In a brief post on the Kesultanan Pahang Facebook page last night, he stressed that Pahang should be treated fairly on the issue.

“I wish to emphasise that Pahang should be given fair treatment and consideration,” he said.

Earlier, at the opening of the state assembly sitting yesterday, Tengku Hassanal said the federal government’s ban on river sand exports had affected Pahang’s revenue.

He said the state, which is home to the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, has substantial sand deposits that require dredging to ensure smooth river flow and to prevent flooding.

He added that Pahang previously generated tens of millions of ringgit from sand exports, but the federal government banned the practice despite land and sand resources falling under state jurisdiction.

In response, Anwar had urged Tengku Hassanal to “understand the macroeconomic situation because Pahang’s allocation is substantial, not small”.

Speaking after attending the Asean summit in the Philippines, he said Tengku Hassanal should consider the current economic pressures, as well as any leakages that may be occurring.

Anwar added that he would ask finance minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan to provide a comprehensive explanation of the federal government’s allocation for Pahang.