Sultan Ibrahim, Raja Zarith Sofia undergo 'siram tabal' ceremony

The royal couple who arrived at 3.30pm climbed nine steps before reaching the 'Panca Persada' or stage for the traditional shower ceremony to mark the coronation.

Sultan Ibrahim was dressed in white Baju Melayu Teluk Belanga while Raja Zarith Sofia was dressed in matching white Baju Kurung Teluk Belanga.

The ceremony began with the 'doa' recited by the Johor Mufti, Datuk Tahrir Samsudin followed by the 'tepung tawar' on Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia by the sultan's mother, Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah.

Hajah Khalsom then performed the 'tepung tawar' followed by the sultan's sisters, Tunku Kamariah Sultan Iskandar and Tunku Zabedah Sultan Iskandar.

After the 'tepung tawar' was completed, Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia underwent the 'siram tabal', performed by Tunku Kamariah, who showered them with water from 10 rivers in 10 districts of Johor.

During the ceremony, 19 women were seen holding trays and containers, nine women held up the shielding cloth aided by four members of the royal family.

The ceremony closed with the 'doa' recited by by Tahrir. Sultan Ibrahim and Raja Zarith Sofia left the scene at 4pm.

Those present include the Tunku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his wife, Che' Puan Khaleeda Bustamam and royal family members.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Johor Royal Court Council president, Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli, state EXCO members and senior government officials were also present.

The 'siram tabal' ceremony symbolises the cleansing of the body and soul of Sultan Ibrahim before conducting his official duties as ruler.