A former Playboy model is observing Ramadan for the first time after converting to Islam.

Felixia Yeap, who became the third Malaysian women ever to pose for the men's magazine when she appeared in Playboy Philippines, described her transition as a "rebirth".

In a message posted on her Facebook page she told her 835,000 followers that she never felt close to God until she embraced Islam.

"I went to Catholic Church every Sunday evening for two years. I've tried to understand Christianity," she told her fans.

"I've tried to find new meaning in worshipping Kuan Yin and others. I also tried to adopt Buddhist practices. But my heart never felt close to God. My heart never felt touched.

"Today is an historic date for me. It's like a rebirth. Incidentally, this year, my birthday falls on the 5th of Ramadan."

"I'm more excited to know that this date falls on a Thursday, the Prophet Muhammad's favourite day."

Yeap signed off the post by saying she was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her life.

"I hope everyone will pray that I will be steadfast and committed in my new journey," she said.

"Only Allah can repay all those who prayed for my new life."

The 28-year-old beauty converted to her new faith at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail Mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Yeap, who has now started wearing a hijab, has never posed nude.