Kuching: After a journey covering 2,154 kilometers, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, concluded the 11-day Kembara Kenali Borneo in Telok Melano, Lundu, today.

The convoy, which arrived at 12:40 p.m., was warmly welcomed by residents of the last settlement on the western side of Borneo, bordering West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Upon arrival, His Majesty mingled with over 1,000 residents who had waited since early morning to welcome the convoy.

His Majesty then agreed to a commemorative photo with his three sons: the Regent of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah; Tengku Panglima Raja, Colonel Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim Shah; and Tengku Panglima Perang, Tengku Ahmad Ismail Mu’adzam Shah, at the zero-kilometer point of the Pan Borneo Highway by the Telok Melano beach.

After that, His Majesty officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for Masjid Al-Sultan Abdullah, Telok Melano, which will be built with an allocation of RM5 million.

Kembara Kenali Borneo began in Tawau, Sabah, on 3 September, with His Majesty personally driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle, accompanied by the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.

The journey, which followed the Pan Borneo Highway, was held for the first time to give the people of Sabah and Sarawak an opportunity to get closer to Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Azizah, and their children.

For the people in the locations visited by the royal family’s convoy, the chance to see the Head of State up close was something not to be missed.

As a result, many waited by the roadside, not only under the scorching sun but some remained in place even during heavy rain.

Timah Bani, 62, said that the entire village was excited when informed that their village was among the locations to be visited by His Majesty.

“This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Never before has a king visited our village at the far end of Borneo like what the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Raja Permaisuri Agong are doing.

“Both of them truly embody the spirit of the people. This has been evident throughout the journey from Sabah, as we’ve seen daily in the media how warm and friendly Their Majesties and their children are at every stop.

“Today, we got to witness that warmth in person… praise be to God,” she said.