Sibu’s Central Market hawkers eager to meet King and Queen on Sept 12

SIBU: The 1,100-odd traders at the Central Market here are excited to meet Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

The Royal entourage, including Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah will visit the market at about 8.30am on Tuesday (Sept 12).

To be accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the King and Queen would be travelling by golf cart from RH Hotel.

Their Majesties will have breakfast at the market and later tour the Pasar Tamu section of the market, said to be the largest in the country.

“We are all eagerly waiting for Their Majesties to visit us as this will be the first time that a King will set foot in our market. That is why we are very excited,” said Tan Hong Kiang.

Tan, who is the Central Market Hawker Welfare Association chairman, said a photo session with association members has been planned with the Royal Couple.

“I have 80 members but (according to) protocol not all of us can join in the photo session. Maybe 20 to 30 of us only,” he said.

He added that it would be a priceless piece of memorabilia for them as it would be a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Tan, who runs a goods stall in the market, said the hawkers’ dress code for the Royal visit will be “smart casual”.

Their Majesties are on their first-ever “Kembara Kenali Borneo” tour to get to know Malaysians living in Sabah and Sarawak.

The tour, which began on Sept 3 and ends on Wednesday (Sept 13), began in Tawau and will culminate at Telok Melano, Sarawak.

It covers a distance of 2,154km via the Pan Borneo Highway, which connects Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.