SUBANG — In a special event marking his 25th anniversary on the throne, the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, together with Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, organized a unique flight experience for 149 orphans from across the state. The initiative was held yesterday at Subang SkyPark as part of the month-long Selangor Sultan Silver Jubilee celebrations.

The children, representing 29 orphanages, embarked on a Kembara Semenanjung Joyride Flight aboard a Batik Air Boeing 737 MAX 8. The one-hour journey took them from Subang through Penang airspace towards Langkawi before returning to the departure point. The event was also attended by the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, and was officially welcomed by Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

According to a statement from Istana Alam Shah, the flight aimed to provide the children with an uncommon opportunity to experience air travel, which might otherwise remain inaccessible to them. The programme, organized by Tourism Selangor and coordinated by the Selangor Youth Community alongside Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan, also sought to boost the orphans’ self-confidence by exposing them to new experiences, social interaction, and outdoor activities.

The palace underscored the initiative’s broader purpose of promoting compassion, togetherness, and greater public awareness about the welfare of orphans in Selangor. It was also designed to strengthen ties among participants, organizers, volunteers, and the wider community. Furthermore, the event aimed to cultivate a sense of patriotism and a deeper understanding of Selangor’s royal institution among the young attendees.

The presence of Sultan Sharafuddin, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and Tengku Amir Shah highlighted the royal family’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of orphaned children, ensuring they were included in celebrations commemorating this historic milestone.

Among the participants was 13-year-old Amirul Mukminin Tahir, who described the flight as a fun but slightly dizzying experience and welcomed the chance to meet new friends. Another orphan, 14-year-old Adam Adliemie Haziq Abdullah, expressed excitement and nervousness at meeting the Sultan in person, having previously only seen him in photographs and books.

The joyride exemplified Selangor’s efforts to engage marginalized groups in significant state events, while fostering community spirit and support for vulnerable children.