His Royal Highness expressing concern for the welfare of former prisoners who have completed their sentences, expressing the need to provide them with opportunities

IPOH, 14 April 2026 – HRH Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah said the government must strengthen the domestic economy, accelerate the transition to alternative energy and pay serious attention to environmental sustainability in facing global uncertainties.

His Royal Highness said this when officiating the Official Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Year of the 15th Perak State Legislative Assembly at the Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan.

According to the Sultan, although Malaysia’s economy recorded encouraging growth of 5.2 percent in 2025, new conflicts in West Asia have the potential to significantly impact the global economy, including increasing logistics costs and pressure on the national economy.

He also said that Perak recorded investments totalling RM15.75 billion in 2025 involving 560 projects, while state revenue collection reached nearly RM1.49 billion, with a consolidated revenue account surplus for four consecutive years.

“This achievement enables my government to allocate RM1.61 billion in state expenditure for 2026, the highest allocation in the state’s history,” said His Royal Highness.

Sultan Nazrin stressed the importance of innovation and digitalisation as key drivers of state development, as well as the need to strengthen digital infrastructure, including 5G networks and the development of state data centres.

“Innovation is no longer an option, but a necessity. Governments that fail to innovate will be left behind and lose competitiveness,” he said.

On environmental sustainability, Sultan Nazrin said that firm measures have been taken, including the implementation of a ban on single-use plastic bags starting 1 March 2026 to safeguard the wellbeing of the environment and future generations.

His Royal Highness also welcomed wildlife conservation efforts, including the establishment of the Perak Elephant Sanctuary Centre in Gerik as a strategic initiative to address human-wildlife conflict in a humane manner.

“Humans and wildlife must coexist symbiotically to ensure the balance of the ecosystem continues to be maintained,” he said.

He stressed that environmental management must be prioritised, including climate change mitigation measures and the implementation of flood mitigation projects to reduce disaster risks.

Sultan Nazrin also emphasised the importance of strengthening food security through sustainable development of agriculture, fisheries and blue economy.

Additionally, he expressed concern for the welfare of prisoners who have completed their sentences, stressing the need to provide them with opportunities.

“Former inmates should not remain trapped in societal stigma. They must be assisted via skills training and continuous assistance so that they can start a new life productively,” he said.

The Sultan also called for cooperation between the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) and the Prisons Department to be strengthened in efforts to develop rehabilitation programmes and provide funds to assist released prisoners.

Commenting on current challenges, Sultan Nazrin said the world is now facing the risk of a global energy crisis, hence the government must immediately reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of renewable energy.

“Investment in renewable energy is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity that must be expedited,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin also called on the people to adopt a thrifty lifestyle and be prudent in the use of energy and resources.

At the same time, His Royal Highness stressed the importance of unity among the people in facing global challenges and urged all parties to work together for the stability of the nation and the wellbeing of the people.  

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.