TAWAU, Sept 2 — Tawau is ready to welcome the arrival of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah tomorrow for Their Majesties’ first-ever ‘Kembara Kenali Borneo’ tour through the Land Below the Wind.
Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) president Joseph Pang said the council was also ready for the tour launch event tomorrow night, and its flag-off scheduled for Monday.
“Just a little touch-up needed for the preparations, and the full rehearsal (for the launch) will be done tonight at the Tawau Community Hall to ensure everything will run smoothly. We are ready,” he told Bernama here today.
Pang hoped Tawau folks would come in droves to welcome Their Majesties’ arrival.
Meanwhile, Bernama’s own observation found that it was all systems go for the Tour launch and the Royal Couple’s dinner with the people at the Tawau Community Hall.
MPT workers were also seen conducting cleaning works at the 0 km Roundabout, the location of the tour flag-off near the Tawau Town Field.
Their Majesties will start their Kembara Kenali Borneo tour in Sabah on Sept 3 in Tawau and end in Sipitang on Sept 7, passing through Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Telupid, Ranau, Kundasang, Kota Kinabalu and Penampang along the way before crossing over to Sarawak.
Meanwhile, members of the public met by Bernama could not contain their excitement and couldn't wait to meet the King and Queen during the events lined up.
Muhamad Abdul Latip, 70, a resident of Kampung Kalabakan, located some 160 kilometres from here, said Sabahans were very happy to welcome Their Majesties to the state.
“This is the first time the King and Queen are touring Sabah and meeting the people, and I would not want to miss the chance to meet Their Majesties at the tour flag-off. I pray that Malaysia continues to remain peaceful under the patronage of Their Majesties,” the government retiree said.
Clothing store employee, Asfarani Hamka, 27, said she will make it a point to be at the Tawau Town Field before work on Monday to witness the historic event.
Beauty outlet employee Karmila Kamal, 27, also plans to do the same, saying it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to see Their Majesties up close. — Bernama
