Royal presence at Thaipusam celebration

JOHOR BARU: Thousands of Hindu devotees at the Sri Subramaniar temple in Johor had an extra special Thaipusam this year as the Johor Ruler, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar joined in the festivities today.
Devotees and tourist waited along the side of Jalan Skudai and Jalan Dato Esa, Tampoi while waving the state flag to greet Sultan Ibrahim and the Tunku Temenggong of Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar.
About 30 Chinese villagers from Tampoi also joined the procession to welcome the Sultan.
Both Royals arrived at the temple around 12pm, with Sultan Ibrahim wearing a bandage around his right hand.
Earlier, the Johor Sultan had said he could not shake hands with his subjects this time because he hurt his fingers while preparing a meal in the kitchen.
Pulai MP and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, also joined the celebration together with State unity and human resources committee chairman R. Vidyanathan and Sri Subramaniar temple chairman K. Arumugam.