Sultan Ibrahim graces state-level Thaipusam celebrations

Sultan Ibrahim arriving at the state-level Thaipusam celebration at the Arulmigu Sri Balasubramaniar temple in Skudai, Johor Baru together with Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (right, in purple).

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar delighted devotees when he graced the state-level Thaipusam celebration here.

Devotees were seen waving and greeting His Majesty when he arrived at the banquet held in conjunction with the event held at the 50-year-old Arulmigu Sri Balasubramaniar temple here on Sunday (Feb 5).

He spent around 40 minutes at the banquet tent set up outside the temple, where he also handed out aid to 10 less fortunate students.

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This was the first time in three years following the Covid-19 pandemic that Sultan Ibrahim attended Thaipusam celebrations.

The last time he attended the celebrations was in 2019 at Arulmigu Thendayuthapani temple in Wadi Hana.

On Thursday (Feb 2), state Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said Muslims in Johor are allowed to attend celebrations held by people of other faiths, but should not take part in their religious rituals.

Muslims are permitted to attend such events if invited, he said, citing open houses, weddings and funerals as examples.