Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar will take part in Thaipusam festivities on Wednesday but will not be able to shake hands because of a kitchen mishap.

"My hand was quite badly burnt while I was cooking. This means that I will not be able to shake hands with a lot of people.

"It is rude to greet people with my left hand. I hope everyone will understand this," said the ruler in a statement today.

Despite the injury, the ruler said he will still show up for Thaipusam festivities because he does not want to disappoint his subjects.

According to Gambir state assemblyperson M Asojan, Sultan Ibrahim would be attending Thaipusam festivities at the Sri Subramaniar temple in Tampoi.