The 23rd edition of Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) 2023 led by the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim came to a close today after touring 10 districts over four days in the state to meet the people.
Tunku Ismail and his wife Che’ Puan Besar Khaleeda Bustamam safely arrived at the final location at Penghulu Mukim Sedenak Complex here, at about 12.30 pm today, after departing from Sungai Rambah Recreation Park, Pontian.
Accompanying Tunku Ismail were his siblings, Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Iskandar Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Pangliman Johor Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Putera Johor Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim and her husband Datuk Dennis Muhammad Abdullah.
Immediately after arriving, Tunku Ismail and Khaleeda went to Teratak Wak Salam to visit and mingle with the residents of Kampung Air Manis here.
A resident suffering from cancer, Mohd Isa Isuwandi, 51, was overcome with emotions when receiving a visit from Tunku Ismail and the Johor Royal family to his family home.
Mohd Isa said KMJ, which was inspired by the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, was the Royal Johor family’s way of mingling with the normal folks setting aside strict protocol.
“There are a lot of itineraries in the KMJ this time, thus bringing a thousand blessings to the people because they can meet and see the Johor Royal family up close and personal including me who is currently fighting cancer,” he told reporters today.
The father of two, who works as a farmer, was diagnosed with nasal cancer in October last year and is now unable to do heavy work because his nose often bleeds and will produce bloody phlegm when he coughs.
KMJ was inspired by Sultan Ibrahim in 2001 when he was the Tunku Mahkota of Johor to be closer to the common folks and since then, KMJ has become one of Johor’s main annual events that strengthens the connection between the Palace of Johor and the people.
After three years of not being held following the COVID-19 pandemic, the KMJ tour is back across 10 districts covering a journey of 879 km starting Saturday and ending today.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
