ALOR STAR: The Alor Merah Food Court, which is rarely crowded, was this morning filled with hundreds of customers jostling for a view of visiting Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Najib, who arrived at the food court at 8.50am, was welcomed with cheers from locals who had been eagerly awaiting his appearance since 8am. Rosmah arrived about half an hour later.
During the visit, the Prime Minister and his wife tried out some famous local dishes, including Roti Arab, which is served with dal and chicken curry, while also sharing light moments with fellow patrons.
Diners and visitors were doubly cheered when the local council announced that it would foot the bill for all food and beverage orders throughout the day.
Hawkers here said they began operating their stalls from as early as 6.30am in order to prepare for the special visit by the country's leader.
Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Kedah Police Chief Datuk Asri Yusoff, Deputy Finance Minister 1 Datuk Othman Aziz, Alor Star Mayor Datuk Mohd Zohdi Saad and Former city mayor Datuk Mat Noh Ahmad.
The state Women, Development, Agriculture and Agro Based, Entrepreneur Development, Community Welfare Committee chairman, Datuk Suraya Yaacob and Ar-Rahman Mosque Qariah chairman Datuk Abd Halim Hassan were also in attendance.