The Star , 12 Aug 2010

THE fasting month for Muslims in Malaysia began yesterday. But even before the announcement was made, stalls selling dates were already up and running in preparation for the holy month.

Traders at the Ramadan bazaar at various parts of the city also began putting up their banners and canopies for the first day of business.

In Kampung Baru, volunteer cooks at the mosque were also busy preparing the famous bubur lambuk (traditional Malay porridge cooked with local herbs and spices).

Upon the completion of the official moon-sighting ceremony and the announcement made, throngs of people made their way to the nearest mosque and surau to perform the Terawih prayer, a special prayer performed only during the fasting month.

Date shopping: Food Institute of Malaysia student Hazwani Nordin, 23, buying dates at Carrefour Tropicana Shopping mall.