Respect the process of determining the Hari Raya date - Jakim

SHAH ALAM - The people are urged to respect the process of determining when Hari Raya would fall, which has been carried out for a long time.

Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in a statement on Friday that the Keeper of the Ruler's Seal as the authority entrusted.

All parties are requested not to make assumptions regarding the Eid date this year.

"Jakim would like to inform you that the declaration of the first day of Syawal every year for Malaysia is made by Keeper of the Ruler's Seal through the mainstream media as soon as reports of moon sightings in 29 locations are received, with the approval of Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"The Syawal crescent sighting this year (1444H) is on Thursday, Ramadhan 29 1444H corresponding to April 20, 2023.

"All parties are advised to check the accuracy of the hijri dates found on adhan digital clocks primarily in mosques and suraus in line with the hijri calendars issued by Jakim or the state religious authorities and recognised by the Falak Expert Panel," it said.

This is following a screenshot of a photo shared on social media, stating that the last day of Ramadhan will be on April 20.

This had created speculation among netizens regarding the Hari Raya Aidilfitri dates this year.