TAIPING: Perak ruler, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, today sponsored lunch for 7,8000 inmates and prisoners in the state in conjunction with His Royal Highness' 68th birthday.
The lunch, which cost RM93,600, saw inmates and prisoners from five correctional centres and jails in the state enjoy "nasi minyak", "ayam masak merah", "dhal", and fruits.
Also on the menu were "gulai kurma kambing" and other dishes.
Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja, General (Rtd) Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zahidi Zainuddin handed over Sultan Nazrin's contribution to the Kamunting Correctional Centre for the over 1,231 inmates there.
Also present was Perak Prisons director C Charin Promwichit.
In the institutions and prisons in Tapah, Taiping and Batu Gajah, Sultan Nazrin was represented by the Orang Besar Jajahan of the respective districts, namely Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Isa Wan Mohd Razali (Larut, Matang and Selama), Datuk Mat Rasid Ayob (Batang Padang) and Datuk Ab. Wahab Azizul Hassan (Kinta).
Meanwhile, Mohd Zahidi said this was the second year running that Sultan Nazrin has sponsored lunch for prisoners in Perak in conjunction with his birthday.
He said the initiative was Sultan Nazrin's idea and showed His Royal Highness did not forget inmates and prisoners in the state.
"It is hoped that they (inmates and prisoners) will repent and improve themselves. Many people look down on convicts but it is hoped that they will seek better lives when they are free."
Charin meanwhile thanked Sultan Nazrin for his kindness and generosity for all the inmates in the state.