Jakim refutes report alleging result of 2022 Syawal observation null and void

PUTRAJAYA: A report stating that the result of the Syawal moon observation on May 2, 2022, to decide the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri last year was null and void, is untrue, says the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

In a statement issued on Thursday (April 13) in response to the report, the agency said this was because the result of the observation was in compliance with the procedures set by the Office of the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal.

"On the evening of the 29th of Ramadan last year, the crescent moon was successfully sighted through a telescope by one of the members of the Labuan Federal Territory Moon Observation Committee and the image obtained was reviewed by the committee,” it said.

Jakim added that the Survey and Mapping Department Malaysia staff, who are members of the committee, were also able to observe the crescent moon through theodolite equipment.

"The sighting of the crescent moon was then reported to the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal to seek the consent of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong,” it said.

In the statement, Jakim also refuted the article which stated that the report of the sighting of the moon was not recorded on the website of the Office of the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal because a check on the website found that the record can be easily accessed at https://www.majlisraja-raja.gov.my/ms/cerapan-anak-bulan.

It said all parties are advised to be careful in issuing statements or any content related to the issue so as not to cause disputes and polemics that could lead to public unrest.

"...the public is also advised to get information only from authentic and authoritative sources before issuing any comments,” it said. - Bernama