IPOH: Local shops and people are pleasantly surprised to catch a glimpse of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam on the streets—visiting museum, savouring coffee and experiencing the charms of Ipoh.

Accompanied by Sultan Nazrin Shah and Tuanku Zara Salim, Tharman and Jane Yumiko Ittogi were seen entering Old Town White Coffee Experience Centre for breakfast, followed by a walking tour to the Concubine Lane, visiting Ho Yan Hor Museum, and the Kung Fu Kopitiam at the old town of Ipoh.

As roads are blocked off with large numbers of policemen for security reasons, locals are seen standing behind the blockade to catch a glimpse of the VVIPs.

In return, the Perak Sultan waved to the crowd with smile.

Ricky Soong, the person in charge of Kung Fu Kopitiam, said he heard that the Perak Sultan was in the area but did not expect the VVIPs to make an impromptu visit to the cafe.

They walked to the coffee shop after visiting Hor Ya Hor Museum, which recorded the story of how Dr Ho Kai Cheong started the traditional herbal tea business.

“I introduce our kopitiam to the President of Singapore and the reason to set up a kopitiam in the 100-year-old building,” said Soong.

The upper floor of the building is a martial art museum depicting the life of Kwan Tak-hing, a legendary actor and martial artist best known for portraying Wong Fei Hung which made the building rich in history and martial art heritage.

“While retaining the martial arts heritage, we also promote the local culture and food to attract young people,” he said.

When asked, Soong told Tharman the kopitiam was set up to promote the Cantonese culture.

Tharman was on a two-day working visit to Ipoh in conjunction with the 54th Universiti Malaya-NUS Inter-University Tunku Chancellor Golf Tournament (UM–NUS Golf Tournament).

He took a flight from Ipoh to return to Singapore after the visit.

Passengers onboard the Scoot aircraft took pictures and clapped when they spotted the Singapore President on the plane.

Tharman was the last passenger to board the plane.

He was seated on the first row from where he waved to the other passengers when he heard the claps.