Sultan Mahmud al-Muktafi Billah Shah succeeded his father in 1979 and ruled Terengganu until 1989 where it then passed to his son, Sultan Zainal Abidin in 1998.
The succession of Sultan Mahmud al-Muktafi Billah Shah began in 1979, marking the start of his rule over Terengganu. He remained in charge until 1989, after which he handed over the reins to his son Sultan Zainal Abidin in 1998.