KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 — The new moon, which marks the start of Ramadan for Muslims in Malaysia, will be sighted on February 17, the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal announced today.
In a statement, it said the Conference of Rulers agreed that the start of Ramadan will be determined using both rukyah (visual observation) and hisab (astronomical calculation). The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal will officially declare the start of the fasting month on the night of February 17 via radio and television.
Sighting attempts will be made at 29 locations nationwide, including Baitul Hilal Astronomy Centre in Pontian, Johor; Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex in Tanjung Bidara, Melaka, and Telok Kemang in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
In Selangor, sightings will be at Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor; Bukit Jugra in Banting; Kuala Langat; and the Selangor Observatory in Sabak Bernam.
Other sightings will be done at Pantai Pasir Panjang in Manjung; Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre in Pantai Aceh, Penang; and Kampung Pulau Sayak in Kuala Muda, Pemandangan Indah in Langkawi, and Menara Alor Setar in Kedah.
In Terengganu, sighting locations include Bukit Besar in Kuala Terengganu; Bukit Geliga in Kemaman; Pulau Perhentian in Besut; and KUSZA Observatory in Setiu. Observation points in Kelantan include Bukit Peraksi in Pasir Puteh; Bukit Kampong Tembeling in Kuala Krai; and Menara Bangunan SEDC in Kota Bharu.
In Sarawak, the moon will be sighted at Miri Astronomy Complex; Teluk Bandung in Kuching; and Bintulu, while in Sabah, the sighting will be held at Al-Biruni Observatory in Tanjung Dumpil, Putatan. The Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus tower will also hold a sighting.
Other key locations include Pahang’s Bukit Tanjong Batu in Nenasi; Gunung Berincang in Cameron Highlands; and Menara Kuantan 188, as well as the Kuala Lumpur Tower, the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, and Menara Pandang in Perlis.
