THE Selangor Royal Office oversees the administration of royal affairs, including the maintenance of the state’s seven palaces.
According to Fahrin Asmawi, the Datuk Pengelola Bijaya Diraja (Comptroller of the Royal Household) to Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, the duties of the office encompass a wide scope.
“Our work revolves around management and administration, which includes overseeing palace staff, finances and all matters related to Tuanku, titled members of the royal family, members of the Royal Council and the Orang Besar Daerah (district chieftains),” said Fahrin, who heads the Selangor Royal Office.
He said the Royal Office also oversees the maintenance and upkeep of the palaces, as well as the staff who care for the premises.
The Royal Office is headquartered at Istana Alam Shah in Klang, with a branch office at Istana Bukit Kayangan in Shah Alam.
“The main work is carried out at the main office, while the branch office at Istana Bukit Kayangan houses our media office, Tuanku’s private secretary’s office and his aide-de-camp’s office,” Fahrin explained.
Police and naval personnel seconded to the palaces also report for duty at Istana Bukit Kayangan.
According to Fahrin, a total of 220 people work at the various palaces, comprising 170 civil servants and 50 seconded uniformed personnel.
“Of the 170 civil servants, 100 live in the staff quarters at Istana Alam Shah, which are also managed by the Royal Office.”
Besides Istana Alam Shah and Istana Bukit Kayangan, the other royal residences are Istana Mestika in Shah Alam, Istana Darul Ehsan in Putrajaya, Istana Selangor in Kuala Lumpur, Istana Pantai Bahagia in Morib and Royal Lodge in Kuala Kubu Baru.
“While major events are held at Istana Alam Shah, smaller ones take place at Istana Bukit Kayangan.
“Istana Mestika is the official residence of the Raja Muda of Selangor, while Sultan Sharafud-din holds smaller private gatherings at Istana Selangor in Kuala Lumpur,” said Fahrin.
He added that no events are held at Istana Darul Ehsan in Putrajaya, where Sultan Sharafuddin keeps his personal collectibles and souvenirs.
“Both Istana Pantai Bahagia in Morib and the Royal Lodge in Kuala Kubu Bharu have been handed over to the Raja Muda, but Tuanku still stops to rest at Istana Pantai Bahagia whenever he visits the Royal Mausoleum in Jugra,” said Fahrin.
He added that Raja Muda Selangor Tengku Amir Shah usually uses the Royal Lodge in Kuala Kubu Baru when attending activities there.
