USM PENANG, 22 April 2023 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, on behalf of the University leadership, wished Happy Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2023/1444H to the entire USM community, including the alumni as well as the main stakeholders who are always close to USM.

“I believe the ibadah and tarbiyah throughout the month of Ramadan Al-Mubarak have instilled in us the most desirable traits, and made us become a better and more positive ummah. It is my hope that the month of Ramadan, which has shaped our lives, would continue our istiqamah and acts of worship towards Allah S.W.T.

"As we usher in the month of Syawal, may this year's Eid be a starting point for all of us Muslims to celebrate it together with our families, loved ones and friends of all races, religions and background with full of joy and gratitude, in moderation and not to be extravagant, and in the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.

“As part of the USM community, let’s make full use of this celebration as a platform for us to strengthen the bond of brotherhood, to be united and work together in the face of all challenges, so as to bring USM forward and achieve our aspiration towards higher education excellence and universal prosperity,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said further, “in whatever we do, let's not forget those who are less fortunate and those who are afflicted by misfortune, especially the people we know and those who are facing a humanitarian crisis, war, oppression and other disasters; and let us be mindful and grateful for all the blessings we have enjoyed so far.”

"We should not take a careless attitude with any matter that disturbs or threatens the well-being of society, religion and the country. Instead, we need to work hard to preserve the harmony and ensure the nation’s peace and prosperity that has been formed for so long for generations to come," he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also hopes that the Aidilfitri celebration this time will bring more prosperity, happiness and excellence to all and our beloved APEX-status University.

“Alhamdulillah, despite the various trials and tribulations, USM has attained a significant achievement that we can be proud of at the national and international level, and I strongly believe it is the outcome of the sincerity, determination, cooperation and sacrifice made by each member of the USM community,” said Abdul Rahman.

The Vice-Chancellor also paid tribute to the frontliners especially the doctors, medical officers, nurses, security officers and all who sacrificed their celebrations with their respective families so that others can celebrate with theirs, such as those at Hospital USM and USM Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (IPPT), as well as personnel from various PTJs in all the campuses who are on standby during the Hari Raya holidays.

He reminded those travelling back to their hometowns to be mindful of the law and road safety regulations while on the road, and to take the necessary precautionary measures such as wearing a face mask, avoiding crowded places, taking COVID-19 test and avoiding contact with others if found to be positive in view of the reported increase in COVID-19 cases, throughout this festive season.

“Do return safely to the campus with a renewed spirit to give our best and move together as one entity to continue to lead and drive the university towards excellence,” added the Vice-Chancellor. 

Muslims all over the country celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on 22 April 2023 after a month-long rewarding and blessed Ramadan. 

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI. Maaf Zahir Batin.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe