KUALA LUMPUR – The sighting of the new moon of Zulhijjah to determine the date of Aidiladha has been scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 29 designated locations across the country.
In a statement today, the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal confirmed that the official date for the festival will be announced that same evening through live radio and television broadcasts.
“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 statement read.
Observers will be stationed at key vantage points nationwide to perform the sighting. In Johor, the process will take place at the Baitul Hilal Sultan Ismail Building in Pontian, while Melaka will utilize the Al-Khawarizmi Astronomy Complex in Kampung Balik Batu, Tanjung Bidara. In Negeri Sembilan, sightings will be conducted at the Negeri Sembilan Observatory (MAINS).
Selangor will host sightings at three locations: Baitul Hilal Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, Baitul Hilal Bukit Jugra in Banting, and the Selangor Observatory in Sabak Bernam. In Perak, the sighting will occur at Baitul Hilal Pantai Pasir Panjang in Manjung, while Penang will observe from the Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre in Pantai Aceh.
Kedah has identified three sites: Kampung Pulau Sayak in Kuala Muda, Pemandangan Indah on Langkawi Island, and Menara Alor Setar. Terengganu will conduct sightings at Bukit Besar in Kuala Terengganu, Bukit Geliga in Kemaman, Pulau Perhentian in Besut, and the KUSZA Observatory in Setiu.
In Kelantan, the locations include Bukit Peraksi in Pasir Puteh, Bukit Kampong Tembeling in Kuala Krai, and Menara Bangunan SEDC in Kota Bharu. Sarawak’s sightings will be held at the Miri Falak Centre, Teluk Bandung in Kuching, and the Bintulu Falak Centre, while Sabah will observe from the Al-Biruni Observatory at Tanjung Dumpil, Putatan.
Pahang will monitor the moon from Bukit Tanjong Batu in Nenasi, Gunung Brinchang in Cameron Highlands, and Menara 188 in Kuantan.
The final four locations comprise the 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 in Kuala Perlis. – May 8, 2026