20/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 20, 2026

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Hari Raya Aidilfitri announced to fall on Saturday

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri tomorrow, following an official announcement by Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad. “On the command of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and with the consent of Their Royal Highnesses the Rulers, I hereby declare that the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri for all states in Malaysia has been set for Saturday, March 21.” The decision followed moon-sighting exercises conducted at 29 locations across the country earlier yesterday, a key process in determining the start of the month of Syawal. Throughout the day, anticipation had been building nationwide as Muslims awaited confirmation, with the appearance of the crescent moon along the western horizon deciding whether Aidilfitri would fall the next day or later. Malaysia adopts the Imkanur Rukyah method, which combines

calculation and observation are used, with physical sighting taking precedence if the crescent is visible. However, officials in Penang reported that the crescent moon was not sighted during yesterday’s observation as visibility was affected by technical criteria and environmental conditions. Despite the absence of a sighting in Penang, the nationwide process ultimately led to the declaration that Aidilfitri falls tomorrow. Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection and spiritual renewal, and is observed as a time of forgiveness, gratitude and togetherness as families across the country prepare to come together in celebration. Selangor crown prince offers nostalgic festive greetings SHAH ALAM: Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has extended Aidilfitri greetings through a nostalgic Hari Raya video that evoked fond memories and captured the hearts of the people. The Office of the Raja Muda of Selangor said the video, shared on his official Instagram, Facebook and TikTok accounts, combined traditional and nostalgic elements close to the hearts of the people. “It showcases the joy of children, fond memories of riding bicycles, the lively preparation of traditional dishes such as lemang , and the meaningful tradition of visiting and seeking forgiveness, elements that form the essence of the Aidilfitri celebration. “The production of this video reflects a meticulous and thoughtful creative touch, with harmonious visuals and a soft and emotionally moving delivery of the message.” The one-minute-39-second video, which also features Datin Paduka Seri Afzaa Fadini Abdul Aziz, drew an overwhelming response, garnering thousands of views, shares and heartfelt comments from people across all walks of life. Following the release of the video, netizens expressed delight and excitement, flooding the comments section with Selamat Hari Raya wishes for Tengku Amir Shah and Afzaa Fadini, with many highlighting the royal couple’s approachable and heartwarming nature. In his festive message, Tengku Amir Shah conveyed Aidilfitri greetings to all the people of Selangor, accompanied by prayers and wishes for strong bonds of friendship and enduring prosperity for every family. The office said the approach not only reflects the thoughtfulness and grace of Tengku Amir Shah but also demonstrates the evolution of the royal institution’s communication, bringing it closer to the people, particularly the younger generation. – Bernama

widely recognised as Malaysia’s oldest astronomy centre, became a focal point for observers hoping to catch a glimpse of the new moon. The observation was carried out by teams from the Penang Mufti Office and the Survey and Mapping Department, alongside astronomers at the centre, reflecting the coordinated nationwide effort. Penang Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said moon-sighting remains a vital practice, rooted in religious tradition while supported by modern science. “Observing the crescent moon is not just a tradition, it is the implementation of the religious text mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad,” he said, adding that

o Declaration follows moon-sighting exercises conducted at 29 locations across country

physical moon sighting ( rukyah ) and astronomical calculations ( hisab ) to determine the beginning of Islamic months, including Syawal. Specific criteria must be met for the crescent to be considered visible, including a minimum altitude above the horizon and sufficient angular separation from the sun. However, weather conditions such as cloud cover, haze and light pollution can still affect visibility on the ground. Findings from observation sites, conducted with the involvement of

religious authorities, astronomers and technical teams using optical instruments and naked-eye observation, are submitted to the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal before the final proclamation is made. In Penang, the moment carried scientific precision and communal anticipation as over 100 people gathered at the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre in Balik Pulau to witness the Syawal crescent moon sighting. The centre, located at one of the westernmost points of Penang and

FINAL PURCHASES ... Buyers taking the last-minute opportunity to shop and prepare for Hari Raya at Anjung Syawal in Dataran Putrajaya, Precinct 3, which took place from March 9 to yesterday. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

Families gather to spot Syawal crescent moon

BALIK PULAU: The quiet hills here came alive with quiet anticipation yesterday as families and young visitors gathered at the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre, eyes trained on the evening sky in the hopes of spotting the Syawal crescent moon, the celestial marker that signals the end of Ramadan and the arrival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. For many of the children and teenagers present, the experience went beyond tradition. It became a rare, hands-on lesson in patience, precision and the delicate meeting point between science and faith. Muhd Faizzudin, 17, who attended Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI AND HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“It is one thing to teach children about tradition in school, but to see the science, care and patience involved makes it real. They left curious and inspired, and I think that is the best kind of learning.” The observation, conducted by a team from the Penang Mufti Office and the Survey and Mapping Department alongside astronomers at the centre, followed strict guidelines. Officials from the Penang Mufti Office confirmed that the crescent was not visible in Penang yesterday. Separately, Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced that Hari Raya Aidilfitri will fall tomorrow, marking the completion of the 30-day Ramadan month and the beginning of Syawal.

“Before, we just waited for the official announcement, but in reality, it is much more complex.” For younger children, the experience proved just as memorable. Ten-year-old Aisyah said she had not realised how challenging it was to spot the moon. “You have to wait for the right moment and the astronomers have to be super precise. Using the telescope to see the moon up close was really cool. It makes you feel like you are part of something important.” Parents also welcomed the opportunity to witness the process up close. Nurul Hidayah Mohammad Tahir, 42, who brought her two children, said the observation offered lessons that went beyond the classroom.

with his parents, said it was fascinating to watch astronomers at work tracking the elusive crescent. “Watching the moon being tracked made me realise how meticulous and patient astronomers must be. It is not just about calculations, it is about understanding the universe while respecting a centuries-old tradition. “Experiencing it firsthand made me appreciate how science and faith complement each other.” Farhan Rusaimi, 16, was equally struck by the technical depth behind the sighting. “The representatives explained how mathematical predictions and actual sightings work together. I never realised how much coordination and accuracy go into it.