Public holiday on Nov 18, 19 in Sarawak, declares Abang Jo

KUCHING: The Sarawak government has declared Nov 18 and 19 as public holidays, in conjunction with the 15th general election (GE15).

In a statement on Tuesday (Nov 15), the Sarawak Premier's Office said this followed the Federal Government's announcement to the same effect to allow voters to return to their respective polling stations to vote.

ALSO READ: Public holiday and toll-free travel for GE15

Earlier Tuesday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said polling eve on Friday (Nov 18) would be a public holiday in the state.

"I discussed this with the Prime Minister on Monday (Nov 14) in Selangau and he later announced a public holiday, especially on Nov 18, so that voters can go home to vote.

"Since this is the decision, Sarawak will also declare a holiday on Nov 18," he told reporters after opening an administration building in Tanjung Manis, in central Sarawak.

He added this was important to allow the democratic process to go ahead smoothly and facilitate voting.

Last Saturday (Nov 12), Abang Johari had said Sarawak did not feel it was necessary to declare a public holiday on polling eve as an extra rest day for workers could affect productivity.

He had said the state government needed to consider the economic impact of a decision like declaring a special public holiday.