JOHOR BARU: Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar joined thousands celebrating the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri at Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi's open house here on Saturday (April 22).
Sultan Ibrahim was seen driving his own car and arriving at the Mentri Besar's official residence in Saujana here at around 10.20am.
His Majesty spent about half an hour at the open house where he was treated to an array of local food and took photos with some guests.
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, state secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani, state speaker Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, state executive councillors, assemblymen as well as other top state officials and leaders.
Sungguh meriah Rumah Terbuka Aidilfitri Menteri Besar Johor, YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi @onnhafiz di Kediaman Rasmi MB Johor hari ini. Majlis diserikan dengan keberangkatan tiba DYMM Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan Johor Darul Takzim. pic.twitter.com/bQjKLLlXfI
— Dr Wee Ka Siong 魏家祥 (@weekasiongmp) April 22, 2023
Among those spotted enjoying the food at the open house were petrochemical technician Suhaimi Yusoff, 38, and his family.
"I have been posted in Johor for over 15 years but this is the first time I am enjoying an open house at the Mentri Besar's house with my family.
"Normally, I will send my family back to our hometown in Besut, Terengganu before Hari Raya as I need to work during the festival. I will only join them on the fourth day onwards.
"This year, I have to work night shifts until the sixth day and decided to just spend the first few days of Hari Raya with my family here. This open house allows my family and I to still enjoy the festivities despite having to postpone our own celebration at home," he said.
He added that he would also take his family to the Johor Sultan's open house on Sunday (April 23).
Retiree Yaw Kin Yan, 80, said that he had been attending open houses of Johor mentris besar for many years.
"I enjoy the food they serve, especially Johor Laksa and Mee Rebus. On top of that, I also get to make new friends. Some of the people I met here over the years remain in my life even until now.
"This year, I came with my wife and son. This is the first time my son joined us and he was surprised to see the large crowd here," he said.
Nurse Lourders Mary Joseph, 58, said that she is glad to finally be able to attend the Mentri Besar's open house after so long.
"I have been coming to the open house for about five years before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Since I work in Singapore, I have been unable to make my way here in the past few years. I am very happy to finally be able to experience the festive atmosphere here again," she said.
