MUSLIM Singaporeans will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Wednesday amid rising prices worldwide.

But Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Yaacob Ibrahim is confident that the community can adjust and celebrate the festive occasion 'within our means'.

In his annual message on Tuesday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, Dr Yaacob gave the community a pat on the back for its progressive outlook and recounted its efforts in religious education, helping the less fortunate and being a model Muslim community in a country of various races and religions.

'Our community continues on the path of progress - in education, employment and quality of life - together with fellow Singaporeans,' he said.

Dr Yaacob, who is the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources as well, also drew attention to the Government's role in helping the community cope with rising prices.

'We are fortunate that sound planning has cushioned us from the kinds of shocks felt in other countries,' he said.

Pointing to the savings made by the Government in good times, he said it was why Singaporeans were getting higher Growth Dividends - the second payout for this year will be given on Wednesday - and U-Save rebates for utilities to help them cope with the higher cost of living.

He called on families to be thrifty, save and give priority to their children's education. With the national examinations being held soon, he added: 'We pray for their success.'

Dr Yaacob also stressed the importance of religious education to the community's well-being.

With the impending changes to the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund, he foresees part-time religious classes for students to be improved, full-time madrasahs strengthened and skills of religious teachers upgraded.

Also, the fund will help the community address its unique concerns. He did not identify them, but helping families with multiple difficulties, from divorce to delinquent children, has been a key issue.

The minister also touched on the community's compassion for the poor, regardless of their race and religion.

It collected some $1.3 million for disaster victims in Asia through the Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings To All) movement. And by coming under the Human Organ Transplant Act this August, nearly 30 more lives can be saved yearly, he added.

Observing that diversity is proudly celebrated here, Dr Yaacob said: 'Over Ramadan, scenes of porridge being prepared and served by Muslims from all walks of life - old and young, locals and foreigners, blue-collar workers and professionals - were repeated in our mosques all over.'

'We shared our food and welcomed friends of other faiths to join us in the breaking of fast, before we stood shoulder-to-shoulder in prayer. This is a tradition we can be proud of.'

The Prime Minister wishes all Muslims 'Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri'.