SIBU: Thousands of people flocked to Sibu Central Market here to catch a glimpse of the royal entourage today (Sept 12).
People from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds gathered at every corner of the market as early as 6.30 am to welcome Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his entourage.
The Kembara Kenali Borneo tour entourage which was accompanied by Their Majesties’ sons, namely Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Colonel Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah and Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah, arrived at 8.46 am and was welcomed by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Among those present to welcome the royal entourage were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr. Annuar Rapaee and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
The King toured the iconic Sibu Central Market, which is the country’s biggest market with 1,183 traders.
His Majesty spend about half an hour and also took his time to buy 1kg of rambutans at the market before continuing their tour to Sri Aman.
The rambutan fruit trader, Lucy Jambin, 50, expressed her immense joy when the King only bought her rambutans and signed six RM10 banknotes.
“The signed banknotes are a keepsake will be cherished forever. I am overjoyed and thankful that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, signed these banknotes,” she said.
Lucy said she will distribute the banknotes to her family members.
