Ministry: Additional Aidilfitri holiday must be observed or replaced, those working entitled to public holiday pay rates

PUTRAJAYA (March 16): The Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma) has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on the provision of an additional public holiday in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

In a statement, the ministry said based on the announcement, if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Friday, March 20, the government will declare Monday, March 23, as an additional public holiday.

Alternatively, if Aidilfitri falls on Saturday, the additional holiday will be observed on Friday, March 20.

The move is intended to provide Malaysians with more time and flexibility to return to their hometowns to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families.

Kesuma said the additional holiday is in line with provisions under the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369), which grants the government the authority to declare public holidays.

The declared holiday will therefore apply to private sector employees, subject to Section 60D of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265).

Under the provision, employers may substitute the declared public holiday with another day as a paid public holiday for employees.

Employers are required to inform their workers about the arrangement for the additional holiday, whether it will be observed on the declared date or replaced with another suitable day.

Employees who are required to work on the declared public holiday are entitled to public holiday pay rates as stipulated under the Employment Act 1955.

Kesuma also urged employers to consider granting flexibility in leave arrangements as part of a caring employment practice that supports work-life balance.

“The ministry believes that festive celebrations such as Aidilfitri are a meaningful time for workers to be with their families and loved ones. Granting leave flexibility will allow employees to celebrate the occasion in an atmosphere of togetherness, harmony, and well-being,” the ministry said.

It added that such an approach aligns with the Madani Government’s efforts to strengthen work-life balance while fostering a more inclusive and humane working environment.

Kesuma said mutual understanding and consideration between employers and employees would contribute to more harmonious industrial relations while boosting workforce motivation and productivity in the long term.

The ministry encouraged employers and workers to engage in constructive discussions to ensure business operations continue smoothly while allowing employees to celebrate Aidilfitri meaningfully with their families.

Kesuma also expressed hope that this year’s Aidilfitri celebration will bring joy, well-being, and a spirit of togetherness to all Malaysians.

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