BAGAN SERAI - In a world where most mosques and surau now rely entirely on modern loudspeakers to signal prayer times, Surau An-Nur Parit 3 Tengah Alor Setanggok stands out for keeping a nearly 70-year-old tradition alive: the rhythmic beating of the beduk drum.Five times a day in Kampung Parit 3, the deep thump of the beduk drum breaks the villages quiet, whether during Ramadan or Syawal. The tradition continues as a symbol of local identity, even as it becomes increasingly rare elsewhere.The ..

SHAH ALAM - From e-wallet duit raya to caf meet-ups and online greetings, Generation Z is quietly reshaping how Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated, blending long-standing traditions with digital habits and modern lifestyles.While traditional practices such as balik kampung and visiting relatives remain central to the festive season, younger Malaysians are increasingly integrating technology and new social trends into their celebrations.For 19-year-old law student Muhammad Benjamin Haziq Badrul, ..

SHAH ALAM Despite steady economic growth and low unemployment, many Malaysian households approached Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year with greater caution, carefully balancing cherished traditions with tighter budgets as living costs continue to influence spending decisions.Economics expert Professor Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the cautious approach reflects a combination of lingering cost-of-living pressures, consumer uncertainty and the long-term erosion of purchasing power.Even with ..

KUALA LUMPUR - As Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the festive spirit can be felt everywhere, from bustling markets to family kitchens filled with the aroma of traditional dishes.Among the essentials that remain closely tied to the celebration is ketupat, an iconic festive delicacy that rarely goes missing from the Aidilfitri table.For many families, the celebration would feel incomplete without ketupat neatly wrapped in woven coconut or palm leaves, a tradition that has been passed down ..

KEPALA BATAS - While his friends waited for the time to break fast at the mosque, Muhammad Adam Abdullah, who was not yet a Muslim at the time, also endured hunger and thirst alongside them.It all began when Muhammad Adam, 23, fondly known as Adam, was in Primary Six. His curiosity about Islam led him to frequently follow his friends to the mosque and even try fasting although he had not yet embraced the religion.Sharing his life journey, he said his interest in Islam began during his primary ..

KUALA LUMPUR As Hari Raya Aidilfitri arrives, many families are welcoming the festive season in homes that have been freshly cleaned and prepared for visiting relatives and friends.In the days leading up to the celebration, demand for professional home cleaning services surged as families rushed to ensure their houses were spotless and ready to receive guests.For some households, hiring professional cleaners has become a practical solution, particularly when work commitments and preparations ..

SANDAKAN - Swing back to the 60s, 70 and early 80s when taking studio photography was the rave, especially for festive seasons like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, to immortalise the most cherished memories with family.However, with the advancement of modern technology, this tradition has been fading.In Sabah, the studio photography services are still relevant and are the primary choice for the community to capture family memories. Recognising the continuously high demand for this photography, Cre@+ve ..

SHAH ALAM - Muslims in Malaysia will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Saturday, March 21, Keeper of the Ruler's Seal Tan Sri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad announced tonight."In keeping with the command of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, following the consent of the Rulers, I hereby declare that the date for Hari Raya Puasa for the states in Malaysia has been set for Saturday, March 21, 2026," he said.The announcement was broadcast over local television networks.

KUALA LUMPUR - The bazaar at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (TAR) here, a popular spot for festive essentials at reasonable prices, continues to draw crowds, including foreign tourists, as preparations for Aidilfitri intensify.A Bernama survey found the atmosphere along Jalan TAR lively, with visitors purchasing festive cookies, clothing and Hari Raya money envelopes.Public Works Department quantity surveyor Nor Zamzarina Abdul Rashid, 45, said she used the RM500 Special Financial Assistance (BKK) ..

SEREMBAN - For some young Malaysians, leaving school does not necessarily mean the end of learning.Through community-driven initiatives and non-formal education programmes, many youths who once dropped out of school are discovering new opportunities to rebuild their lives, develop practical skills and regain confidence in their future.Organisations such as ADAB Youth Garage (AYG) are playing an important role in this effort, providing a safe space for young people from low-income communities, ..

KOTA KINABALU - Discipline and cooperation among traders in managing solid waste have been identified as crucial factors in maintaining cleanliness at Ramadan bazaar sites, ensuring a neat and orderly business environment.A survey at the Ramadan Bazaar in Lintasan Deasoka found that personnel from the Solid Waste Management Department of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) were actively carrying out cleaning work before operations began.At the same time, traders took the initiative to provide ..

SHAH ALAM Selangor Pas Youth has called on Lynas Rare Earths Ltd and the Malaysian government to address growing concerns over reports linking rare earth supplies to the United States (US) defence sector.Its chief Mohamed Sukri Omar said the issue warrants serious attention due to the strategic role of rare earth elements in modern military technologies such as radar systems, missiles and satellites.This agreement raises concerns because rare earth elements are used in radar, missile systems, ..

KUALA LUMPUR - More than 6,000 underprivileged individuals nationwide benefited from aid distributed by Prestasi Setia Unggul Sdn Bhd throughout Ramadan, as part of its ongoing welfare initiatives.Managing Director Mohammad Arrief Mumin said the assistance covered cash contributions, essential goods and various programmes aimed at supporting asnaf communities, particularly in high-density urban areas such as Peoples Housing Projects (PPR).In some PPR areas, the population can reach around ..

ALOR GAJAH -For bamboo hunters, the arrival of Ramadan each year brings an opportunity to increase their income as demand for bamboo used to make lemang rises sharply ahead of Aidilfitri.Mohd Alias Mohd Hashim, 51, from Felda Hutan Percha, said he has received orders for about 500 bamboo sticks from customers across the state to prepare lemang for the First of Shawal celebration."Orders usually come in before Ramadan, so a friend and I start searching for bamboo in forests around Alor Gajah and ..

KUALA LUMPUR - In the spirit of generosity and togetherness that defines Ramadan, global beverage company Coca-Cola is stepping up efforts to support asnaf families and underserved communities while bringing people together through meaningful initiatives.Coca-Cola Public Affairs Communications and Sustainability (PACS) Director for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Khairul Anwar said the company has rolled out several community-driven programmes throughout the holy month, including distributing ..

KUALA LUMPUR In conjunction with Ramadan this year, KK Mart distributed a total of 1,500 packs of bubur lambuk (savoury porridge) to bus passengers at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), the MEX Highway Operations Division and Masjid Ibnu Khaldun in Sungai Besi.The initiative was carried out in collaboration with strategic partner Tmas Sdn Bhd, with the entire process of cooking, packaging and distribution conducted jointly.KK Mart director Datuk Seri Dr KK Chai said Ramadan is a special time to ..

BUKIT MERTAJAM - Police have confirmed that the death of a four-month-old baby boy at a childcare centre within the Seberang Jaya Hospital (HSJ) compound on March 9 was due to asphyxiation.Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said the cause of death was determined following findings from a post-mortem conducted on the infants body."The cause of death, based on the preliminary post-mortem findings, was asphyxiation, he told reporters after launching Op Selamat 26 for Hari Raya Aidilfitri at ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a warning of thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds in four states as well as the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until 7 pm today.In a statement issued at 4 pm, MetMalaysia said the adverse weather is forecast to affect the whole of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, as well as several areas in Selangor - Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor, Klang, Gombak, Petaling, Kuala Langat and Sepang.The ..

KUALA LUMPUR - An unemployed man pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to a masseur using a dangerous weapon last week.Adam Muhammad, 37, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Sani, 30, by using a spanner at a premises in Dang Wangi here at 8.15pm last March 10.The charge, under Section 326 of the Penal Code, provides a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine or whipping if convicted.Deputy Public Prosecutor Vivien Yeap Jie ..

KUALA LUMPUR A female singer, identified as Emily, was acquitted and discharged by the High Court today after her drug trafficking case, which began three years ago, was dismissed sparing her from a possible death sentence or life imprisonment.Judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin made the ruling after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.The accused is acquitted and discharged without having to enter her defence, she said.According to the charge, Emily and three other ..

SHAH ALAM - Malaysias first digital Islamic bank, AEON Bank, launched its Ramadan and Syawal campaign themed Niat di Hati, Budi Terpateri, combining community outreach, financial inclusion initiatives and digital banking rewards aimed at supporting Malaysians during the festive season.Inspired by the spirit of compassion and sharing blessings during Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the campaign emphasised the idea that sincere intentions followed by thoughtful actions can create meaningful ..

KUCHING - The Sarawak State Government has announced that an additional public holiday will be observed in conjunction with this years Aidilfitri celebration.State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the date would depend on the first day of Syawal."If Syawal 1 falls on Friday (March 20), then Monday (March 23), will be declared an additional public holiday throughout Sarawak."If Syawal 1 falls on Saturday (March 21), the extra public holiday in Sarawak will be on Friday, he ..

MELAKA - A man was brought before the Ayer Keroh Magistrates Court here today on a charge of murdering his acquaintance following a dispute over a mobile phone last week.Saiful Hadi Othman, 44, is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with the murder of Muhamad Hanafi Yusof, 25, at a house in Sungai Udang here, between 7.58pm and 8.15pm on March 11 this year.He faces the death sentence or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, and if not sentenced to death, a minimum of 12 strokes of ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Datuk Seri Najib Razak has filed an application at the Federal Court seeking leave to appeal in a bid to revive his RM1.9 million civil suit against former Attorney-General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas.Najib, 72, filed the notice of motion on Feb 10, seeking to challenge the Court of Appeals decision, which upheld the High Courts ruling to dismiss his suit.In the application, Najib raised three legal questions for determination by the Federal Court and requested permission to file a ..

KLANG A record-breaking Ramadan evening has placed Wyndham Acmar Klang in the national spotlight after the hotel hosted the largest iftar gathering ever recorded in a Malaysian hotel, drawing 1,770 diners in a single night.The achievement, officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records, was achieved on March 17, setting a new benchmark for large-scale Ramadan dining experiences in the country.The milestone was part of the hotels signature Ramadan programme themed Santapan Jalur ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The High Court here today allowed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahims bid to strike out an originating summons filed by P. Waytha Moorthy challenging his appointment as Prime Minister and Tambun Member of Parliament (MP).Judge Alice Loke Yee Ching, in allowing the application, held that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the summons, as any challenge to an election must be brought by way of an election petition."The summons is unsustainable and unarguable. The plaintiff (Waytha ..

PUTRAJAYA - Separating food waste from plastic containers and rinsing them before disposal remains one of the most basic, yet frequently overlooked, practices in recycling.Mohd Husaini Saidi, Senior Assistant Secretary (Circular Economy Unit) at the Natural Resources Management Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), said many consumers still assume all plastics can be recycled without prior sorting or cleaning.He noted that plastic containers ..

SUBANG JAYA - As Aidilfitri approaches once more, the usual anticipation of celebration is tempered by unease in Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, Putra Heights, here.It has been almost a year since the Putra Heights gas pipeline explosion tore through the neighbourhood on the second day of Syawal, turning celebration into chaos in a matter of moments.For the residents, the festive season is no longer just about reunion and joy. It is also a painful memory of the tragedy that shattered their homes and ..

KOTA BHARU - Two people were killed in a road accident involving two vehicles at Bandar Baru Tanah Merah along Jalan Machang-Tanah Merah early this morning.Tanah Merah Fire and Rescue Station operations commander Senior Fire Officer Hamdan Abdullah said the victims were a 64-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl."We received an emergency call at 4.35am and on arrival at the scene discovered that the accident involved two vehicles, a Perodua Myvi carrying six people and a BMW 5 Series with one ..

KINABATANGAN A father witnessed a devastating tragedy when his son was killed in a crocodile attack at Kampung Segaliud on Tuesday.The incident, which occurred at about 8pm, saw the victim, Mohd Rayyan Abdullah, 28, disappear from sight after being seized by the reptile while at the river.Kinabatangan Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief Hairi Otuh said an emergency call was received at 8.22pm.The operations commander reported that the victim was attacked by a crocodile while carrying out prawn ..

NILAI Police are continuing their investigation into a theft and extortion case involving urns containing human ashes at a memorial park here last month.Nilai District Police Chief Superintendent Johari Yahya said the incident was reported on February 26 after the management discovered that 30 urns were missing.Preliminary investigations found that the suspect contacted the management via WhatsApp using an international number, claiming to have found the missing ashes.The suspect then ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim has been appointed chairman of U Mobile Sdn Bhd with effect from March 13, 2026 following the relinquishment of Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun from his position as chairman with effect from the close of business on March 12, 2026.Tan will assume the role of founder and adviser to the board, where he will continue to provide guidance and support the companys growth, U Mobile said in a statement today.Tan said that the latest changes in the U Mobile ..

IPOH - A man was killed while helping to refuel his friends vehicle on the roadside in a hit-and-run incident at KM2.6 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) Gerik-Jeli near Gerik yesterday.Gerik district police chief Supt Abdul Samad Othman said police received information about the incident at about 5.15 pm."Initial investigations found that a Proton Saga driven by a man had run out of fuel, and he contacted the 21-year-old victim to deliver petrol. The victim then rode a motorcycle to the ..

MELAKA Police are searching for a 22-year-old man suspected of carrying out a violent assault on his wife, including allegedly running over her head with a motorcycle.The incident occurred in Kota Shahbandar early on Sunday morning and drew widespread attention after a 56-second video went viral on social media.Based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems footage, the suspect, believed to be a delivery rider, was seen slapping and pulling the hair of his 20-year-old wife during the 4am ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Childcare centre operators, especially those running 24-hour centres, have been urged to manage shifts properly to ensure carers get adequate rest and maintain the quality of care for babies and children.Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia (PPBM) president Norsheila Abdullah said the measure is vital to prevent carer fatigue that could lead to neglect or incidents."For 24-hour services, operators cannot have the same staff working the entire shift. Shifts must ..

KUALA LUMPUR - Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran today clarified that he was not present in court during proceedings involving activist Arun Dorasamy today, but had only briefly met him outside the Jawi Magistrates Court.He said he had stopped by the court while on his way back from Penang to speak to Arun and encourage him to trust in the legal process as he prepares to face the proceedings ahead."I have known Arun since I ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The MADANI Government has announced a 50 per cent discount on toll charges in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri to ease the cost of travelling back to hometowns.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made at the Cabinet meeting as part of the government's comprehensive move to help the people address the rising cost of living, particularly during festive seasons."This initiative involves a financial commitment totalling RM21.03 million for the purpose ..

SHAH ALAM The presence of the Deputy Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, alongside an accused during court proceedings has triggered a debate over legal ethics and judicial propriety.The issue was raised by lawyer Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, who highlighted Kulasegarans attendance with activist Arumugam Dorasamy (also known as Arun Dorasamy) during proceedings at the Jawi Magistrates Court.Arumugam was recently charged in relation to a social ..

SHAH ALAM Umno Youth Chief Datuk Dr Muhammad Akmal Saleh has called on the police to clarify the perceived discrepancy in the treatment of two individuals brought to court, specifically regarding the use of handcuffs.He raised concerns over whether separate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were applied, noting that one accused individual was handcuffed while the other was not.One was handcuffed while the other was not. Can the police explain why this happened? Is there a different SOP ..

KUALA LUMPUR - The Federal Territory Mosque has introduced the Barakah Pit Stop, offering motorcyclists and p-hailing riders a place to rest and recharge during their journeys.Minister in the Prime Ministers Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the initiative offers phone charging stations, as well as complimentary food and drinks during Ramadan."I know how tiring it can be, because I used to ride a motorcycle to work myself. Thats why the mosque is the perfect place for them ..