Muslims in the country should take the opportunity to strengthen ties between one another, particularly among the less privileged, in conjunction with the month of Ramadan, said Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The Prime Minister said in his Ramadan Message that Muslims were required to enhance their contributions and services to those who required assistance in the holy month.

"We are thankful that the Muslims in Malaysia are always able to contribute to and assist the less privileged among us whether within or outside the country.

"Through this contribution, we can feel together the hardship suffered by the less privileged group and the fasting month actually raises the awareness of the people to share the sustenance and blessings showered by Allah SWT with the less privileged group," he said.

The Prime Minister's message in conjunction with the month of Ramadan was uploaded in the website www.najibrazak.com yesterday.

Najib also reminded Muslims in the country to take the opportunity in the month of Ramadan to strengthen their spiritual well-being to ensure a better life in the hereafter.

He said that the practice of fasting had been proven to be able to train mankind to always be patient in facing any disaster or challenges in life.

"In fact, fasting also trains us to be punctual especially in taking the pre-dawn meal or breaking of the fast.

The Prime Minister also hoped that the month of Ramadan this year could enhance the devotion of Muslims through the practice of fasting or abstinence.

"May our country receive the maximum blessings, mercy and forgiveness promised by Allah the Almighty in the month of Ramadan.

"My good wishes to those observing the fast in the month of Ramadan al-Mubarak," Najib added.