Jakim responds to claims on Aidilftri date
ATHIRA AMINUDDIN
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) has urged the public to respect the process of determining the official date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
This is in response to the viral message circulating across social media where the Melaka Mufti Department and Al-Khawarizmi Observatory had allegedly claimed that Muslims will likely celebrate Aidilfitri on May 2, instead of May 3.
In a press statement, Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) Director-General, Datuk Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said the decision would be made by the respected authorities.
"Malaysia uses the rukyah and hisab method to determine the starting dates of Ramadan, Aidilfitri and Aidiladha," she said.
The moon sighting activity will be carried out across 29 locations nationwide on May 1 by the State Crescent/Rukyah Observation Committee chaired by the state mufti and its members which comprise of astronomers, religious scholars, skilled astronomical officers and the Malaysian Survey and Mapping Department (Jupem).
The official date announcement of Aidilfitri will be made by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal as the authority entrusted by the Conference of Rulers, subject to the outcome of the moon sighting activities conducted at all specified locations.
