KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 — Muslims in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand will begin the holy month of Ramadan on Thursday (March 23), as announced in their respective countries tonight.
The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced the date for Malaysia, which was set on the order of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, after being consented to by the Conference of Rulers.
The Ramadan moon sighting process in Malaysia took place in 29 locations nationwide.
In Jakarta, Religious Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said Muslims in Indonesia too will begin the fasting month on the same date.
The announcement in the biggest and most populous Islamic nation in the world was made after a meeting with several Islamic organisations throughout the country.
In Singapore, Muslims there will also start fasting on Thursday as announced by the Mufti of Singapore Nazirudin Mohd Nasir.
“According to the astronomical calculations, the crescent for the month of Ramadan did appear after sunset this evening for 38 minutes.
“As such, I am pleased to declare that the first day of fasting for the month of Ramadan falls tomorrow, Thursday, March 23, 2023,” he said on the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) website today.
In Bangkok, Muslims in Thailand will also begin fasting on Thursday, according to a statement from the Sheikhul Islam Office of Thailand.
Sheikhul Islam of Thailand Aziz Pitakkumpol said the new crescent moon has been sighted today.
“So, I declare Thursday, March 23, 2023, as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan AH 1444,” he said.
— Bernama
