SUBANG, Oct 1 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin today treated 149 orphans to a special joyride flight to mark the Sultan’s 25th anniversary on the throne.

Their Royal Highnesses, accompanied by Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, were welcomed at Subang SkyPark by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

Istana Alam Shah, in a statement, said that the Kembara Semenanjung Joyride Flight, involving children from 29 orphanages, officially kicked off the month-long Selangor Sultan Silver Jubilee celebrations in October.

The children boarded a Batik Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 for a one-hour flight from Subang, flying through Penang airspace towards Langkawi before returning to Subang SkyPark.

The palace said the programme, organised by Tourism Malaysia and coordinated by Selangor Youth Community (SAY) and Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan (YIDE), was intended to give the children a travel and flying experience they might otherwise rarely have the opportunity to enjoy.

“Exposure to new experiences, social interaction and outdoor activities is also hoped to boost their confidence and motivate them to continue moving forward,” it said.

The programme also sought to foster compassion, togetherness and greater public awareness of the welfare and well-being of orphans, while strengthening ties among participants, organisers, volunteers, agencies and the local community.

The palace said the programme also gave the children an opportunity to appreciate patriotism and develop a deeper understanding of the Selangor royal institution.

“The presence of Their Royal Highnesses and the Raja Muda Selangor reflects the royal institution’s continued concern for the welfare of orphans, ensuring they are also included and celebrated during this historic occasion,” it said.

For 13-year-old Amirul Mukminin Tahir, the flight was his first time on a plane.

“I felt a little dizzy, but it was fun, and I also got to meet new friends,” said Amirul, who is under the care of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ar Rahmaniah.

Another participant, Adam Adliemie Haziq Abdullah, 14, said he was thrilled to meet the Sultan in person.

“Before this, I only saw His Royal Highness in books or pictures. I never thought I would get to see him in person. I was nervous too,” he said. — Bernama