WHAT began as a humble eatery with just nine tables has transformed into a bustling food hub following an unexpected breakfast visit from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Warung Pagi Pagi restaurant manager Asni Muzamil Abdul Rahman said the eatery, located at Federal Hill in Kuala Lumpur, had only been operating for about three months when His Majesty paid a visit in May 2024.
“We were very surprised when His Majesty’s officers came in the morning and told us Tuanku might stop by.
“It was very exciting and we were honoured to receive such a special visit, but we were also quite anxious as we did not really know how to prepare for such an important guest.
“We were all pretty new at this back then and had no experience welcoming big names, let alone the Ruler of the entire country,” Asni said in an interview.
He said that His Majesty arrived at about 8am, personally driving his Proton Satria Neo, followed by several escort vehicles.
“At first, we were nervous because the King looked very regal and commanding, but after talking to him and shaking his hand, we got to see the softer, down-to-earth side of His Majesty.
“After Tuanku started talking to us, the atmosphere became much more relaxed because His Majesty was actually very friendly,” Asni recalled, adding that Sultan Ibrahim ordered soto ayam and teh sarbat.
Asni said the royal visit significantly boosted the restaurant’s popularity after photos and videos of the visit were shared online.
“Thanks to His Majesty’s visit, the restaurant gets to enjoy a significant boom.
“We had only about nine tables then, and now we have over 80 tables,” he said, adding that they are considering opening a new branch in Negri Sembilan soon.
He said the once-small restaurant has since expanded into a large open-air dining spot with over 25 food vendors and seating for hundreds of customers.
“After Tuanku came, the response was unbelievable. We now receive between 500 and 800 visitors every Friday and Saturday night,” he said.
Asni said the restaurant has also attracted other prominent figures and dignitaries following the royal visit, including former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“We never imagined the business would grow this much when we first started. But after Tuanku visited us, everything changed. We are very grateful to His Majesty,” Asni said.
Also grateful for His Majesty’s visit was Norfaezah Borhan, 39, whose eatery Midway Dusun Panti R&R has also reaped the benefits of the King’s patronage.
Recalling the moment from seven years ago, Norfaezah said she was out buying supplies for her restaurant when she received a call from one of her employees informing her about His Majesty’s visit.
“I was shocked when my worker told me His Majesty was at my restaurant. As soon as I ended the call, I rushed back to personally welcome Tuanku.
“It was such a special moment. I was very nervous but also extremely excited as it had always been a dream of mine to meet His Majesty in person,” she said.
The mother of three said His Majesty’s favourite dish from the restaurant was traditional lontong, which she later named “Lontong Mahkota”.
“His Majesty prefers simple local dishes such as asam pedas ikan baung and sayur lemak. Tuanku will also always ask for extra sambal kacang to go with his food,” she said, adding that His Majesty is a very friendly and down-to-earth person.
She said that since the first visit in November 2020, her restaurant located along the road between Kota Tinggi and Mersing in Johor, has become a regular stop for His Majesty whenever he travels to his palace in Mersing.
“Even after His Majesty became the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku still drops by from time to time.
“The most recent visit was last month. His Majesty also posted about the visit on social media, which helped boost our business.
“It is hard for small businesses like mine at the moment, and a simple visit like this from His Majesty really helps. I am very grateful to Tuanku for this,” Norfaezah added.
