PETALING JAYA: Residents in Klang Valley and several other areas will experience an "afternoon without a shadow", as this is when the Sun is directly overhead at the equator at 1.19pm on Monday (March 28), a phenomenon known as the equinox, says Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (pic).

       "I urge the entire Malaysian Family to experience this phenomenon.

       "Many are urged to come out a bit earlier to see for themselves the changes in the shadows of objects in the surrounding," the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said in a press statement on Monday.

       Based on the National Space Agency, the phenomenon occurs between March 21 and Sept 15, marking the beginning of a new season.

       Dr Adham noted that March 21 is the day which has the equal length of time separating day and night, with Malaysia beginning to experience this phenomenon on March 23 owing to the country's location on the equator.

       He said Sri Aman, Betong, Mukah in Sarawak and Kukup in Johor, were the first locations in the country to undergo this phenomenon on March 23.

       Besides the Klang Valley and surrounding areas, he said the phenomenon will continue until April 7, with Kudat and Jambongan being the last two locations for "an afternoon without shadow".

       On March 29, Maran, Kuala Kubu Baru, Bentong, Mentakab, Rawang, Kuala Selangor will experience the event between 1.14pm to 1.21pm.

       Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar and Cameron Highlands will experience the phenomenon on April 1 at about 1.19pm, while Penangites will get to experience it on April 3 at about 1.23pm.