Goodwill: Sim (left) and Fahmi believe the additional holiday reflects the spirit of Malaysia Day.
Procedures must be followed as Sept 15 is declared public holiday
PETALING JAYA: Employers must comply with the public holiday declared for Sept 15 by either giving employees the day off with regular pay or pay public holiday rates if they are required to work, says the Human Resources Ministry.
Minister Steven Sim said employers can also offer a replacement day off for those who are required to work on that day.
He explained the implementation of the holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955, the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) and the Holidays Act 1951, and it must be done fairly.
“This long weekend can be used to promote wellness among workers and stimulate local economic activities.
“This, in turn, contribute positively to the community,” he said in response to the Prime Minister’s announcement that Sept 15 is an additional public holiday.
Sept 15 falls on a Monday, creating a long weekend as it is followed by the Malaysia Day public holiday on Sept 16.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the gesture is to honour the unity and uniqueness that underpin the formation of Malaysia.
Sim said the holiday reflects the spirit of Malaysia Day, providing an opportunity for citizens to come together and strengthen national pride.
“This will also allow the public to appreciate the country’s multiracial and multicultural identity,” he added. He also called on Malaysians to embrace the occasion by fostering harmony and solidarity in conjunction with the national celebration.
To support a smooth rollout, the Labour Department is ready to assist employers and workers.
“To ensure the implementation of the additional public holiday is fair and organised, the Labour Department is prepared to provide advisory services and answer queries from employers and workers regarding the implementation of this additional public holiday,” he said.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Prime Minister’s announcement reflects the government’s commitment to ease the people’s burden with various forms of assistance.
He said the government’s initiative would also further boost economic growth, provide relief to the people and strengthen the country’s fiscal resilience in the face of global uncertainties.
“The government will continue to balance the need to improve the country’s financial position with the responsibility to safeguard the well-being of the people,” he said, Bernama reported.
Fahmi, who is also National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations main committee chairman, called on Malaysians to raise the spirit of love for the country.
“This is the time for us to unite our hearts, appreciate the blessings of independence and together contribute to the prosperity of the country,” he said.
He said the government would continue to strengthen the development agenda through the 13th Malaysia Plan and the 2026 Budget which is currently being worked on for the benefit of the people.
