Feb 17 Set For New Moon Sighting For Ramadan

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 12 (Bernama) -- The new moon to mark the start of Ramadan for Muslims in Malaysia will be sighted on the evening of Tuesday, Feb 17, the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal announced today.

In a statement, it said the Conference of Rulers has 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 fasting on the night of Feb 17 via radio and television.

Committees will attempt to sight the moon at 29 locations nationwide, including Baitul Hilal, Sultan Ismail Building, Pontian in Johor; and Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex, Kampung Balik Batu, Tanjung Bidara in Melaka.

Other observation sites include Telok Kemang, Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan; Bukit Melawati, Kuala Selangor; Bukit Jugra, Banting; Kuala Langat; and Selangor Observatory, Sabak Bernam in Selangor.

In Perak, sightings will be at Pantai Pasir Panjang, Manjung; while in Penang, Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre, Pantai Aceh; and in Kedah, Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kuala Muda; Pemandangan Indah, Pulau Langkawi; and Menara Alor Setar.

In Terengganu, sites include Bukit Besar, Kuala Terengganu; Bukit Geliga, Kemaman; Pulau Perhentian, Besut; and KUSZA Observatory, Setiu. Observation points in Kelantan include Bukit Peraksi, Pasir Puteh; Bukit Kampong Tembeling, Kuala Krai; and Menara Bangunan SEDC, Kota Bharu.

In East Malaysia, the moon will be sighted at Miri Astronomy Complex; Teluk Bandung, Kuching; and Bintulu in Sarawak. In Sabah, sites include Al-Biruni Observatory, Tanjung Dumpil, Putatan; Menara Universiti Malaysia Sabah; and Labuan International Campus.

Other key locations include Bukit Tanjong Batu, Nenasi; Gunung Berincang, Cameron Highlands; Menara Kuantan 188 in Pahang; Menara Kuala Lumpur; Putrajaya International Convention Centre; as well as Menara Pandang, Masjid Al-Hussain in Kuala Perlis.

-- BERNAMA