Sultan Ibrahim taking a group photo with villagers during Kembara Mahkota Johor 2019 in Kota Tinggi.
HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia is well known for his casual appearances in Johor.
And even after His Majesty’s appointment as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim continued to surprise Malaysians with impromptu visits at popular places.
Most recently, Sultan Ibrahim surprised the staff and crowd of Nasi Lemak Wanjo in Kuala Lumpur, when His Majesty decided to have his birthday breakfast at the Kampung Baru eatery.
The May 3 visit allowed Sultan Ibrahim to mingle with the public who eagerly took selfies with the King.
In another impromptu visit on June 28, Sultan Ibrahim met one-year-old Caleb Udan Alfred and left a lasting impression on his mother, Edna Ruran Purait.
The toddler was at the Damansara Specialist Hospital 2 for a follow-up session when the King gave him a present.
Edna said she never would have thought that she would meet the King and for His Majesty to present her son with a gift.
Sultan Ibrahim enjoying a meal at Nasi Lemak Wanjo on June 2. His Majesty’s arrival was a pleasant surprise for the people. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page
“This is a sweet moment for my son and I. The King also presented my son with a small gift that really was unexpected.
Thank you Tuanku for the gift,” said Edna, one of the parents whose child was being treated at the hospital during Sultan Ibrahim’s visit.
His Majesty’s gift-giving spirit also extends to those who are recognised for their contributions to the nation.
Sultan Ibrahim graciously presented Proton X90 SUVs to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and senior Istana Negara officials on March 8.
The news was shared on a Facebook post, and said that His Majesty has long given cars to government officers, district officers, medical doctors and nurses.
In recognition of their contributions to the nation, Sultan Ibrahim presented Proton X90 SUVs to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and other senior Istana Negara officials on March 8. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page
Among the senior Istana Negara officials who received the gift were Grand Chamberlain of Istana Negara Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini and Istana Negara religious officer Datuk Munir Md Salleh.
Other recipients were former Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara Major General Datuk Indera Zahari Mohd Ariffin, and Colonel (Rtd) Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim.
The gifts from His Majesty were presented by the Comptroller of the Royal Household of Istana Negara, Datuk Zailani Hashim.
Apart from individual gifts, His Majesty and the Royal Family of Johor, through the Royal Johor Foundations, have provided various contributions to assist those in need.
“His Majesty also graciously donated 10,000 packages of free rice weighing 10kg each in Johor in October last year to assist the poor and low-income groups,” the post added.
Another example of the King’s casual approach was in February, when His Majesty took Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim out for afternoon tea.
After Sultan Ibrahim granted an audience to Anwar at Istana Negara, His Majesty personally drove the Prime Minister from Istana Negara to PAUL, the French bakery at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
Sultan Ibrahim having afternoon tea with Anwar at PAUL, the French bakery at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, on Feb 13. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page
Sugumaran, who has been serving Sultan Ibrahim since 2003, said the King always arrives at least five minutes before an event as His Majesty does not like to keep people waiting.
Like many Malaysians, His Majesty posts regularly on his social media platforms which have more than one million followers.
Among Sultan Ibrahim’s most common posts is one of His Majesty’s favourite hobbies – cooking.
On His Majesty’s Instagram page, Sultan Ibrahim is seen cooking Japanese curry and making longan drinks for buka puasa.
Netizens would often comment about wanting to try His Majesty’s dishes as Sultan Ibrahim loves to cook.
Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofiah riding a motorcycle during Kembara Mahkota Johor 2019.
The King also likes to post words of encouragement such as when His Majesty recently wrote a message for the Malaysian contingent to the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Let us all pray for the success of the athletes representing the nation at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Sultan Ibrahim wrote.
