KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the installation ceremony of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia, the police have deployed a total of 1,250 personnel from July 18 until 27.
For the installation ceremony on the morning of Saturday (July 20) at Istana Negara, a total of 378 police personnel have been deployed to manage traffic and escort VIPs, said Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
"All deployed personnel have three main duties: to escort VIPs, manage traffic on the 14 roads identified for closure, and enforce traffic rules, with action to be taken against those who violate the laws until the closing Royal Tea ceremony," he said.
"This historic event, which takes place once every five years, is viewed very seriously, and all personnel have been reminded to be aware of their duties throughout the ceremonies," he added.
Preparations, including dry runs and rehearsals, began as early as July 10 with assistance from other contingents to ensure no mistakes occur, he said.
Road closures were conducted in stages beginning at 8am on Saturday (July 20) and will be reopened after escorting all VIPs to Istana Negara. The roads will be re-closed for the installation ceremony and the Royal Banquet in the evening until it ends, Yusri added.
"We urge the public to follow traffic rules and thank them for their cooperation throughout the list of events as part of the installation," he said.
The installation ceremony will commence at 9.15am on Saturday at Istana Negara. About 700 guests are expected to attend, including sultans, Yang Dipertua Negeri, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Cabinet ministers, foreign diplomats and top local leaders.
The Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and the King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, are also expected to attend.
Following the installation, the Royal Banquet will be held at Istana Negara in the evening.
The installation ceremony began with the Yasin Recital and 'Doa Selamat' ceremony at the National Mosque on July 18. On July 19, a special sermon and Friday prayers were held at the National Mosque.
Other events include the Queen’s visit to the Orang Asli Hospital in Gombak, Selangor, on July 23, and the 'Raja Kita' (Our King) exhibition at the National Museum on July 25, which will showcase Sultan Ibrahim’s personal collections.
The installation ceremony's closing event will be the Royal Tea Reception on July 27 at Istana Negara.
