London mayor indulges in nasi lemak, rides the LRT in KL

Johnson is in the capital city for a three-day official today.

The 50-year-old white-haired mayor kicked off the second leg of his tour with a walkabout around Merdeka Square with his Kuala Lumpur counterpart Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib before getting a taste of a breakfast, Malaysian style!

Johnson arrived at the Old Market Square café at approximately 10am, much to the delight of the workers, curious customers and gawking onlookers, who were surprised by his presence during breakfast.

He received a friendly welcome and was given a brief explanation about the food. The yong tou foo section at the kopitiam seemed to get his attention.

Johnson was accompanied by British High Commissioner to Malaysia Vicki Treadell (above photo, second from right), Battersea chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin (left) dan Datuk Seri Johan Raslan (third from right).

For the hearty breakfast, Johnson sportingly chose kopi ais (iced coffee), nasi lemak and yong tau foo.

“I have been absolutely amazed by Kuala Lumpur. It’s beautiful and a very green city. The mayor (Phesal) gave me a wonderful tour and his explanation of his visions have been very exciting.

“I love his plan to create a park by the river. That’s a great idea and I am sure it is going to be popular,” he said, briefly to the local media who was patiently waiting for him to complete his breakfast.

After the walkabout at 10.45am, Johnson took the LRT from the Masjid Jamek station to attend a dialogue session at the Setia International Centre, Bangsar.

Thunderous beats of kompang welcomed him as he arrived at the Abdullah Hukum LRT station in Bangsar.

In a twist of event, Johnson and Phesal sportingly cycled to the next location, which garnered the attention of Malaysian and British press.

There, a special bus and van were provided for Johnson’s entourage and the press. The next leg of his visit will see Johnson visiting a British educational institution. He is also expected to attend a series of meetings with leading Malaysian corporations.