IPOH: The state-level National Day celebration at the Ipoh City Hall grounds this morning went ahead smoothly despite a brief incident in which Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, the guest of honour, was unexpectedly approached by an unidentified individual.
The woman was first seen on the main stage, where dignitaries were seated, before she dashed towards Sultan Nazrin.
The incident occurred at around 8.20am during the playing of the Perak state anthem, marking the start of the event.
Sultan Nazrin was saluting as royal standard of Sultan of Perak was about to be raised.
Security personnel immediately restrained the woman, after which Sultan Nazrin resumed his official position.
Also in attendance at the celebration were Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim; Raja Muda Perak, Raja Jaafar Raja Muda Musa; and Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain Sultan Idris Shah.
Joining them were Sultan Nazrin and Tuanku Zara’s two children, Raja Kecil Besar Raja Azlan Muzzaffar Shah and Raja Nazira Safya Raja Nazrin Shah.
The celebration was also attended by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, state executive councillors and other dignitaries.
The event concluded at around 10.30am, after the departure of all royals and dignitaries, with thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life turning up to show their patriotic spirit.
A total of 111 contingents involving 5,891 participants took part in the parade to mark Malaysia’s 68th National Day celebration.
Meanwhile, Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that further investigations were ongoing.
He said the 41-year-old local woman entered the stage area from the side before approaching Sultan Nazrin but was swiftly apprehended by security officers.
She was detained at the scene and taken to a police station for further action.
A urine test found her negative for drugs.
Checks revealed she had previous records related to drug offences and a history of psychiatric treatment, and is currently under specialist supervision.
Noor Hisam said the case is being investigated under Section 325/511 of the Penal Code for attempted grievous hurt.
“Police advise the public to respect official national events and refrain from any actions that could disrupt public order and safety,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
