Malaysian Independence Day

In this 2012, Malaysia celebrated its 55th Independence Day (Hari Kemerdekaan Malaysia 2012) on Friday, 31 August 2012. Just like the previous years, Malaysia Independence Day 2012 will be celebrated throughout August 2012 and possibly extended until mid-September 2012. Malaysia observe the Independence Day 2012 as a public holiday. This year 2012, the theme of Malaysia Independence Day will be “Janji Ditepati” (A Promise Fulfilled).

The logo of Malaysian Independence Day In 2012

Lets take a look a joyful celebration in Dataran Merdeka during the Independence Day :

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Eid Celebration

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.

Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr(charity of fast-breaking).

On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.

After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts (especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days.

Eid al-Fitr malay food tradition in Malaysia :

Lemang

ketupat

Buras

Lodeh

Kelupis

For Malaysian, we also have a 'kuih raya' to give to the guest while visiting the house such as :

Almond London is one of the popular cookies in hari raya

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What is Ramadhan ?

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The five pillars are:

1. Faith - Faith entails believing we should only worship the Creator of the Universe and not worship human beings, animals, statues, our desires, or anything else. Faith also entails belief that our Creator sent guidance of right and wrong via messengers such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the Final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad. His message served to purify the guidance of the previous messengers from alterations made by mankind over the centuries. His message also provided a comprehensive set of divine laws for humankind, applicable to all situations for all times to come.

1. Prayer - Establishing prayer five times a day, serving as a reminder through out the day of our purpose in life: to worship our Creator.

1. Zakat - Mandatory charity given once a year by those who have the means. Voluntary charity is also heavily emphasized in Islam.

1. Fasting - Abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations during the month of Ramadan, thereby developing characteristics of patience, self-restraint, and God consciousness.

1. Hajj - Pilgrimage to the city of Mecca for those who are financially and physically able. It is a spiritual quest of submission to God and purification of the heart.

Every year during the Islamic the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast daily, from dawn until dusk. Fasting entails abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. By withholding ourselves from some of our most basic and carnal needs and desires, Muslims develop self-restraint: the ability to stop ourselves from doing something we deeply desire, simply out of obedience to our Creator. This month-long training helps us develop the strength to live a life of purity and obedience to God despite the temptation to sin.
Those who are sick, elderly, traveling, or women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break their fast and make up the missed days at a later time. If they are unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children are required to begin fasting from the age of puberty.
Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is regarded principally as a method of spiritual self purification. For example, by cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, a fasting person gains greater sympathy with those who go hungry, thereby becoming a more compassionate and generous person.
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Fitr. The entire community comes together for special prayers and to congratulate each other. The rest of the day is typically spent visiting friends and family, enjoying time together.

Kurma is a sunnah fruit for fasting break

Fasting break food in Malaysia

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Istana Maziah

Located near Bukit Puteri in Kuala Terengganu, it is the pride of the Sultanate institution in Terengganu. This palace is still used for official ceremonies such as the inauguration of Sultan Terengganu, circumcision, ear piercing, marriage and welcoming official state guests. 

Istana Maziah was built to replace Istana Hijau, which had burnt down. The Istana Hijau was built during the reign of Sultan Omar on 10 March, 1870. The architect of Istana Maziah is Tengku Chik Abu Bakar bin Tengku Abdul Jalil. He is a relative of Sultan Zainal Abidin III. Others also contributed towards the completion of the blue print and furnishing of Istana Maziah, including Engku Besar Paduka Raja Sayyid Abdullah bin Zin Al-Idrus, Muhammad bin Abdul Rahim (Encik Mat), and Dato Mata-Mata. 

Wood supply to build the Istana from Dungun came under the responsibility of Tengku Panglima Besar Tengku Muda Kechik. While bricks and chalk were handled by Tengku Besar Paduka Indera.  The Istana Maziah had its early foundations built from a mixture of chalk, clay, sand salts, egg white and sugars. Almost 20 carpenters of Malay and Chinese descent were involved in the building of Istana Maziah. 

Several refurbishments were carried throughout the reign of Sultan Sulaiman Badrul Alam Shah (1920 -1942) and Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah (1945- 1979). Further additions were carried out to the Istana buildings in 1972 and 1998.

For more information visit http://www.tourism.gov.my

*thankyou for reading this entryhttp://wonderfulmalaysia2012.blogspot.com/istanamaziah

Rembau Crystal

The Negeri Sembilan Institute has set up a special site in Rembau District, the largest crystal village complex in Malaysia. It recently opened on 1st December 2007. The Rembau Crystal Village is also a training complex, manufacturer and exhibition site. The structure of the Rembau Crystal gallery is also a unique insight into the Malay Minangkabau architectural heritage. 

The products made and sold here are from crystal and come in different forms. These include table lamps, crystal souvenirs, dining ware, accessories and much more. Crystal made with the highest international standards is sold here. The crystal village is also a venue for local youths to learn the craft of crystal making, as well as the opportunity to sell their handicrafts. This also helps to put Rembau on the Malaysian tourist map.  Come over to the largest crystal village in Malaysia and find great bargains galore!

For more information visit http://www.tourism.gov.my

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1 Malaysia Green and Clean

As Malaysians we have much to be proud of, and thankful for. We share a rich cultural heritage, a peaceful existence, and a stable political and economic climate. But more importantly, we live in a beautiful land, endowed with a wealth of remarkable natural wonders that has become the source of awe, admiration and inspiration of people from all over the world. This land is truly blessed.

It is imperative that we do not take our blessings for granted. It is vital that we play an essential role as custodians of this land not only for the benefit of all mankind, but also for our children and future generation. It is time for us to take action. This is not the job for one person or organisation. We all have to take equal responsibility as Malaysians, in an equal and One Malaysia.

My Ministry has established this site with the aim of highlighting and hopefully addressing this decline. It is important that we keep our tourist sites clean, litter free and ever enchanting not only for our visitors, but also for our children. I call on you to help us in our endeavour. Please bring to light the areas that need cleaning by posting photographs on this site. Let us now stand together, with one aim, as One Malaysia, to clean up the mess. Let us “Think Tourism, Act Tourism” towards a clean and green Malaysia.

Message by
Y.B. Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
The Honorable Minister of Tourism Malaysia

Support 1 Malaysia Green and Clean ! 

For more information, visit 

http://www.1malaysiagreenandclean.com.my/

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Appreciate our Malaysia Historical Sites

Malaysia has many interesting and historical places that are well known in throughout the world. These places have always been visited by many tourists and travelers and are really amazed by their wonderful features. Discover the 7 best historic places in Malaysia. 

Here are seven of the many historical places in Malaysia, a country that is truly Asia :

1) The Malacca Sultanate Palace Museum

2) The Saint Paul Church In Malacca

3) The A-Famosa Fortress

4) The Stadthuys

5) The Bukit China

6) Kampung Kling Mosque

7) The Cheng Hoon Teng

So, all the place information comes shortly for the next entry. so, wait to the another entry :')

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