Sultan Nazrin Shah dips feet into Perak River to fulfill a ritual of enthronement

BAGAN DATOH: Sultan Nazrin Shah today dipped his feet into the waters of the Perak River at the Beras Basah sandbar here in fulfilling a ritual of his enthronement as the Sultan of Perak XXXV.

The sultan reached the sandbar at 7.20am, dipped his feet in the water and washed his face to signify that he had arrived at the spot.

The Beras Basah sandbar was the first stop made in Perak by the first sultan of Perak, Sultan Mudzaffar Shah, upon his arrival from Kampar, Sumatera. He had acceded to the Perak throne in 1528.

This morning, after Sultan Nazrin Shah had performed the ritual, Orang Kaya-Kaya Imam Paduka Tuan (Orang Besar 8 Perak) Datuk Dr Afifi al-Akiti recited the 'doa' and the entourage hailed 'Daulat Tuanku' thrice.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir was a member of the entourage.
After the event, Sultan Nazrin Shah joined the people at a reception at the Bagan Datoh Tourism Complex.

Earlier, the sultan and his entourage arrived at the Bagan Datoh jetty at 6.45am.

Sultan Nazrin Shah, resplendent in a light brown traditional Malay attire, was welcomed by the people who had gathered there from 6am. The ruler exchanged greetings with the people. The 'doa' was recited.

The sultan then boarded an amphibious rigid inflatable boat of the Fire and Rescue Department to head to the sandbar. He was accompanied by Dr Zambry and Dr Afifi.

Also in the entourage was Home Minister and Bagan Datoh MP Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Several other boats also followed, bearing security and medical personnel, reporters as well as Toh Seri Nara Diraja Mohd Shah Nong Chik and Raja Chik Muda Pawang Diraja Raja Rosli Raja Mohamad.

Sultan Nazrin Shah was enthroned as the Sultan of Perak XXXV and Tuanku Zara Salim was proclaimed the Raja Permaisuri of Perak earlier this month.

The enthronement encompasses six major ceremonies, namely the Commencement Ceremony; Customary Enthronement; Invocation of the Perak Guardian Spirits; Visit to the Royal Tombs; Setting Foot on Beting Beras Basah and Completion Ceremony.

The Completion Ceremony is scheduled for May 17 at the Istana Iskandariah in Kuala Kangsar. – Bernama