JOHOR BARU: Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has expressed his regret that he will not be able to shake hands with the people of Johor, especially his Indian subjects during Thaipusam, due to an injury to his right hand.
The ruler, who is known for his passion for cooking, had suffered severe burns on his right hand while preparing a meal for his sons at the Istana on Sunday.
“My hand was quite badly burnt while I was cooking. This means that I will not be able to shake hands with a lot of people. And it is rude to greet people with my left hand. I hope everyone will understand this.
“But I will still attend the Thaipusam festival on January 31 because I do not wish to disappoint my people,” Sultan Ibrahim told the Royal Press Office (RPO).
The statement was posted on the ruler's Facebook page Monday.
Sultan Ibrahim is expected to be present at the state-level Thaipusam celebration at the Sri Subramaniar Temple in Tampoi on Wednesday, where about 10,000 devotees are expected to join in the celebrations.