By Nurul Nabihah
Picture taken from Bernama
TAWAU, 6 September: Cheers of 'Daulat Tuanku' and flutters of Malaysian and Sabahan flags welcomed Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah arrival to Tawau for the 'Kembara Kenali Borneo' programme.
According to Istana Negara, through a Facebook post, the royal couple was touched by the warm welcome of the Tawau people. They have been waiting for the arrival of The King and Queen as early as 12 noon.
A video posted by Istana Negara shows the Queen moved to tears by the enthusiasm of crowds lining up along the roadside to greet the royal family in person. The royal couple took their time to greet the people with handshakes, waves, and small talks.
"In fact, the King and Queen were so obliging to the aspirations of the people who sought to greet the Royal couple in person throughout their journey from the Tawau Airport to the designated hotel that it took the Royal entourage five hours to reach the hotel for a journey that normally takes only less than 30 minutes," said the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who received Their Majesties' entourage in Tawau.
Also accompanying the visit is Their Majesties' children, Tengku Arif Bendahara Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Ri'ayatuddin Shah, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Jihan Azizah' Athiyatullah, Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Ilisha Ameera and Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Ilyana.
The 'Kembara Kenali Borneo' programme is an initiative to bridge the gap between the people of West Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, as the latter two states were perceived as discriminated against the former. The presence of the royal family gracing Sabah and Sarawak will help dispel such notions and communicate their concern and care.
The "Kembara Kenali Borneo" expedition will span 2,154 kilometres through the Pan Borneo Highway, which connects Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei.***
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