Cover image via Hari Anggara/NurPhoto/AFP
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The government has confirmed public holidays for Wesak Day and the Official Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on 31 May and 1 June, respectively
In a statement, the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) noted that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday is one of five compulsory paid public holidays for private sector employees in Peninsular Malaysia, including the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Under the Employment Act 1955, this holiday cannot be substituted for another day.
Wesak Day falls under a different category; it's one of six elective paid public holidays that employers may choose to include for their employees.
A monk is sitting in front of the Buddha statue during the Wesak Day celebration.
Image via Chris Jung/NurPhoto/AFPSo what happens since Wesak Day falls on Sunday, 31 May?
Since Wesak Day lands on a Sunday this year, a replacement holiday kicks in.
Employers who observe Sunday as a rest day and have selected Wesak Day as a public holiday must give employees 1 June, Monday, as the King's Birthday holiday, and 2 June, Tuesday, as the Wesak Day replacement.
The replacement date can be shifted to another day, but only with employees' consent.
What if you're asked to work on a public holiday?
Employees earning RM4,000 and below, or those covered under the First Schedule of the Employment Act 1955, are entitled to payment at the prescribed rates if asked to work on a public holiday.
KESUMA has reminded employers that compliance with these requirements is mandatory.
TL;DR
| Date | Occasion | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 31 May (Sun) | Wesak Day | Elective |
| 1 June (Mon) | Agong's Official Birthday | Compulsory |
| 2 June (Tue) | Wesak Day (Replacement) | Substitution |
