22/02/2026

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday FEB 22, 2026

Make mosques centres of spiritual substance, says Pahang Sultan KUANTAN: The Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, has called on local Muslims to make mosques a vibrant and competitive centre of community life. His Royal Highness reminded Muslims that a mosque is not merely a striking architectural landmark but also the very heart of the ummah . “Enliven it with consistent congregational prayers, knowledge-sharing sessions that nurture mind and soul as well as carrying out charitable activities that strengthen our bonds of brotherhood,” he said. “Let us not allow the mosque to stand magnificent in appearance, yet empty of spiritual substance and the warmth of fellowship,” Al-Sultan Abdullah said at the opening of the Kampung Teluk Gading Mosque in Rompin yesterday, according to a post on the Pahang Sultanate’s official Facebook page. The Sultan also cautioned against allowing mosques to become the exclusive domain of

any particular group, warning that it could alienate sections of the community. “Ensure mosque management is carried out with trust and integrity so that it serves as a pillar of unity and harmony for the entire ummah ,” he added. – Bernama

Embracing Ramadan spirit in independent solitude

Bazaar crowd not deterred by higher food cost KOTA BHARU: Rising costs of raw ingredients, which have pushed up food prices slightly at the Ramadan bazaar here, have not stopped shoppers from buying iftar treats. A Bernama check at the Ramadan bazaar outside Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium found thousands of visitors packing the area to buy a variety of food items and drinks. Drink and snack vendor Hafiz Muhamad, 36, said rising ingredient costs have forced him to hike prices of RM1 to RM2 per serving to cover expenses. “So far, no one has complained about my prices. I see them as fair, and customers seem to understand,” he told Bernama recently. He said most vendors understand the current economic situation and avoid burdening regulars amid rising living cost. Since coconut milk is a staple for most traditional kuih, the new price of RM15 per kg is heavily impacting local vendors, he said. “Based on costs, prices could be higher, but we keep profits low so customers can still afford them,” he said. Nur Farahim Mohd Lokman, 34, who sells desserts, including cocktail drinks, pulut pauh , jelly and kuih tepung bungkus from Thailand, said her items remain popular despite higher prices. Shopper Amirul Azroy Rosli, 35, said price is not a concern if the food tastes good and is of good quality. “Some items cost RM8 to RM15 a serving, but people still buy them to try. If it’s tasty and worth the price, no one complains,” he said. PETALING JAYA: For many young professionals, balik kampung for Hari Raya is no longer just about festive anticipation – it is a logistical challenge shaped by corporate schedules, leave approvals and rising travel pressures. From coordinating time off to choosing the most practical way home, young executives told theSun how their first years in the workforce have reshaped the annual ritual of returning to their hometowns. For fresh graduates adjusting to corporate life, Hari Raya planning now involves managing tight work deadlines, securing leave and navigating crowded

While missing family gatherings, some prefer to break fast alone while focusing on spiritual growth and self-love

The Alam-based government servant, originally from Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, has been away from home for almost two years. “This year feels the most different. “Everything feels more intentional, like I’m doing this for myself as an adult, knowing I need to be here one way or another,” she said. Living alone has pushed her to prioritise her health, including managing low blood pressure through regular vitamins. Unlike those who meticulously plan Ramadan meals, Wala’ admits she is more spontaneous, thanks to the convenience of nearby food stalls. Yet she openly misses the warmth of breaking fast with family. While she has previously joined community iftar events, Wala’ has learned that breaking fast alone does not trouble her as much as she once feared. “So what if you can’t eat as luxuriously as others? “You still have food on the table. With patience, God may have greater things in store for you.” As Ramadan unfolds in quiet apartments and bustling city streets, these young women show that even in solitude, the holy month remains a time of reflection, resilience and gratitude. Shah flexibility, particularly for young professionals who may need to settle work matters before beginning their journey. Meanwhile, financial consultant Zalia Najwa Zainal, 23, plans to take the wheel herself. “Driving and carpool with my cat only,” she joked. For all of them, the transition from student life to full-time employment has reshaped how they approach festive travel. Previously, academic calendars dictated semester breaks. Now, leave approvals depend on workplace demands, team schedules and professional responsibilities. – By QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI

student days. “So it hasn’t been that different for the past few years. I do come home for a bite when I feel like it, but not for long. “I prefer to spend it alone rather than with others.” Living alone has also changed how she manages her meals. Razin Aleia makes a conscious effort to avoid eating out, describing it as both costly and troublesome. While she sometimes misses the communal aspect of breaking fast with family, she generally enjoys her solitude. “I don’t really feel any sadness or loneliness, maybe because I have almost mastered the art of self-love and the beauty of being alone in general,” she shared. “I’m never fully alone, thanks to my cats keeping me company during mealtimes.” Spending Ramadan independently has not altered her spiritual perspective but she believes it offers valuable lessons. “I think people should try experiencing Ramadan alone for a change. “It helps you see the bigger picture, especially when it comes to combating wastage and the ‘fear of missing out’ (Fomo).” For Wala’ Abdul Muiz Dzihni, 27, Ramadan solitude is familiar but this year feels different. preparations. For Ammar Afifi Jumaat, 24, the approach is different. He plans to drive back to his hometown in Johor Bahru, and he will not be travelling alone. “(I will) drive to my hometown with my loved one,” he said, adding a light-hearted note. The couple is set to tie the knot early next year, making the journey home even more meaningful. “I’m lucky to be with someone from my hometown and working together in the capital. We can always go back to our kampung together,” he said. He added that driving offers commitments and festive

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

setting just one plate this Ramadan – choosing solitude over tradition and discovering independence in the quiet. For Razin Aleia Romzi, 25, fasting alone is nothing new. The Cyberjaya-based secretary has spent several Ramadans on her own, even during her

PETALING JAYA: While homes across Malaysia overflow with the chatter of iftar gatherings and the clatter of kitchen pots, some young professionals are

Wala’ said she has come to realise that breaking fast alone does not trouble her as much as she once feared. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Logistical challenge shapes balik kampung travel plan

Fellow auditor Fatin Ilani Hamzah, 24, is also leaning towards public transport, although she remains open to alternatives. “I’m planning to use public transport, but if possible, I might carpool with a friend,” she said. “There are a couple of friends I know who will be driving back to Perak this coming Raya. If our leave is aligned, then I might carpool with one of them.” For Fatin, flexibility is key. Coordinating travel plans depends largely on leave approvals and synchronising schedules with friends, reflecting the balancing act young professionals face between work

highways and transport systems during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Audit associate Nur Syuhada Ahmad, 23, has already settled on her mode of transport. “I’m taking the bus for sure,” she said when met recently. “I have been using express buses to travel back and forth to my hometown in Pahang since my study days.” For Syuhada, the predictability of bus travel offers peace of mind. With highways typically congested as city dwellers head home for the festive break, she prefers to avoid traffic fatigue and focus on reuniting with her family.