Muslims around the world will be celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad or Maulidur Rasul twice this year, first on Jan 3 this year for 1436 based on the Hijri (H) calendar, and on Dec 24 for the year 1437 (H).

Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Othman Mustapha said preparations for the national-level celebrations at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang was progressing smoothly with a full dress rehearsal held Wednesday morning.

"Preparations are already at 90 per cent, and we have also arranged for 12,000 seats which will be placed in the hall for 125 contingents from various public and private entities.

"This year we have about 200 motorcyclists (superbikes) who will also join our parade while reading the salawat (praise on the Prophet). We hope this will attract more people to participate," he said.

Othman said the celebration which was usually held in the mosque, was being relocated to a larger hall to avoid congestion.

"Before this, when we held the celebrations in the mosque, many contingents were unable to enter, and many of them had to gather outside," he said.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, and the Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Hajah Haminah, are expected to attend the ceremony, he added.

The ceremony will be broadcasted live on RTM's TV1 and replayed on TV Al-Hijrah.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak through his latest entry on his blog www.najibrazak.com, called upon Muslims to be grateful for the double celebration of Maulidur Rasul this year.

"Indeed, the deeds and sacrifices of Rasulullah SAW is so great for us Muslims. He and his companions had endured numerous hardships and suffering in upholding the teachings and tenets of Islam, and to build this nation," he said.

Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) director Paimuzi Yahya said the Maulidur Rasul celebration in the federal territory this year, would be held at Masjid Al-Mukhlisin, Cheras, tonight.

"Our programme will begin after the Maghrib prayers with a special Maulidur Rasul speech which will be delivered by Ustaz Mohd Izhar Ariff (UKM religious lecturer).

He said 11 special awards would also be given out during the ceremony to individuals and organizations. The winners would receive cash prizes and trophies.

More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the ceremony, comprising representatives of various government agencies, statutory bodies and mosques, as well as the general public, he added.