King visits Tun Abdul Razak Rubber Research Centre

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on Saturday toured the Tun Abdul Razak Rubber Research Centre (TARRC) in Brickendonbury, Hertford, as part of his visit to the United Kingdom.

The king was received upon arrival by TARRC chief executive officer Dr Lee Jiang Jun, senior managers Zaila Bakar and Colin Robinson, as well as three Malaysian Rubber Board officers.

Accompanied by the High Commissio-ner of Malaysia to the United Kingdom, Zakri Jaafar, Al-Sultan Abdullah spent more than two hours at the centre, being briefed on the work carried out there.

He also visited the on-site laboratories which conduct product, material and chemical testing.

TARRC, a unit of the Malaysian Rubber Board, was founded in 1938 and is one of the world’s leading rubber research and development establishments.

Lee, who commenced his role as CEO in February this year, said they were honoured by the king’s visit.

“TARRC is a very important entity to support the Malaysian rubber industry for the European and global market. This visit is a valuable opportunity for us to showcase our facilities and share our achievements with His Majesty.”

Lee said throughout the tour, Al-Sultan Abdullah showed great interest in the work being carried out at the centre.

“The king toured the laboratories as he was briefed on the services and manufacturing we have for the industry, as well as the research and development activities that we carry out on site.”

After touring the labs, Al-Sultan Abdullah planted a tree, the Sweet Gum, to mark his first visit to the centre.

Prior to that, the king stopped to examine tree planted by other dignitaries, including one planted by the late Sultan of Selangor Almarhum Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah during his visit in May 1998.

Following a photo session with TARRC staff, the king also examined a 200-year-old cedar tree.

The cedar tree was an important feature of TARRC, providing shelter and picnic spots for those who attended the annual Malaysia Carnival that used to be held there before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Al-Sultan Abdullah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, during their visit, also toured the iconic Battersea Power Station development.

They also met with the Malaysian diaspora in the UK at the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square.

NST