], another major team in Malaysia Super League. [[Temerloh Mini Stadium]] is the secondary home ground for Pahang FA and Shahzan Muda.

Traditional sports include [[Silat Melayu]], the most common style of martial arts also practised in other states of Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. [[Silat Melayu]] practised in Pahang are diverse, with vast differences in training tools, methods and philosophy across different schools and styles. The Silat Melayu of Pahang may generally be divided into two major groups. Styles like Lincah, Gayong and Cekak which are widely practised at national level in Malaysia, coexist with eclectic local Pahang styles like Silat Terlak, Silat Lian, Silat Tari Pulut, Silat Melayu Lok Keris 9, Silat Sendeng 2 Beradik, Silat Tongkat Panding Juan, Silat Laksamana, Silat Sutan Muaakad, Silat Pedang, Silat Setimbun Tulang, Silat Carik Kapor and Silat Sangkar Maut.<ref name="Norazit Selat 2000 28"/>

Pahang long coastline and vast riverine systems are perfect for a wide range of water sports and activities. [[Rafting]], [[Sailing (sport)|sailing]], [[jet skiing]], [[scuba diving]] and [[surfing]] are among popular water sports. The surf season normally begins from October–November to February–March, during which the beaches on the East Coast becomes a no-entry danger zone during the monsoon season due to strong winds and ferocious waves. In Pahang, [[Cherating]] beach is by far one of the most popular places to surf in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Things to do - Surfing|url=http://pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/things-to-do/17-things-to-do/81-surfing|website=www.pahangtourism.org.my|publisher=Tourism Pahang Darulmakmur|access-date=11 November 2017|year=2017|archive-date=11 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111152133/http://pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/things-to-do/17-things-to-do/81-surfing|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{further|List of tourist attractions in Pahang}}
Tourism makes up one of the largest sectors Pahang's economy, contributing approximately 26% of the overall state economy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pahang secures RM56.4 billion investments|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2160838|publisher=The Sun Daily|date=14 February 2017|website=www.thesundaily.my|access-date=5 December 2017}}</ref> In 2016, the state hosted a total 12.8 million visitors with revenue worth more than RM7 billion. 2.9 million from this figure were foreign tourists mainly from [[Singapore]], [[China]], and [[Indonesia]],<ref name="Statistics 2016 Pahang Tourism">{{cite web|title=Tourist Arrival by Country to Pahang - 2016|url=http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/about-us/downloads/category/3-statistic?download=57:statistic|website=www.pahangtourism.org.my|publisher=Tourism Pahang Darulmakmur|access-date=5 December 2017|archive-date=7 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607184940/http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/index.php/about-us/downloads/category/3-statistic?download=57:statistic|url-status=dead}}</ref> with [[Genting Highlands]] and [[Kuantan]], being the top destinations.<ref name="The Edge"/> Domestic tourists made up the remaining 9.9 million.<ref name="Statistics 2016 Pahang Tourism"/> The top five most visited places by Malaysians in Pahang were Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Teluk Cempedak, Gambang Water Park and Cherating.<ref name="The Edge">{{cite web|title=Pahang targets 24% increase in foreign tourist arrivals|url=http://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/pahang-targets-24-increase-foreign-tourist-arrivals|website=www.theedgemarkets.com|publisher=The Edge Communications|access-date=5 December 2017|date=4 February 2014}}</ref> Of the hotels rated by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Pahang has the third highest proportion of luxury hotels after [[Kuala Lumpur]] and [[Sabah]]. Pahang also recorded the highest occupancy rates at 81.1%, with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor having the second and third highest occupancy rates at 69.7% and 68.2%, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hayati Abu Seman|title=BizPluse - Hotel Industry To See Uptrend in 2016|url=http://cdn.smebank.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/SME-Bank-BizPulse-Issue4_web.pdf|website=www.smebank.com.my|publisher=SME Bank|access-date=5 December 2017|year=2016|page=10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042037/http://cdn.smebank.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/SME-Bank-BizPulse-Issue4_web.pdf|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[First World Hotel]] located in Genting Highlands houses 7,351 rooms and is currently the [[List of largest hotels|largest hotel in the world]].<ref name="largesthotel">{{cite web|url= http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/08/21/First-World-Hotel-regains-title-as-worlds-largest-hotel/|title= First World Hotel regains title as world's largest hotel|date= 21 August 2015|access-date= 21 August 2015}}</ref>

Pahang implements national tourism development policies at state level, in addition to coastal zone development plan which includes consideration of tourism.<ref name="National Ecotourism Plan">{{cite web|title=National Ecotourism Plan Malaysia|url=http://repository.wwf.org.my/technical_reports/N/NationalEcotourismPlanMalaysiaPart2.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://repository.wwf.org.my/technical_reports/N/NationalEcotourismPlanMalaysiaPart2.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2022 |url-status=live|website=www.wwf.org.my|publisher=WWF Malaysia|access-date=5 December 2017|year=1998|pages=31–34}}</ref> With richn biodiversity, Pahang offers ecotourism in all its forms. Conventional tourism along the coast occurs mainly on the coastline north of Kuantan, where there are famous beach towns like [[Cherating]], [[Batu Hitam]] and [[Beserah]]. [[Tioman Island]] is Pahang's prime island resource. The waters around the entire island and the Seri Buat Island groups, totalling nine islands, are gazetted [[marine park]]s.

Peninsular Malaysia's highest peak, [[Mount Tahan]], can be accessed via Pahang.<ref name="National Ecotourism Plan"/> Pahang also contains three of Peninsular Malaysia's major [[hill station]]s, at [[Cameron Highlands]], [[Fraser's Hill]] and [[Genting Highlands]]. Each has been developed on a different concept. Cameron Highlands is famous for its sprawling tea plantations, butterflies, strawberries and honey bee farms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameron Highlands|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/cameron-highlands?page=/1|work=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522070217/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/cameron-highlands?page=%2F1|archive-date=22 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fraser's Hill is one of Malaysia's few pristine forests, with a high level of biodiversity. It is one of Malaysia's premier locations for bird-watching.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fraser's Hill|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/frasers-hill?page=/2|work=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522071224/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/frasers-hill?page=%2F2|archive-date=22 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> While Genting Highlands is famous for its cool & breezy weather with indoor & outdoor theme park, [[state of the art]] entertainment centre, five-star hotels and home of the only casino in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Genting Highlands|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/genting-highlands|work=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=22 May 2014}}</ref>

[[Taman Negara]] is the most frequented lowland forest reserve.<ref name="National Ecotourism Plan"/> It has one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated at 130 million years old.<ref>{{cite web|title=Taman Negara|url=http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/taman-negara?page=/1|work=Tourism Malaysia|access-date=22 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140522074103/http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/my/web-page/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/taman-negara?page=%2F1|archive-date=22 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Kenong Rimba Park]] near [[Kuala Lipis]] is another forest reserve retained as an alternative support to Taman Negara.<ref name="National Ecotourism Plan"/> Another notable forest reserve, the [[Endau-Rompin National Park]] is being promoted by the Government of Pahang as another important ecotourism site. Located within Pahang's large lowland forest is [[Krau Wildlife Reserve]] that contains [[Seladang]] breeding station at Jenderak as well as Elephant conservation centre at [[Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre|Kuala Gandah]]. The Pahang River is another tourism asset. The upper reaches of some of its tributaries is suitable for water sports like canoeing and whitewater rafting. Many waterfalls are accessible to the public especially in recreational forests. Famous waterfalls include [[Sungai Pandan Waterfall]] and [[Berkelah Falls]]. [[Bera Lake]] and [[Chini Lake]] are important and rare examples of natural lakes in Malaysia.<ref name="National Ecotourism Plan"/>

<gallery mode="packed" caption="Tourist attractions in Pahang">
File:Tea plantations 2, Pahang, Malaysia.jpg|[[Cameron Highlands]]
File:Salang, Tioman - panoramio.jpg|Salang Bay, [[Tioman Island]]
File:Air Terjun Sungai Pandan.jpg|[[Sungai Pandan Waterfall]]
File:Genting 01.jpg|[[Genting Highlands]]
</gallery>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

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== Further reading ==
* Borschberg, Peter, [http://www.nus.edu.sg/nuspress/subjects/SS/978-9971-69-464-7.html "The Singapore and Melaka Straits: Violence, Security and Diplomacy in the Seventeenth Century"], Singapore: NUS Press, 2010. {{ISBN|978-9971-69-464-7}}.
* Borschberg, Peter, ed., [http://www.nus.edu.sg/nuspress/subjects/history/978-9971-69-528-6.html "Security, Trade and Society in 17th-Century Southeast Asia: The Memoirs and Memorials of Jacques de Coutre"], Singapore: NUS Press, 2013. {{ISBN|978-9971-69-528-6}}.
* Borschberg, Peter, "The value of Matelieff's writings for the study of Southeast Asia, c.1600-1620," ''Journal of Southeast Asian Studies'' 48, 3 (2017): 414–435. {{doi|10.1017/S002246341700056X}}
* Erédia, M. Godinho de, "Malaca, l'Inde Méridionale e le Cathay: Manuscrit original autographe de Godinho de Eredia appartenant à la Bibliothèque Royale de Bruxelles", tr. M.L. Janssen (Bruxelles: Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt, 1882).
* Erédia, M. Godinho de, "Informação da Aurea Quersoneso, ou Península, e das Ilhas Auríferas, Carbúculas e Aromáticas", ed. by R.M. Loureiro (Macau: Centro Científico e Cultural de Macau, 2008).
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== External links ==
{{sister project links|collapsible=true|wikt=no|q=no|n=no|v=no|voy=Pahang}}
* {{official website}}
* [http://www.pahangtourism.org.my/ Pahang] at Pahang Tourism
* [https://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/pahang-tioman-island Pahang] at [[Lonely Planet]]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre    = Pahang
|North     = [[Gua Musang District|Gua Musang]], {{flag|Kelantan}}
|Northeast = [[Hulu Terengganu]] / [[Dungun]], {{flag|Terengganu}}
|East      = [[South China Sea]]
|Southeast = [[South China Sea]]
|South     = [[Mersing]] / [[Segamat]], {{flag|Johor}} <br /> [[Jempol]] / [[Jelebu]], {{flag|Negeri Sembilan}}
|Southwest = [[Hulu Langat District|Hulu Langat]] / [[Gombak District|Gombak]], {{flag|Selangor}}
|West      = [[Hulu Selangor]], {{flag|Selangor}} <br /> [[Batang Padang]] / [[Muallim]], {{flag|Perak}}
|Northwest = [[Kampar District|Kampar]] / [[Kinta District|Kinta]], {{flag|Perak}}
}}
{{Pahang}}
{{States and Federal Territories of Malaysia}}
{{Portal bar|Asia|Geography|Malaysia}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Pahang| ]]
[[Category:States of Malaysia]]