Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah has sponsored lunch for 8,960 prisoners and residents of rehabilitation institutions across the state in conjunction with His Royal Highness’ 70th birthday on Friday.
The initiative reflects the Ruler’s continued concern for the welfare of inmates and detainees serving their sentences at prisons and correctional facilities in Perak.
Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja General (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin said the programme covered seven institutions, including Tapah Prison, Taiping Prison and Kamunting Correctional Centre.
The other facilities benefiting from the sponsorship are Batu Gajah Correctional and Moral Rehabilitation Centre, Chenderiang Correctional Centre, Kuala Kangsar Satellite Prison and Perak Halfway House.
He said the Perak Prisons Department would coordinate the programme, with meals provided to all inmates regardless of the offences they had committed.
“Among the dishes prepared are chicken curry, vegetables and other food items to complement the regular meals provided by the prison authorities.
“This is the fourth consecutive year the initiative has been held in conjunction with the Sultan of Perak’s birthday celebrations,” he said at a press conference at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building on Thursday.
Also present were Perak State Council Secretary Datuk Seri Ayop Hashim and Perak State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim.
Mohd Zahidi said the birthday celebrations would begin with a Yasin recitation and prayers at Sultan Azlan Shah Mosque in Ipoh after Friday prayers.
Similar prayer gatherings would also be held at mosques across the state’s 12 districts, led by the respective district chiefs and district officers.
He also encouraged Perak residents to fly the state flag at office buildings, business premises and their homes, as well as illuminate their buildings at night to add to the festive atmosphere.
“We invite non-governmental organisations (NGOs), business premises owners and government departments to demonstrate their loyalty to the Sultan of Perak by flying the state flag,” he said.
Earlier, Mohd Zahidi announced that Sultan Nazrin would also confer state orders and medals on 218 recipients as part of the birthday celebrations.
