Malaysia’s billionaire king lends 2 of his airboats to flood rescue operations

The approval was issued amid volatile weather conditions to ensure that rescue agencies are ready should another round of flooding hit, according to a post on the king’s Facebook page.

"The two airboats, now stationed at Istana Negara, are expected to enhance operational efficiency and speed up the delivery of emergency aid," the post said, as cited by national news agency Bernama.

The two airboats owned by Malaysia's king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. Photo from Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar's Facebook

Several states on the east coast of Malaysia, including Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and sections of Johor, are facing heavy downpours, strong winds and turbulent seas brought about by the Northeast Monsoon, which typically stretches from November to March. The relentless weather often sets off flooding and landslides, disrupting transportation and the lives of many families.

This year, thousands are being affected by floods, with many forced to seek out relief centers for food, supplies and basic necessities from authorities. By Thursday morning, four states were still experiencing floods, namely Perak, Selangor, Perlis and Pahang, the New Straits Times reported.

Sultan Ibrahim had previously deployed three airboats in March 2023 to help rescue and evacuate flood victims in Johor. These vessels were also used to deliver food to Orang Asli communities that had been cut off by the flooding in Kluang.

Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar (L) takes part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Russia, Aug. 6, 2025. Photo by Reuters

The king, 67, is known for his lavish lifestyle and charitable efforts, both backed by a family fortune estimated at US$5.7 billion.

Described by Bloomberg as "motorcycle-riding, Ferrari-driving, Instagram-savvy," he is said to own some 300 luxury vehicles and four private jets, including a Boeing 737. He is active on social media, with more than 1.2 million followers on Facebook and nearly 1 million on Instagram, and has business interests that span palm oil, real estate and telecommunications.