By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
HULU SELANGOR, Feb 21 — In the sleepy town of Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), many were excited by the royal visit of Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah as part of the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor statewide tour for the Hulu Selangor district today, whose interactions with them left a positive impression.
One such individual is restaurant proprietor Nofa Ekasari, 47, who said she had only ever seen Tengku Amir in the media and was blown away when she could take a picture with His Highness.
“It is the first time seeing a member of the royal family member in person, which made me nervous. But because I did not know when I would get another chance, I still tried to ask for permission to take a photo. (His Highness) answered ‘yes’ very kindly even though he had walked a long way and the weather was scorching hot.
“Tengku Amir also asked about us, the traders here. This situation rarely happens, so we were definitely excited and happy that His Highness came and personally asked about us,” she said.
Fellow restaurant proprietor Wong Hung Ming, 60, who runs the Yoot Loy Coffee Shop, said in the four decades he has run the business and resided in the town, this is the first time he met Tengku Amir, expressing surprise at His Highness’ visit to KKB’s back alleys.
“The shops’ back alleys are already beautiful with mural paintings, with many tourists, but I never thought I would meet the Raja Muda. His Highness walked through every alley and was friendly with the people,” he said.
Hulu Tamu Orang Asli Village chief Pulan Tembai said Tengku Amir’s friendly demeanour towards the people drew them closer to His Highness.
“The Raja Muda personally asked me about the facilities here, how many residents there are, the water facilities, and much more. His Highness did not just come to visit, but asked us here. Thank you for remembering us here,” he said.
The Gagasan Rumpun Selangor tour began today by kicking off in KKB, where Tengku Amir toured Jalan Mat Kilau in town, stopping by a restaurant, and then visiting the Kuala Kubu Bharu Back Lane Art Gallery.
After meeting Kuala Kubu Bharu’s residents, His Highness then proceeded to Rumah Bonda, Batang Kali, to meet with Federal and state government officials from the Hulu Selangor district.
Tengku Amir also visited the Hulu Tamu Orang Asli Village in Batang Kali, where His Highness graciously immersed himself in the lives of the Orang Asli community in Hulu Tamu by trying out blowpipe activities.
The Raja Muda successfully popped a balloon from a five-metre distance, which was witnessed by state executive councillor for unity Datuk Rizam Ismail state executive councillor for human resources V. Papparaidu.
Tengku Amir’s arrival at the settlement, personally riding an all-terrain vehicle, was feted by over 100 of its residents.
His Highness, wearing a headband and a sash made of pandan leaves and woven by the Temuan people, distributed individual food baskets to the residents.
Later on, despite the rainy weather, Tengku Amir visited the Bukit Sentosa pasar malam where he mingled with the customers and traders. With a friendly and approachable demeanour, His Highness enquired about the traders’ well-being, fulfilling the requests of the people who wanted to take pictures.
To conclude the day, Tengku Amir dined with representatives from Federal and State Departments in Fraser Valley, Ampang Pechah, later in the night.
The Gagasan Rumpun Selangor road tour encompasses several other programmes, including the Rumpun Selangor Unity Carnival at the Hulu Selangor district level, which will take place at the Kuala Kubu Bharu Multipurpose Hall and Sports Complex starting tomorrow.
During the tabling of the 2024 Selangor Budget in November last year, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced a RM4.5 million allocation for the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor campaign.
The grassroots initiative aims to foster unity and celebrate the state’s diverse cultural heritage, reflecting Selangor’s commitment to social harmony and inclusivity.
