KUCHING: Muslims across the country begin fasting today, March 2.
The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced that the start of the fasting month for all states in Malaysia has been set in accordance with the command of the King of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim, following the consent of Their Royal Highnesses, the Rulers.
The announcement was broadcast live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) on Friday evening.
Earlier that evening, Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, attended the Official Ramadan Crescent Sighting Ceremony at the Bintulu Astronomy Centre.
Upon their arrival at 6.10 pm, the event began with a prayer recitation led by Sarawak Mufti Datuk Kipli Yassin.
This was followed by a briefing on the Ramadan crescent sighting, delivered by Razalie Hussaini, the Principal Assistant Mufti (Astronomy Division) at the Sarawak Mufti Department, before the official observation process began.
The crescent moon was observed between 6.20 pm and 6.43 pm.
Following the sighting process, Wan Junaidi and his wife performed the Maghrib prayer alongside the invited guests.
The crescent sighting ceremony is a significant annual event that determines the official start of the fasting month for Muslims.
Meanwhile, the Bintulu Astronomy Centre is one of 29 locations nationwide designated for this purpose.
