Sighting of Ramadan new moon happens today

KUALA LUMPUR: The sighting of the new moon for the commencement of the Ramadan fast for Muslims will take place today, the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal said.

In a statement, the Conference of Rulers agreed that the start date of the Ramadan fast be based on the “rukyah” (sighting of the new moon) and “hisab” (calculation).

The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal would announce the date over radio and television tonight, it said.

The respective committees will attempt to see the new moon this evening at 29 locations.

The locations are Pontian Kecil, Johor; Kompleks Falak Al-Khawarizmi Kampung Balik Batu, Tanjung Bidara, Melaka; Kompleks Baitul Hilal Telok Kemang, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan; Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor, Bukit Jugra, Banting, Kuala Langat and Selangor observatory, Sabak Bernam, in Selangor.

The sighting will also be held at Pantai Pasir Panjang, Mukim Pengkalan Baru, Manjong (Perak); Pusat Falak Sheikh Tahir, Pantai Aceh (Penang); Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kuala Muda, Pemandangan Indah, Pulau Langkawi and Menara Alor Setar in Kedah.

The other locations are Bukit Besar, Kuala Terengganu; Bukit Geliga, Kemaman, Pulau Perhentian, Besut and the Kusza observatory, Mukim Merang, Setiu (Terengganu); Bukit Peraksi, Pasir Puteh, Bukit Kampung Tembeling, Mukim Manjur, Olak Jeram district, Kuala Krai and Menara Bangunan SEDC, Kota Baru in Kelantan; Pusat Falak Miri, Teluk Bandung, Kuching and Tanjung Batu, Bintulu (Sarawak); Al-Biruni Observatory, Tanjung Dumpil, Putatan (Sabah); Bukit Tanjong Batu, Nenasi, Gunung Berinchang, Cameron Highlands, and Bukit Pelindong, Kuantan, in Pahang as well as the 13th Floor, Menara Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Labuan International Campus (Sabah); Kuala Lumpur Tower; Putrajaya International Convention Centre; and Menara Pandang, Masjid Al-Hussain Kuala Perlis (Perlis). — Bernama