Meet The New King Of Malaysia & The Royal Family

By Lara Kramer  •  05 Feb 2024 in Features

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In a grand ceremony at the Istana Negara on 31 January 2024, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim solemnly took the oath as the new King of Malaysia, officially assuming the prestigious title of Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

This marked a significant moment in Malaysian history, and inevitably sparked curiosity among citizens about the royal family of Johor.

We hear you – let’s explore the royal household and delve into the lives of the newly appointed King and Queen, along with their royal children:

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King Of Malaysia

Born in 1958 to Sultan Iskandar Ismail and Josephine Ruby Trevorrow, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim of Johor is of Malay-British heritage. Following His education in the US, He became a proficient army, navy, and air force officer, uniquely holding command over a private army among Malaysian sultans.

His business ventures have made Him one of Malaysia’s wealthiest individuals.

An avid car enthusiast, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim possesses a diverse collection, including unique vehicles like an Optimus Prime-inspired Mack Truck and a vintage three-wheeler. He actively supports motorsports and promotes Johor’s automotive industry. Notably, He holds the distinction of being the first Malay ruler licensed to operate a locomotive.

Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Queen Of Malaysia

Our new Queen is the epitome of beauty with brains.

Born on 14 August 1959, at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak, Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah is the second daughter of the late Sultan Idris Shah II and Raja Perempuan Muzwin Almarhum Raja Dato’ Sri Ariff Shah of Perak.

She received her early education in Perak before continuing Her studies at Cheltenham Ladies’ College in England and Somerville College, University of Oxford, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies in 1983. In addition to Malay and English, She speaks Mandarin, Italian and French!

In 2015, She was bestowed with the title Permaisuri of Johor during Sultan Ibrahim’s Coronation Ceremony. Her Majesty shares Her father’s passion for the arts, particularly painting, and has participated in various art exhibitions, including those at the Yayasan Warisan Johor Art Gallery in 2003 and a Maybank exhibition in Kuala Lumpur honouring Johor artists in 2004.

Raja Zarith Sofiah is also a prolific writer, having contributed columns to local publications like the New Straits Times and The Star, and authored four children’s books in 1995.

She currently serves as the Royal Advisor to the Malaysian Red Crescent Society and chairs the Yayasan Raja Zarith Sofiah Negeri Johor (YRZSNJ), established in 2012 to support educational programs through fundraising efforts.

Child #1: His Royal Highness Major General Tunku Ismail ibni Sultan Ibrahim (a.k.a. TMJ)

Tunku Mahkota Ismail currently serves as the Regent of Johor and Tunku Mahkota Johor. Born on 30 June 1984 in Johor Bahru, he is the eldest son of the new King and Queen.

Tunku Ismail made history by becoming the first foreigner to join the Indian Army’s cavalry regiment, paying tribute to President APJ Abdul Kalam during India’s 58th National Day celebration in 2007.

2. Her Royal Highness Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Binti Sultan Ibrahim

Born on 8 April 1986 in Johor Bahru, Tunku Tun Aminah is the second child and only daughter. Affectionately known as “Tunku Inah,” she married Dato’ Dennis Muhammad Abdullah on 14 August 2017.

The royal couple currently has two children, Layla Sofiah, born on 21 January 2020, and a second child born in 2022.

3. His Royal Highness Tunku Idris Iskandar Ismail Abdul Rahman Ibni Sultan Ibrahim

Born on 25 December 1987, Tunku Idris is the third child and second son of the new King and Queen. Bestowed with the title Tunku Temenggong Johor on 22 February 2010, he was appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) on 2 December 2022.

4. His Royal Highness Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim

Born on 5 July 1990, Tunku Jalil was the fourth child and held the position of Tunku Laksamana Johor. He had a remarkable career, working as a zookeeper in Singapore and London, and making history as the first Johor royal to serve in the police force. Tunku Jalil also established the Tunku Laksamana Cancer Foundation to aid cancer patients in Malaysia.

Tragically, he passed away in 2015 at the age of 25, after he was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer the year before.

5. His Royal Highness Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jefri Ibni Sultan Ibrahim

 

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Born on 5 February 1993 in Johor Bahru, Tunku Abdul Rahman is the fifth child and fourth son. A professional car racer, he, along with his brother Tunku Abu Bakar, represents Malaysia in international car racing competitions.

Tunku Abdul Rahman is not only a skilled and handsome racer but also a renowned sailor, motorcyclist, and polo player, with a significant following on Instagram.

6. His Royal Highness Tunku Abu Bakar Mahmood Iskandar Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Ibrahim

 

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The youngest, born on 30 May 2001, Tunku Abu Bakar is the sixth child and the youngest son. A professional car racer like his brother, he achieved the position of runner-up in the GT3 Driver’s Championship during the GT World Challenge Asia 2023 race at the Sepang International Circuit on 24 September 2023.

From horseback salutes to speeding laps, the royal family of Johor sure knows how to make an entrance. Here’s to witnessing these distinguished faces  showcasing their talents, achievements, and contributions to the local society! ❤️