The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, who are en route from Brunei to Sarawak, spent time mingling with the immigration personnel at the Sungai Tujuh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) here.
On the seventh day of the ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ heading towards Miri today, Al-Sultan Abdullah, who was driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and accompanied by Tunku Azizah, stepped out of the vehicle to present themselves their passports for immigration stamps at the Brunei-Sarawak border.
The Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Tengku Panglima Raja Col Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah were also in the royal entourage.
After leaving the ICQS, Their Majesties and the royal entourage, were warmly welcomed by the people of Sarawak who had been waiting along the roadside to the Miri Handicraft Centre, which was their first stop in the city.
The overwhelming presence of people had resulted in a delay in the arrival time of Their Majesties at the Miri Handicraft Centre, which was planned for 11.45 am.
It was remarkable to witness the public celebrating Their Majesties' arrival, waiting by the roadside dressed in traditional attire that represented diverse Sarawakian ethnic groups like Kayan, Kelabit, Kenyah, Kedayan, and Iban.
Some of them enthusiastically performed traditional dances as the convoy passed through the streets in their residential area.
Meanwhile, a Bernama check at the Miri Handicraft Centre found that the public began to gather as early as 10 am to extend a warm welcome and celebrate the royal couple's visit to the handicraft centre in the heart of Miri city.
People from Betong district, who willingly embarked on an almost eight-hour journey to the centre, were also here to personally meet the royal family.
Izwan Ismail, 32, from Saratok, Betong, said he and his family have been in Miri since Thursday to meet Their Majesties at the first stop of the royal couple's visit.
“I was very excited to meet Their Majesties, so I drove from Saratok with the hope of seeing the Royal couple," he said to Bernama, adding that he will return home to Kampung Ulu Kupang after the King and Queen leave the handicraft centre.
Meanwhile, Nurshahera Abd Rashid, 35, who lives in the police residential complex here, said her parents-in-law who are from Saratok stayed with her for a week so that they could witness the arrival of Their Majesties in Miri today.
“Usually, I watch Their Majesties on TV, but this time I have the opportunity to see them in person, up close. It's a delightful experience because I admire the King and Queen's friendly personality with the people," the nurse said adding that she was prepared to take the day off to ensure she could witness the arrival of the Royal couple.
"I would love to have a photo with the King and Queen and shake hands if possible, but just seeing Their Majesties from afar already makes me and my family happy," she added.
The hot weather didn't stop Sarawakians from gathering at the handicraft centre, eagerly waiting for Their Majesties and the 'Kembara Kenali Borneo' convoy.
The royal entourage continued into Sarawak today via Miri. The King and Queen resided in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, on Thursday and attended a Royal Dinner hosted by the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah last night.
The Royal convoy will head to Bekenu and Bintulu tomorrow, stopping by in Sibu, Sri Aman, and Kuching before reaching Telok Melano in southern Sarawak on Sept 13.
The 'Kembara Kenali Borneo' fulfils Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah's dream of getting closer to the people of Sabah and Sarawak. They set off on the tour on Sept 3 in Sabah.
The 11-day expedition covered a total distance of 2,154 km along the Pan Borneo Highway, connecting Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
