Cover image via Anwar Ibrahim
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Malaysians will enjoy a four-day break this Hari Raya Aidilfitri, following the government's announcement of an extra public holiday
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the extra day off will depend on when Aidilfitri is officially declared.
If the festival falls on Friday, 20 March, the government will designate Monday, 23 March, as an additional public holiday.
However, if Aidilfitri falls on Saturday, 21 March, the extra public holiday will be observed on Friday, 20 March instead.
Either way, Malaysians are set to enjoy a four-day festive break, combining the Aidilfitri public holidays with the extra day off.
Anwar said the early announcement was meant to help the public plan their balik kampung trips and festive celebrations.
"Whether Aidilfitri is celebrated on Friday or Saturday, there is no need to worry, we will provide an additional Hari Raya holiday," he said yesterday, 15 March.
Following the announcement, the Ministry of Human Resources urged employers to give workers flexibility to make the most of the extended holiday period
In a statement, the ministry welcomed the move, describing it as a gesture recognising Malaysians' dedication throughout Ramadan.
The ministry noted that the additional holiday is declared under the Holidays Act 1951, which allows the government to gazette public holidays.
It added that the day would be treated as a public holiday for private sector employees under Section 60D of the Employment Act 1955.
Under the provision, employers are allowed to replace the declared holiday with another day as a paid substitute leave if necessary.
However, employers must inform employees in advance whether the leave will be observed on the announced date or replaced with another day.
The ministry also reminded companies that workers required to report for duty on the declared public holiday must be paid according to public holiday rates under the Employment Act.
At the same time, employers were encouraged to support work-life balance by giving staff flexibility to celebrate the festive season with their families.
The ministry said such an approach aligns with the government's efforts to build a more inclusive and humane working environment.
