KUCHING: The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) has welcomed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement declaring September 15 as an additional public holiday in conjunction with this year’s Malaysia Day celebration.
Its Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong described the declaration as a meaningful gesture for workers across both public and private sectors nationwide.
“This additional holiday provides an opportunity for all Malaysians to celebrate unity, strengthen national spirit, and appreciate the uniqueness of the formation Malaysia as a nation of diverse races, religions and cultures,” he said in a statement today.
Sim added that the long weekend could also be used for recreational activities, thus enhancing the overall well-being of workers.
“Economic activities can also be stimulated during the long break, thereby having a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.
Sim therefore called upon all Malaysians to embrace the spirit of Malaysia Day in strengthening national harmony and well-being.
On the implementation of the additional public holiday, he explained that it is subjected to the provisions of existing employment laws, namely Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 [Act 265] for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, the Labour Ordinance of Sabah (Chapter 67), the Labour Ordinance of Sarawak (Chapter 76), and the Holidays Act 1951 [Act 369] as the basis for the official declaration of the additional holiday by the government.
Sim also reminded employers that they are required to comply with the declaration and may choose to provide the additional public holiday with regular pay, require employees to work and pay them according to public holiday rates or offer a replacement day off if employees are required to work on the declared holiday.
“To ensure fair and orderly implementation, the Labour Department (JTK) nationwide is ready to provide advisory services and respond to any enquiries from employers and employees,” he said.
He said employers or workers in need of guidance may contact the JTKSM hotline at 03-88865192 / 5937, email jtksm@mohr.gov.my, or visit the nearest JTK office.
