TELOK MELANO (Sarawak): Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah completed a journey of over 2,000km at KM0 of the Pan Borneo Highway here on Wednesday (Sept 13).
The King was welcomed by a large crowd waving flags and shouting "Daulat Tuanku" when he arrived at about 12.40pm from Kuching, about 137km away.
His Majesty was accompanied by his sons the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Kol Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah and Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu'adzam Shah.
They posed for photos at the KM0 signboard before greeting members of the crowd by the roadside.
Also present were acting Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tan Sri Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and other state dignitaries.
During the visit, Nanta briefed the King on the background and progress of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak, which is 97% complete.
"This first-ever tour by Their Majesties reflects their concern in the government's efforts to improve Sarawak’s road infrastructure as a catalyst for socioeconomic and industrial development, besides enhancing comfort and safety for road users," the Works Ministry said in a statement.
The King later performed the earth-breaking ceremony for a new mosque in Telok Melano.
He consented for the mosque to be named Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah.
For the villagers, it was a proud moment to welcome the King to Telok Melano, which was previously only accessible by boat before the road to Sematan was built.
"This is a historic occasion, not only for Telok Melano but Lundu district, as this is the first time the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has come here," villager Wasli Mos said.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah began the Kembara Kenali Borneo tour in Tawau on Sept 3 to get to know Malaysians living in Sabah and Sarawak.
It culminated at Telok Melano after 11 days, covering a distance of 2,154km on the Pan Borneo Highway.
