KUALA TERENGGANU: After a 10-year hiatus, the Negara bell on Bukit Puteri here will ring again to call Muslims to prayer and break fast during Ramadan.
The bell is being rung half-an-hour before sahur and breaking fast.
It is also part of the efforts by the state government to revive the state's heritage.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh said the state had previously brought back batik, songket and traditional boat-making.
"The state is blessed with a rich heritage and traditions.
"So from now on, during Ramadan the bell will ring again," he said, adding that the idea to revive this came when he was performing terawih prayers two days ago.
Idris added that the bell would also be rung before Hari Raya prayers and at midnight everyday.
The state government is also considering ringing the bell on special occasions like the upcoming Monsoon Cup.
Weighing 175kg and standing at 78cm, the brass bell was made during the reign of Sultan Zainal Abidin III in 1908.
It was used to warn villagers of impending enemy attacks and acted as a fire alarm.
It was also used to call villagers for imsak prayers and to mark the Sultan's arrival at the mosque for Hari Raya prayers.

(published: 18/10/2006)