Despite the surprise, many in joyful mood

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians were busy making preparations for Hari Raya tomorrow when the surprise announcement came – the celebration will be today.

Despite the surprise, many were happy that the Hari Raya joy has come early.

Freelancer Muhammad Syahmi Noh, 21, was still at work when he received a message on Hari Raya falling today.

“My family and I initially planned to travel home to Pahang in the wee hours of Monday after sahur but due to the announcement, we travelled home immediately after I reached home,” he said.

Muhammad Syahmi added that he was glad he had serviced his car earlier in the week.

Engineer Faisal Adam, 47, said he found out about the celebration after receiving a message from a friend.

“I initially thought it was a joke but when I read the news, it definitely was a surprise.

“I even bought food for sahur thinking there would be another day of fasting,” he said.

Policy analyst Sabreena Zahri, 28, was cooking rendang and lemang when she received the news.

“My dad broke the news to us but I thought it was fake news.

“I checked on social media and found out it was indeed true,” she said.

Sabreena said the house became very loud and busy after the announcement, adding that everyone was in good spirits and rushing to finalise everything for the celebrations.

Yesterday, Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced that Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on May 2.

“In keeping with the command of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, following the consent of the Rulers, I hereby declare that the date for Hari Raya for the states in Malaysia has been set for Monday, May 2, 2022,” he said.