SIBU (ANN/THE STAR) – 1,100-odd traders at the Sibu Central Market wait in anticipation for Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, after the royal entourage was announced to make a stop at about 8.30am on September 12.
The King and Queen would be travelling by golf cart from RH Hotel, accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, The Star reported on Monday.
Their Majesties will have breakfast at the market and later tour the Pasar Tamu section of the market, said to be the largest in the country.
“We are all eagerly waiting for Their Majesties to visit us as this will be the first time that a King will set foot in our market. That is why we are very excited,” said Tan Hong Kong.
Tan, who is the Central Market Hawker Welfare Association chairman, said a photo session with association members has been planned with the royal couple.
“I have 80 members but (according to) protocol not all of us can join in the photo session. Maybe 20 to 30 of us only,” he said.
He added that it would be a priceless piece of memorabilia for them as it would be a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.
Tan, who runs a goods stall in the market, said the hawkers’ dress code for the Royal visit will be “smart casual”.
Their Majesties are on their first-ever “Kembara Kenali Borneo” tour to get to know Malaysians living in Sabah and Sarawak.
The tour, which began on September 3 in Tawau, will culminate on Wednesday at Telok Melano, Sarawak.
The royal entourage took a detour into Brunei, before entering Sarawak via Miri, according to reports in the Borneo Bulletin.
It covers a distance of 2,154 kilometres via the Pan Borneo Highway, which connects Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.
