KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah expressed their hopes for peace, prosperity, unity and jubilation among those celebrating Christmas.
In a statement today, Istana Negara's Comptroller of the Royal Household, Datuk Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said Al-Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah also hoped the people would not be dejected by the year's sombre mood following the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Although Christmas Day this year will be ushered according to regulations and restrictions, Their Majesties said the people should be grateful since they are blessed with good health to celebrate the festive occasion with their families and loved ones.
"Their Majesties also reminded the people who celebrate the festive occasion to remain cautious and disciplined in looking after their safety and health by complying with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) implemented by the government and health authorities.
"Their Majesties also take the opportunity to wish the people a Happy New Year in conjunction with the coming 2021 new year," read the statement.
Their Majesties, he said, also called on the people to continue praying for the country to be blessed and protected from any form of threats as well as for continued prosperity and unity that have long been enjoyed by the nation.
On other matters, Ahmad Fadil said Al-Sultan Abdullah who is on a five-day visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is expected to return home tomorrow (Dec 25).
"In line with the SOP by the government, Al-Sultan Abdullah will undergo a Covid-19 test upon his arrival from Abu Dhabi at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
"Al-Sultan Abdullah will also celebrate the New Year at Istana Negara since His Majesty has been advised to undergo self-quarantine as required by the Health Ministry for those returning or entering Malaysia from abroad," he said.