Kuala lumpur: The sighting of the new moon of Zulhijjah to determine the date of Aidiladha this year has been set for Sunday, May 17, at 29 locations nationwide. The Office of the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal, in a statement, said that the official date for Aidiladha will be announced on the same night via radio and television broadcasts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Conference of Rulers has agreed that the determination of the date for Aidiladha will be based on the 'rukyah' (moon sighting) and 'hisab' (astronomical calculations) methods. The 29 locations nationwide include Baitul Hilal Sultan Ismail Building in Pontian, Johor; the Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex in Kampung Balik Batu, Tanjung Bidara, Melaka; and the Negeri Sembilan Observatory (MAINS).
Other notable sites for the moon sighting include Baitul Hilal Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, Selangor; Baitul Hilal Bukit Jugra in Banting, Kuala Langat, Selangor; the Selangor Observatory in Sabak Bernam, Selangor; and Baitul Hilal Pantai Pasir Panjang in Manjung, Perak. The Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre in Pantai Aceh, Penang, is also among the designated locations.
In Kedah, moon sighting activities will take place at Kampung Pulau Sayak, Kuala Muda; Pemandangan Indah on Langkawi Island; and Menara Alor Setar. Additional sites in Terengganu include Bukit Besar, Kuala Terengganu; Bukit Geliga, Kemaman; and Pulau Perhentian, Besut.
The KUSZA Observatory in Setiu, Terengganu, along with Bukit Peraksi, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan; Bukit Kampong Tembeling in Kuala Krai, Kelantan; and Menara Bangunan SEDC in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, are also listed for the event. In Sarawak, the Miri Falak Centre in Miri, Teluk Bandung in Kuching, and the Bintulu Falak Centre in Bintulu will host the sighting.
In Sabah, the Al-Biruni Observatory at Tanjung Dumpil, Putatan, is designated for this purpose. In Pahang, the locations include Bukit Tanjong Batu in Nenasi, Gunung Brinchang in Cameron Highlands, and Menara 188 in Kuantan. Additionally, four locations are included: Universiti Malaysia Sabah Tower at the Labuan International Campus, Menara Kuala Lumpur, the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, and the observation tower at Masjid Al-Hussain, Kuala Perlis.