KUALA LANGAT: Joy was etched on the faces of the people of Kuala Langat when Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, visited the district for the Jelajah Gagasan Rumpun Selangor programme recently.
The programme, which aims to strengthen the spirit of unity and community in the state, saw the Selangor prince spend three days touring the district, participating in various activities and meeting the people.
The highlight was undoubtedly Tengku Amir Shah's sporting participation in a doubles badminton match during his visit to Kampung Sungai Kelambu, Banting on the second day.
His partner was none other than legendary shuttler Datuk Misbun Sidek.
The crowd cheered as the pair battled their opponents for 30 minutes over two sets at Dewan Al Rashid Arena.
Misbun is no stranger to big matches, but admitted that it was a new experience for him.
"I've never played badminton with a member of the royal family before. I was honoured when before the match, Tuanku himself expressed his wish to be my doubles partner.
"It was a great experience. I also thank Tuanku for visiting the Kuala Langat district," said Misbun, whose family is from the district.
Tengku Amir Shah toured farms, businesses and met with members of the local community throughout the three days.
He began the programme with breakfast at Warung Ibu, Telok Panglima Garang and then went to the Kuala Langat Land and District Office for a briefing and tour of the facilities.
He also visited SD Guthrie's Mechanisation Transformation Unit and Robotics Centre in Pulau Carey, where he was briefed on the use of drones to fertilise oil palm estates.
Also on the itinerary was Pulau Carey Heritage Museum and later, Hatter's Castle for a photo opportunity.
He also visited Ladang Satelit, Kampung Sungai Kelambu, where he was briefed on tapioca farming, and rolled up his sleeves to participate in chilli harvesting at Ladang Cili Fertigasi.
Tengku Amir Shah brought smiles to the faces of many when he visited Brilliant Chocolate & Bakery and Kuih Tradisional Perniagaan Kak Asiah, both home-grown small and medium enterprises in Banting.
There, he tried his hand at cake decorating, and also witnessed a demonstration on making kerepek.
The prince's visits delighted the district's residents, including Nurul Jannah Lewon, 38, from Kampung Sungai Lang.
"His Highness frequently goes down to the ground to meet the people and participate in programmes.
"I hope His Highness will visit my village in the future," said the mother of three.
Another resident, Muhammad Shahrulizaki Ismail, 28, said they were excited to participate in the programme because of Tengku Amir Shah's presence.
"We are thrilled that he is going from village to village to meet the people.
"His Highness is also at ease with the people, trying the various foods including 'roti sarang' and traditional kuih," said the Kanchong Darat resident.
Another resident, Ngainan Dolah, 68, said the villagers learnt of the programme via WhatsApp.
"We hope this programme will be held more frequently as the people look forward to it," he said.