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JAKARTA — The Embassy of Malaysia in Jakarta is taking the same step as several other Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad by not organising a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration this year. 

In a statement uploaded to its official social media platform on Thursday, the embassy said the decision was made to align with the Malaysian government’s call for all government agencies, including Malaysian missions abroad, to exercise prudent spending in the aftermath of the conflict in West Asia.

The embassy said the measure was also taken in solidarity with the people in the countries affected by the conflict, including Malaysian citizens who are residents of those countries.

“The embassy appreciates the concern, support, and understanding of Malaysian citizens in the Republic of Indonesia,” the statement read. 

The move followed a similar announcement earlier by the Malaysian Embassy in Thailand, the Malaysian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Malaysian High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan, which announced the cancellation of their Aidilfitri open houses, in adherence to the government’s commitment to exercise greater prudence and moderation in public expenditure amid the ongoing conflict.

On March 11, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the government’s cost-saving measures, including not organising Aidilfitri open houses and limiting overseas trips by ministers and officials to underscore its commitment to a more disciplined fiscal management following global economic uncertainties as a result of the conflict in West Asia.

The announcement by the prime minister drew praise from various segments of society, including consumer associations, youth groups, and members of the public, many of whom described it as a proactive approach to reviewing non-critical spending. — BERNAMA

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SHAH ALAM — The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has called on the public to be more cautious in their spending during the festive season and to be prepared for any eventualities arising from ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

In his Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H message, Sultan Sharafuddin said such measures are necessary to ensure the people are able to navigate potential uncertainties, particularly those affecting the economy.

“I have taken note of current global developments, particularly the conflicts and wars involving the United States, Europe and West Asia, which have had a significant impact on Muslims worldwide.

“I urge everyone to be prepared for any eventuality, including exercising caution in spending, as the saying goes, ‘prepare for a rainy day,” he said in a message posted on the Selangor Royal Office’s Facebook page.

Sultan Sharafuddin also urged Muslims to continue strengthening unity and solidarity, and to avoid disputes or conflicts among themselves.

His Royal Highness also expressed hope that all Malaysians, from leaders and politicians to the general public, will focus on efforts to develop the state and strengthen the nation’s prosperity.

“Her Royal Highness the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin, and I express our gratitude to Allah for His blessings, which have allowed us to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri 1447H in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere in Selangor.

“After a month of observing the blessed month of Ramadan, Syawal arrives to be celebrated with gratitude, joy and a spirit of brotherhood.

“We should be thankful for all the blessings bestowed upon us by Allah, but we must not become complacent or careless… instead, let us take lessons from what is happening elsewhere as guidance,” he said.

In the message, Sultan Sharafuddin also extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri greetings and sought forgiveness from the people of Selangor in particular and Malaysians in general.

He also expressed hope that the Aidilfitri celebrations would bring blessings and happiness, while further strengthening the bonds of unity among the people. — BERNAMA 

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PUTRAJAYA — As Malaysians eagerly awaited the arrival of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, some chose to experience the moment differently – by witnessing the crescent moon sighting firsthand rather than waiting for the announcement on television.

Khairul Imran, 33, said witnessing the sighting process at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) provided a different and more thrilling experience.

“Previously, we only waited for the announcement on television, but when we come in person (to witness the sighting), the feeling is different. It is more exciting as we can wait in real time to see whether Hari Raya falls on Friday (March 20) or Saturday (March 21),” he told Bernama when met here today.

He said that although it was not his first time participating in the activity, his visit to PICC with his wife, who was attending an astronomy programme for the first time, made the experience more meaningful.

Khairul said the hands-on experience could also help boost public interest in astronomy, which was gaining attention in the country.

“I expect the 1st of Syawal to fall on Saturday (March 21) because ‘numbers never lie’,” he said.

Meanwhile, Fazril Amin, 31, said he never missed the opportunity to visit PICC every year to witness the moon sighting process.

“Every year, I come to PICC to observe the Syawal ‘hilal’ (new moon) sighting. We want to experience for ourselves the methods used, whether through ‘hisab’ (calculation) or ‘rukyah’ (observation),” he said.

Fazril said that although modern methods now allowed precise calculation of the moon’s position, direct observation remained important in determining the visibility of the new moon.

“Now we have two methods, namely hisab, which we can calculate, and rukyah, where we observe it ourselves. Although there are modern calculations, we still need to observe it in the field,” he said.

Fazril said participating in the field activity each year also brought personal satisfaction and increased his interest in Islamic astronomy (Ilm al-Falak) and astronomy.

“It becomes a curiosity and a joy for us to witness it ourselves. We have experienced situations where the Hari Raya date changed despite earlier calculations indicating otherwise,” he said.

He said the excitement remained each year as it provided an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry secretary-general Datuk Anis Rizana Mohd Zainuddin expressed her excitement at being able to witness the moon sighting process for the first time, describing it as a meaningful experience that opened a new perspective.

“It is my first time being exposed to how the new moon is observed, and I am very happy to witness today the process of how the new moon is sighted using advanced instruments,” she said.

Rukyah committee member Datuk Dr Azhari Mohamed said Malaysia was among the unique countries in determining the Islamic calendar as it combined the rukyah and hisab methods to determine three key months, namely Ramadan, Syawal and Zulhijjah.

He said the approach reflected a balance between adherence to syariah requirements and the use of astronomical science in determining the beginning of Hijri calendar months.

“We combine both elements, namely adhering to syariah requirements while at the same time not sidelining astronomical science. That is Malaysia’s uniqueness,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said working in the field of falak remained exciting even after more than 30 years of involvement, particularly in efforts to improve technology and sighting methods.

“The main challenge is to enhance hilal visibility technology and calculation techniques. Every year, we gather data to evaluate and improve the criteria as well as the equipment used,” he said. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — The MADANI surau at the Seremban Rest and Service (R&R) area (southbound) has become the first surau along a highway to receive approval to hold Aidilfitri prayers.

In a statement today, PLUS Malaysia Bhd (PLUS) said the approval was granted by the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) to facilitate highway users and workers at the R&R.

It said the location was selected due to its strategic position as a major stop with high traffic flow heading south, particularly for those travelling to Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor.

The surau was also chosen due to its larger capacity and complete, comfortable facilities, enabling it to accommodate a large number of congregants, it added.

“The layout of the rest area and adequate parking capacity will also support smooth traffic flow without disrupting the main highway. 

“Aidilfitri prayers are scheduled to be held on 1 Syawal at 8.30 am, subject to the official announcement,” the statement said.

PLUS said the initiative takes into account the needs of residents and workers at the R&R, as well as highway users still in transit, allowing them to perform prayers without having to exit the highway.

It also advised motorists to prioritise safety, comply with traffic regulations and practise patience and consideration while driving.

“In line with the expected increase in traffic to up to 2.3 million vehicles daily during peak festive days, users are encouraged to plan their journeys early and follow the MyPLUS-TTA digital travel schedule via the PLUS application,” it said. — BERNAMA

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JOHOR BAHRU — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has confirmed a temporary diesel supply disruption at several petrol stations in Johor.

Johor KPDN director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the department had contacted the affected petrol stations and was informed that diesel supply was in the process of being distributed.

“The diesel supply disruption is expected to be resolved in stages soon,” she said in a statement today.

She advised consumers not to engage in panic buying as the supply will stabilise soon.

Earlier, images showing notices at several petrol stations in Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Taman Perling and Taman Daya regarding a temporary diesel shortage went viral on social media. — BERNAMA

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PUTRAJAYA — The Federal Court has fixed July 15 to hear an application by the family of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaaribuu (picture) for leave to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision in their civil suit over her death in 2006.

The hearing date was set following a case management before Federal Court deputy registrar Wan Norazimin Kassim today.

Lawyer Abraham Au, who represents political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, confirmed the date when contacted by Bernama.

Altantuya’s family filed the leave application on Feb 19 this year, seeking to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision to reduce the damages awarded to them from RM5 million to RM1.4 million in their suit against Abdul Razak, two former police officers and the government.

On Jan 20, the Court of Appeal allowed the government’s appeal and ruled that it was not vicariously liable for the actions of former police officers Sirul Azhar Umar and Azilah Hadri.

 Altantuya’s family filed a RM100 million civil suit in 2007, claiming that her death caused them severe mental shock and psychological trauma.

In 2022, the Shah Alam High Court allowed the claim and ordered Azilah Hadri, Sirul Azhar Umar, Abdul Razak Baginda and the government to jointly pay RM5 million in damages.

Azilah and Sirul Azhar were convicted in 2009 of murdering Altantuya in Shah Alam between Oct 19 and 20, 2006.

In 2015, the Federal Court upheld their convictions and death sentences, overturning an earlier acquittal by the Court of Appeal.

In October 2023, the Federal Court allowed Azilah’s application for review and commuted his death sentence to 40 years’ imprisonment.

In a statement issued on Feb 24, the family’s lawyer, Sangeet Kaur Deo, said they are seeking leave from the Federal Court to raise several questions of law arising from the civil proceedings, including the scope of the government’s vicarious liability. — BERNAMA

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KUALA LUMPUR — Traffic flow on major highways leading out of the Klang Valley is heavily congested this evening as vehicle volume surges ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

A Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) spokesman said the northbound route is experiencing significant congestion, particularly between Tapah and Gopeng following a fatal accident at Kilometre (KM) 296.7.

“Although clearing works at the accident site have been completed, rainy weather in the area has contributed to slow-moving traffic,” she told Bernama when contacted today.

She said traffic is also slow from Bukit Lanjan to Rawang, Taiping to Bukit Merah, Jawi to Bandar Cassia, and from Juru to Bertam.

On the southbound route, traffic is building up from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to Kajang and from Bandar Sri Putra towards the Seremban Rest and Service (R&R) area, as well as along the Port Dickson-Senawang route from Pedas Linggi to Simpang Ampat and from Kulai towards Sedenak. 

Meanwhile, traffic towards the east coast is slow-moving from the Gombak Toll Plaza to Bukit Tinggi, with congestion on the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2) from Cheneh to Chukai and around the Kuala Terengganu Toll Plaza.

LLM expects traffic volume to continue increasing until midnight, as today marks the final day of the 50 per cent Aidilfitri toll discount, which ends at 11.59 pm.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys and obtain the latest traffic updates via the LLM toll-free line at 1-800-88-7752. — BERNAMA

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