KUALA LUMPUR: Reporters at Istana Negara's gate were treated to delicious food as cannon fire rang through the air.
Bundles of fragrant nasi briyani were sent out by a palace official as the installation of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, was underway.
Meanwhile, the ground shook as cannons manned by the 41st Royal Artillery Regiment were fired.
Several reporters were startled by the sound, as they remained vigilant for any developments throughout the prestigious ceremony today.
Reporters have camped outside the palace gates since 6am to witness the arrival of many guests, including the Malay rulers, the Regent of Johor, His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and senior ministers, and foreign dignitaries as well as rulers such as Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Isa Al Khalifah.
The installation ceremony is set to end at noon, followed by a Royal Banquet this evening.