King of Malaysia advised to rest

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has been advised by doctors to rest, the Palace says. 

The Istana Negara [National Palace] announced on Friday that Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, was advised by doctors to rest following the cancellation of an event yesterday.

The Palace says the King, 67, is suffering from “musculoskeletal pain (involving muscles and bones) in his back and hips,” which will require a period of rest. His Majesty will return to official duties once he has fully recuperated. The King is receiving follow-up care from physicians.

A statement from the Istana Negara read in part,

His Majesty has been advised by medical experts to rest and not attend any events to allow time for the treatment and recovery process.

Because the Yang di-Pertuan Agong [King of Malaysia]  is undergoing follow-up treatment, His Majesty was unable to attend the breaking of fast ceremony with the Prime Minister, Cabinet, Heads of Foreign Delegations and Senior Government Officials at Istana Negara, yesterday. (…)

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said he would return to official functions as soon as his health gradually improves.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, also posted on social media earlier today,

Praying that His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim will be blessed with long-lasting health and will continue to be under the protection, grace and blessings of Allah SWT.

According to Mayo Clinic, “the most common causes of muscle pain are tension, stress, overuse and minor injuries. This type of pain is usually limited to just a few muscles or a small part of your body. Muscle pain that is felt throughout your whole body is most often caused by an infection, such as the flu.”

Sultan Ibrahim of Johor was elected as the 17th King of Malaysia by the Conference of Rulers, as is tradition, in October 2023. Malaysia is the only elected monarchy in the world, rotating among the nine Malay States. However, it’s only the Confrere of Rulers who decides the next King, every five years unless the Throne becomes vacant.

An Installation Ceremony was held for Sultan Ibrahim at the Istana Negara on the 20th July, 2024.

The Royal News Organisation will keep you up to date with the King’s condition throughout his recuperation.