KUALA LUMPUR: Debate over whether Aidilfitri will be celebrated on Friday (March 20) or Saturday has captured nationwide attention, sparking lively discussions and heightening the festive spirit.
Talk of a "Raya Terkejut" (unexpected Raya) is intensifying, as Malaysians eagerly await the official announcement from the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal on whether the festive celebrations will take place on Friday or Saturday.
Amid ongoing debate, attention now turns to the sighting of the Syawal new moon on Thursday, which is expected to resolve uncertainties and officially mark the start of Aidilfitri festivities.
Rumours of a possible 'Raya Terkejut' have been fuelled by a string of hints, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of additional public holidays, coupled with a two-day toll discount in conjunction with Aidilfitri beginning Wednesday, stirring excitement and anticipation across the nation.
In a post on X, Perlis mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin addressed the public debate, suggesting that the first day of Syawal could fall on Friday.
"If we consider the previous criteria before the recent change, it is not impossible that this Friday could mark Syawal 1. Could the events of 2022 repeat themselves?” he said.
Online discussions further intensified when the Google calendar showed Syawal 1 falling on Friday instead of the previously expected Saturday, prompting varied reactions and assumptions from netizens.
Australia and the United Arab Emirates are among the countries that have announced Aidilfitri will be observed on March 20, adding an international perspective to the local anticipation.
On Threads, a user shared a playful reminder for Malaysians, posting: "Australia raya Jumaat 20 Mac 2026. Orang Malaysia jangan raya mengejut pula tahun ini" (Australia will celebrate Raya on Friday; let's hope Malaysians do not have unexpected Raya this year).
Social media users on Facebook shared their excitement for a possible 'Raya Terkejut', with Sharifah Aishah Syed Mohammed commenting: "...whatever it is, I'm all set to celebrate Raya on the 20th".
Another Facebook user, Nur Razinah Mohammad, said the date of Raya would not be an issue for her, as she had already returned to her hometown, while other social media users continued to flood the platform with posts expressing curiosity, excitement, and festive anticipation.
The Office of the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal has said that the sighting of the Syawal new moon will take place Thursday at 29 locations nationwide, with the date of Hari Raya Puasa to be announced that evening. - Bernama
