19/02/2026

THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026

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Do not compromise on efforts to combat graft, says King JOHOR: His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim has said efforts to combat corruption must be carried out without compromise across all departments and agencies under the Johor government. As the Sultan of Johor, His Majesty stressed that integrity and administrative transparency are fundamental to safeguarding the wellbeing and sustained prosperity of the state. According to a post on the Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar Facebook page, the message was conveyed to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Holy month of Ramadan begins for M’sian Muslims o Date for start of fasting set by order of King, after Rulers gave consent Onn Hafiz Ghazi and State Secretary Datuk Mohammed Ridha Abd Kadir, who were granted an audience by His Majesty at Istana Pasir Pelangi yesterday. Also in attendance were Pasir Gudang City Council Mayor Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil and

Johor Land and Mines director Mohammed Shakib Ali. During the nearly two-hour meeting, Sultan Ibrahim also received a briefing from Onn Hafiz on current developments and the rapid progress achieved in Johor. – Bernama Country’s hilal expertise recognised globally KUALA LUMPUR: The practice of sighting the new moon, or hilal, to determine the start of the Ramadan fasting month carried out by Malaysia has now become a reference point at the international level. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hassan said the recognition is due to the systematic and authoritative approach that integrates ilmu falak syarie (Islamic astronomy) with modern technology as well as the consistent and high-standard of moon-sighting observations nationwide. “Many refer to the observations we carry out, and some even regard our observations as the best. “This shows that the development of the country’s talent and expertise in Islamic astronomy is proven,” he said at the official Ramadan New Moon Sighting 1447 Hijrah ceremony organised by the Federal Territory Mufti Department on Tuesday. Zulkifli said the sighting was carried out at 29 locations from Sabah to Perlis, proving government emphasis on ensuring that the early determination of Ramadan is done systematically, transparently and based on recognised methods. He said the strengthening of the country’s knowledge of Islamic astronomy is further reinforced through strategic collaboration with several institutions of higher learning, including Universiti Malaya and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. “ Alhamdulillah , the development of Islamic astronomy in our country is very good. In universities and even in terms of technology, we are integrating Islamic astronomy with other fields of knowledge and technology. The Imkanur Rukyah approach, which is a combination of physical sighting ( rukyah ) and astronomy based calculations ( hisab ), shows the compatibility between traditional Islamic disciplines and current scientific advances.” Meanwhile, Federal Territory Mufti Department Falak committee member Shahrin Ahmad said the use of various high-precision optical instruments helps elevate the accuracy of sighting data, including high-powered telescopes mounted on computerised systems, high-resolution cameras to capture images of the new moon and specialised astronomy software to accurately calculate the positions of the moon, sun and other pertinent information. “We no longer rely solely on the naked eye. Technologies like automatic tracking systems and image analysis software help ensure that sighting data is more accurate and can be verified. “The use of this technology also allows sighting data to be coordinated in real time with the control centre before an official report is submitted to the relevant authorities for announcement. The combination of local Islamic astronomy expertise and technological sophistication puts Malaysia among countries with a reliable hilal observation system in the region.” – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslims in Malaysia will begin fasting on the first day of Ramadan today, according to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad. He said the date for the start of the fasting month in states throughout the country was set by the order of His Majesty the King of Malaysia

Kampung Balik Batu in Tanjung Bidara (Malacca), the Kuala Lumpur Tower, Putrajaya International Convention Centre, Kompleks Baitul Hilal Telok Kemang in Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan), Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, Bukit Jugra in Banting (Kuala Langat) and the Selangor Observatory in Sabak Bernam.

Sultan Ibrahim , after the Rulers consented. An announcement was broadcast live on RTM on Tuesday, Bernama reported. The Ramadan moon-sighting process took place at 29 locations in the country, including Baitul Hilal at Bangunan Sultan Ismail in Pontian (Johor), Kompleks Falak Al-Khawarizmi in

Anwar flanked by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong at the Chinese New Year event in Kuala Lumpur. – PIC COURTESY OF ANWAR IBRAHIM FACEBOOK PAGE

Chinese New Year celebrated nationwide in spirit of unity

KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese New Year (CNY) is celebrated by Malaysians of all races, showing that unity remains the country’s pillar of strength. From the hosting of open houses to lion dance performances, this festival unites Malaysians in an atmosphere of muhibbah (goodwill), harmony and mutual respect. In Kuala Lumpur, the MCA-organised CNY celebration was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said celebrating CNY with various races accentuates the spirit of unity among Malaysians. “I came to celebrate the CNY celebration organised by MCA, and this is not just for one group but a celebration for all Malaysians. It is joyously celebrated and reflects our unity.” In Negeri Sembilan, over 5,000 visitors were seen at the Kuala Pilah Si Thian Kong Temple, the state’s biggest temple, as early as 7.30am for prayers and to seek blessings and prosperity. “Every year, we receive many visitors from within the country and abroad such as Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan. “They come to see for themselves the temple’s special features and uniqueness as well as to make wishes for prosperity and good health throughout the year,”said the temple’s media communications director Liaw Zi Xhuan. In Kelantan, about 1,500 Chinese visited the

to experience the festive joy, adding that the presence of various races showed that the spirit of unity is strong in Perlis. In Kedah, Ong Pei Tan, 56, of Taman Mergong said after offering prayers, she went to the recreational park for zumba with her friends before heading home to celebrate with her family. “We also bought oranges to give out to people here as Malays and Indians also join in CNY celebrations just like during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali.” In Perak, many people celebrating CNY made their way early to the Lin Seng Tong Temple in Jalan Sultan Nazrin Shah to perform religious rituals and offer prayers and make wishes. Most of them came with their families dressed in cheongsam and casual red outfits, a colour synonymous with good fortune and prosperity in Chinese culture. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad expressed hope that the CNY activities would bring joy, peace and prosperity for all who celebrate the festival. “It is this unity that has long been the foundation of Malaysia’s strength. It is a gift that we must safeguard and defend together so that harmony can continue to flourish and be passed on to future generations,” he said in a post on his Facebook page. – Bernama

Swee Nyet Keung Temple to pray on the first day of CNY despite rainy weather, said Mukim Pulai village head Foo Mei Ling. “Each year, usually on the second and third day of CNY, we get about 500 visitors coming to pray at the temple, which is open until late at night throughout the festive period.” In Machap Baru, Alor Gajah in Malacca, over 4,000 people from different races welcomed CNY with various activities such as cultural performances, sale of food and goods and fireworks displays. State Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem, who is also Machap Jaya assemblyman, said activities on the eve of CNY not only enlivened the festive celebration but also served to unite people of various races. Malacca Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam and Malacca MCA chairman Datuk Lim Ban Hong also attended the event. In Perlis, more than 200 people of various races turned out at the CNY event organised by a group of NGOs at a temple in Pauh, Arau, from 10.30pm to 1am. Lim Wei Jian, 28, said he and his family came to witness the fireworks display. Another visitor, 32-year-old Ahmad Firdaus Rahman, said he, his wife and children were happy