JOHOR BAHRU – Thousands of people gathered along the streets of Johor, stretching from Istana Bukit Serene to Senai International Airport (LTAS) in Kulai, as early as 6.30am, to witness the momentous departure of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar to Kuala Lumpur to take the oath of office as Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Dressed in full ceremonial attire, His Majesty departed Istana Bukit Serene in an official vehicle at 7.45am, accompanied by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin as the minister in attendance and Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
About 30,000 people, including school students, state civil servants and the public, observed Sultan Ibrahim’s departure.
The crowd gathered along the route leading to LTAS at Taman Scientex Utama Senai, Taman Aman, Pekan Senai, and the LTAS mosque, extending all the way to the Senai royal hangar.
The entire journey took about an hour.
His Majesty was greeted at LTAS by state dignitaries, led by Johor state secretary Tan Sri Azmi Rohani, as well as state assembly members and government officers.
Before the royal entourage departed for Kuala Lumpur on His Majesty’s private plane, Johor mufti Datuk Yahya Ahmad led the prayer recitation, followed by the chanting of “Daulat Tuanku” three times by Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja Colonel (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Perang Musa.
The plane took off for the Subang air base at 9am. – January 31, 2024