About Pahang

Pahang history

Pahang, which is largest state in the Peninsula Malaysia has 11 districts. The districts are Kuantan, Maran, Pekan, Rompin, Temerloh, Jerantut, Bentong, Raub, Lipis,Cameron Highlands and Bera.

The name of Pahang has several different origins and versions.  A Chinese writer called it as Pang-Hang Peng-Heng, Pang-Heng, Pong-Fong, Phe-Hang, Pang-Kang and others. The Arabs and Europeans at that time called it as Pam, Pan, Phang, Paam, Poa, Paon, Phamm, Paham, Fanhan, Phang and Pahagh. Some people said that the name ‘Pahang’ originated from the Siamese language that means ‘ore’. The Malay story version was that a large ‘mahang’ tree fell across the Pahang River at the village called Kampung Kembahang.

Plenty of researches and excavation works were done by the archaeologists in various sites in Pahang. Among the artifacts discovered were ceramics/ earthen-wares used by the Mesolithic people. Archaeologists believed that the Mesolithic people were the first to arrive at the Asian Mainland and Malay Peninsula. The Malay Proto group, have begun to live in the Peninsula since 3000 / 2000 B.C. Several agricultural implements such as the heads of spears, knives, scythes, hoes and other unusual iron implements were found too. They were believed to be made by the people from the Stone Age. There are also  fraction of an ancient drum made of bronze used by the people from the Bronze era.

The system of monarchy was established in Pahang in 14th centuries. The first Sultan was Sultan Muhamad Shah, whom is the prince of the Sultan Malacca. His descendants have ruled over Pahang for more than 200 years. The bloodline ended with Sultan Mahmud Shah, who died in 1699. Following his death, the ruling power was taken over by the family of Bendahara Tuan Habib Abdul Majid.

The English came over and occupied Pahang in the late 19th century. J.P.Rodger was appointed as the first Resident in October 1888. Pekan was first chosen as a capital before it was changed to Kuantan at 1953. Pahang joined the Pesekutuan Tanah Melayu and reached independence.