WEDNESDAY, 18 MARCH 2026
BY TNS NEWS TEAM
Two days to Hari Raya. The nationwide balik kampung movement is in full swing, while attention builds toward tomorrow night’s moon sighting that will determine the start of Syawal.
1. RAYA COUNTDOWN — DECISION NIGHT AHEAD
Malaysia enters the final stretch of Ramadan with the official sighting of the Syawal crescent set for Thursday evening, 19 March 2026 (29 Ramadan 1447H), at 29 locations nationwide. The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal will announce the date of Hari Raya Aidilfitri later that same evening via national broadcast.
The determination will follow Malaysia’s established dual approach — combining rukyah (visual sighting) and hisab (astronomical calculation).
Two outcomes remain possible. If the crescent is sighted, Hari Raya will fall on Friday, 20 March. In that scenario, the government has already indicated Monday, 23 March as an additional public holiday, creating a four-day break. If the crescent is not sighted, Syawal begins on Saturday, 21 March, with Friday, 20 March designated as the replacement holiday — also resulting in a long weekend, though with different travel implications.
Attention now turns to weather conditions at observation sites, which could influence visibility. Regardless, the official declaration is expected before 10pm on Thursday — a moment watched closely by millions of Malaysians.
2. BALIK KAMPUNG SURGE — TRAFFIC AT PEAK LEVELS
Highway traffic has entered peak Hari Raya mode, with 18 to 20 March identified as the busiest travel window. Traffic volumes are expected to reach around 2.3 million vehicles on peak days — significantly above normal levels and comparable to major festive surges.
Congestion has already been reported across key routes as early departures began earlier this week. The North-South Expressway northbound and routes towards the East Coast remain the primary pressure points.
A nationwide 50% toll discount for Class 1 private vehicles is currently in effect from 18 to 19 March, aimed at easing travel costs. Rail and ferry services are also operating at high capacity, with strong demand for intercity travel and island routes.
Authorities are in active traffic management mode, with enforcement and monitoring heightened nationwide. The key risk factor remains accidents rather than volume alone, as real-time traffic updates continue to dominate public attention throughout the day.
3. FUEL PRICE WATCH — 5PM ANNOUNCEMENT IN FOCUS
The weekly fuel price adjustment is due at 5pm today, with heightened attention given recent volatility in global oil markets.
For the outgoing cycle, unsubsidised RON95 stood at RM3.27 per litre, RON97 at RM3.85, and diesel in Peninsular Malaysia at RM3.92 — reflecting the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy prices. The subsidised Budi95 rate remains unchanged at RM1.99.
Brent crude has eased from recent highs above US$119 to around US$90, opening the possibility of some moderation in domestic prices. However, any adjustment remains uncertain.
With the government already highlighting the scale of subsidy commitments, today’s announcement will be closely interpreted as an indicator of post-Raya cost pressures, particularly on transport and supply chains.
4. UMNO CONSOLIDATION — KHAIRY’S RETURN IN MOTION
Away from the festive spotlight, political developments continue to unfold. Khairy Jamaluddin’s application to rejoin UMNO under the Rumah Bangsa initiative is progressing, with party leadership signalling a streamlined evaluation process.
The move carries symbolic weight as UMNO works to consolidate support ahead of the next general election. Observers note that the party’s ability to regain ground may depend in part on re-engaging former key figures.
Decisions are expected after the Hari Raya period, with attention likely to shift to potential electoral positioning and internal party dynamics.
BOTTOM LINE
Two timelines define the next 24 hours.
The 5pm fuel price announcement will set the immediate economic tone heading into the festive period. Attention then shifts to Thursday night’s moon sighting, which will determine the start of Syawal and trigger the official holiday schedule.
By Friday morning, both the economic and festive outlook will be clear.
The journey home is well underway across the country. Travel safely.
From the TNS News desk, we extend our warmest wishes to all Muslim readers. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
— TNS NEWS | tnsnews.com.my