Our King and Queen the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah dan Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah embarked on a first-ever Get to Know Borneo trip to meet and mingle with Malaysians living in the interior of Sabah and Sarawak in the Kembara Kenali Borneo tour from 3rd to 13 September.
The trip will take them to Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, not part of Malaysia but geographically in between the two. Their Majesties would begin their journey from the Tawau airport In Sabah on September 3rd.
The visit to the places is in the order shown below:
- In Sabah, it would be Tawau - Lahad Datu - Sandakan - Telupid - Ranau - Kundasang - Kota Kinabalu - Penampang - Sipitang.
- In Brunei Darussalam, it would be the capital which is Bandar Sri Begawan.
- In Sarawak, it would be ICQ Merapok - Bandar Lawas - Miri - Bintulu - Sibu - Sri Aman - Kuching - Teluk Melanau.
These are the places which are along the Pan Borneo Highway scheduled to be visited by the Royal couple by road with the King on the wheel from the 3rd till the 13th of September.
The journey from Tawau, Sabah to Telok Melano, Sarawak would encompass more than a travel distance of over 2,000 Km driving through the Pan Borneo Highway. Exploring East Malaysia would be historic not only for the Sabahans and Sarawakians but it would be so for Malaysia. Their visit would provide a golden opportunity for them to meet the royal couple in person.
The royal couple arrived in Tawau and were greeted by the residents who were waiting eagerly for them.
The Agong drove the car and repeatedly stopped and both took time off to get out of the vehicle to shake hands and take pictures with residents who were waiting at the side of the road.
They had spent almost 5 hours meeting with the people of Sabah instead of what would have taken only 30 minutes to reach the hotel from the airport.
A rousing welcome was given by the local residents in Kampung Ranggu who waved the Jalur Gemilang and the Sabah flag as a symbolic welcome to the arrival of His Majesty and his Queen.
Some interesting expectations by the locals are expounded by commentaries glorifying the Royal visit.
Badrianshah Mohd Hamdi, the president of the Banjar Tawau Tribal Association said he was moved by Al-Sultan Abdullah's willingness to drive himself down the Pan Borneo Highway.
His Highness understood the importance of the highway to the people of Sabah and Sarawak, as it can be a catalyst for the economic growth of an area, especially connecting the interior.
The Kembara Kenali Borneo has given an opportunity to His Majesty to see the progress of the highway construction which is currently at 82 per cent, and completion by January next year.
The Head of Kampung Lokub, Kiulu, Unus Limun said, that the Royal Couple will be the focus of the people in this state who will broadcast their visit on social media which will then promote the region internationally. The tourism sector will greatly benefit from their Majesties visiting interesting places and enjoying traditional food and the natural beauty of Sabah.
Bead craft maker Elaine Rupyin hopes that Tunku Azizah's visits to the handicraft centre to promote interest in Sabah handicrafts such as bead art from the Rungus ethnic group.
She said that many young people are attracted to what is worn by the Queen which were handicraft products from the Royal Pahang Weaving from the State she comes from. Elaine Rupyin hopes that the Queen will also wear local crafts such as Manik Pinakol (beaded sashes and necklaces).
Malim Gunung, Nazrul Rizam Abidin, was excited to know that the King and Queen were scheduled to inspect the traditional Tagal system in Sungai Moroli, Ranau. The system is an important model for protecting the environment and benefiting the local population. Tagal is a traditional system that involves taking care of freshwater fish in the river and also to monitor the water quality in the river. He, a native of Mesilau, Ranau hoped that the Tagal system model could be developed not only in Sabah but also throughout the country.
Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah launched the Kembara Kenali Borneo tour on the 4th at 8:30 a.m. from the 0 KM Circle near Padang Bandaran Tawau. The journey to Lahad Datu and the first stop at Menara Kayangan, before visiting the headquarters of the East Coast of Sabah Special Security Area (Esscom) and attending lunch and a donation ceremony for the ASNAF group, before continuing to Sandakan.
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