The government of Sabah has declared April 24 to be a public holiday in the state, in conjunction with the inauguration of the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V.

State secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman said in a statement here that the decision was agreed upon during the state cabinet meeting on March 22.

"The installation ceremony of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V will be conducted at Balairung Seri, Istana Negara on April 24, and in this regard, the government with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be holding two main events for the coronation ceremony.

"In the morning of April 24, the installation ceremony will be held at Balairung Seri while a royal banquet will be held at night at the Banquet Hall of Istana Negara," he said in a statement issued here Monday.

Besides that, Ali said two other functions would also be held namely a Yasin recital as well as doa selamat and solat hajat (prayers) which is scheduled for April 20 at Putra Mosque in Putrajaya while an exhibition entitled 'Our King' will be held on May 2 at the Royal Museum (former Istana Negara).

Sultan Muhammad V was elected as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong to replace Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah who completed his term as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Dec 12 last year.