Kampung Dong

Kampung Dong is a village where I was born. Situated in the district of Raub, Pahang, nearly 1.7 hours from Kuala Lumpur. I had my primary education at Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan Muhammad Jabar, Dong, from Standard 4 to 6 (when I was 10 to 12 years old). I had a very interesting life here as a child, in which I may not be able to describe in words. Here I portray some pictures of my Dong village.

Signboard to Lata Jarum Waterfall and Pulau Chekas Recreational Park

Dong Mini Town

Dong Islamic School - Sekolah Menengah Agama Al-Ulum Addiniah

Masjid Dong

My grandma's house is on the left and my Uncle Aziz & Auntie Fariza's house is on the right

View from Dong Secondary School (Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dong)
Road to Kuala Lumpur (to the left) || Road to Kelantan (to the right)

Kuala Lumpur at Night

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This photo was taken in 2007 from Tariq's apartment in Kerinchi near University Malaya.

Morning trip to KLIA

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Now is 4.30 in the morning. At around 5 AM I'll join my Uncle Sabri, Uncle Basri, Auntie Hamima and Along Hazrul to fetch my mom, Uncle Abdul Kadir and Auntie Yun at KLIA, who are expected to arrive at 7.05 AM from Saudi Arabia. We are now at our village Dong Shire, Pahang.

Wan Seagar is now married...

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When Wan Seagar called and asked me to attend his wedding in Alor Star, immediately I told him I will. Kulim to Alor Star is about 1.25 hours. So I won't blow the chance to see the great moment. Wan Seagar is a very good friend of mine, although we seldom see each other. When he asked me to become one of the guys to carry his tray of gifts, I said okay although I wasn't sure I like to be one. He said I'll be given a traditional garment such as Baju Melayu and samping. Whereas the songkok, I'll buy on my own, since I'm the only one knows about the size of my head.

His wedding was to be held on 19th December (Friday), so I took leave on 18-19th December. I stayed at my friend's apartment in Sultanah Bahiyyah Hospital. My friend, Widad is a medical doctor there. He helped me to search for the address.

During the big day, I wear black Malay garment, which I haven't wear for almost 10 years. Hmm.. seems I look like a groom.. hehe. We went to a mosque where the 'akad was to be held. Finally he got wed.

My hearty congratulations and best wishes for your marriage, Wan Seagar! May Allah bless you and your wife, and may you live happily ever after!

Malaysian University Ranking 2008

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This is the world ranking involving Malaysian Universities issued by THES-QS for the year 2008:

University of Malaya (230) [up][2007: 246]
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (250) [up][2007: 309]
Universiti Sains Malaysia (313) [down][2007: 307]
Universiti Putra Malaysia (320) [up][2007: 364]
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (356) [up][2007: 416]

Ranking of foreign universities that have branch campuses in Malaysia:

Monash University (HQ: Australia) (47) [down][2007: 43]
University of Nottingham (HQ: UK) (86) [down][2007: 70]
Curtin University of Technology (HQ: Australia) (232) [up][2007: 235]
Swinburne University of Technology (HQ: Australia) (401-500) [NA][2007: >500]
Al-Azhar University (HQ: Egypt) (NA) [NA][2007: >500]

Highest Rank South East Asian University: National University of Singapore (30) [up][2007: 33]
Highest Rank Asian University: University of Tokyo (19) [down][2007: 17]

Iftar at Nurhas

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This is one of the best iftars (breaking of fast) I've ever had with my local friends. Having it at Nurhas Restaurant, Kulim Town, would save a lot of time searching for food at Pasar Ramadan (Ramadan Bazaar). Million thanks to Zubri for proposing the idea since the beginning of Ramadan and also to Khairuldin for making it click.

Truly we were so happy with the food. It was delicious and we really enjoyed it, alhamdulellah. Not forgeting we had our Maghrib followed by Isha' and Tarawih prayers at Kilang Lama Mosque.

From left to right: Azmir, Shams, Zubri, Khairuldin and Yushamdan

Moon Sighting in Malaysia

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For those who doesn't know anything about moon sighting, maybe its time for you to get some knowledge about it. Do homework please. According to the perspective of most Arab students in Malaysia, our country doesn't do moon sighting but fixed the date (pre-decided). This could probably due to the fact that some local calendars portrayed the date of Eid as fixed, just like other big days. I do heard some Arab students got wrong information from locals too. I don't know what to say about these locals but I do believe they are not qualified to talk about the moon sighting or any other religious issues. For those Arab students, I don't totally blame you for your misunderstanding. There are a lot of things you still need to learn about our country.

Does Malaysia really do moon sighting? Based on my knowledge, yes. First of all, let's take a look at the calendar below. Most established calendars in Malaysia will have "SUBJECT TO CHANGE" quoted at the bottom side, indicating the date is not fix. Go check your calendar.

Below are some pictures of moon sighting activities in Malaysia:

Moon sighting at Putrajaya

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Moon sighting at Bukit Malawati, Selangor

Pulau Angsa. Moon sighting was lead by Selangor's Deputy Mufti, Abdul Majid

Bukit Malawati. Moon sighting was lead by Selangor's Mufti, Dato' Tamyes Abdul Wahid

Port Dickson. Moon sighting was lead by Negri's Mufti, Dato' Murtadza Ahmad

Brunei. Last but not least, moon sighting was also conducted in Brunei