Hari Raya to be celebrated on Saturday

The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, made the announcement in a televised address earlier this evening.

Survey and mapping department staff during the sighting of the new moon of Syawal at the Al-Biruni observatory in Putatan, Sabah today. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be celebrated on Saturday, the Keeper of the Ruler’s Seal, Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, announced this evening on behalf of the Rulers’ Conference.

The announcement was made after the new moon of Syawal was not observed this evening, following sightings carried out at 29 locations throughout the country.

“With the consent of the rulers, I hereby declare that the date for Hari Raya Aidilfitri for the states in Malaysia has been set for Saturday, March 21,” he said in a televised broadcast.

Muslims in Malaysia started fasting for the holy month of Ramadan on Feb 19.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously announced that tomorrow would be an additional Hari Raya holiday if Hari Raya fell on Saturday.

Anwar has also announced a 50% discount on toll charges nationwide in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The discount took effect at 12.01am yesterday and will end at 11.59pm today.

The Malaysian Highway Authority has said it expects more than 3.49 million vehicles on major highways and expressways during peak travel days for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. - FMT