First-Ever Christmas Outdoor Skating Rink in KLCC with big Christmas Tree displayed to mark Christmas celebration this month. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: With several public holidays falling close to weekends in 2026, employees will be able to enjoy longer breaks if they plan their annual leave properly.
This is because they will be able to stretch 15 national public holidays listed under the Prime Minister’s Department into 52 days off work, not including state public holidays.
For example, the Chinese Lunar New Year celebration is on a Tuesday and Wednesday on Feb 17 and 18. If an employee takes Monday, Thursday and Friday off, it would mean getting a whole week off to enjoy the festivities.
Meanwhile, Hari Raya Aidiladha is expected to fall on a Wednesday and Thursday on May 27 and 28, and applying for leave on a Friday would mean those who celebrate get to enjoy a five-day break through the weekend.
For Sarawakians, the Gawai state public holiday is expected to fall on June 1 and 2, a Monday and Tuesday, which also coincides with the Wesak national holiday on Sunday, May 31 and the King’s birthday on Monday, June 1.
This would result in a more than four-day break beginning on Saturday.
Joseph Kaos Jr, 39, from Kuching, said he is looking forward to the extended break during the Gawai festivities.
“I can save my annual leave and still have a long break to enjoy the celebration,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Kaos, who works at Sarawak Energy, said he is likely to spend the long break driving back to his hometown in Padawan.
“I will try to avoid flying out during the break, as plane tickets are usually more expensive during the holiday period.
“So, by saving my annual leave, I will be able to go on holiday during non-peak season,” he added.
Eddie Puah, 56, from Sibu, said he is looking forward to the extended break to be with his family.
The assistant general manager said he does not intend to travel – to avoid traffic jams or pay higher airfares during the peak holiday season.
“I just want to spend quality time in Sibu.
“This includes visiting my Muslim and Dayak friends during the festive period to keep the Open House spirit alive,” he said.
Meanwhile, veteran tour guide Shaukani Abbas, 68, said longer holiday breaks will be a boon for the domestic tourism sector, particularly for destinations such as Penang, Langkawi and Melaka.
“Some will take the opportunity to take a short getaway trip to visit tourist destinations with family around the country.
“This will increase tourism spending, which will benefit both the smaller and major tourism players,” he said yesterday.
However, he said proper planning must be made to ensure the longer holiday breaks do not add pressure to the tourism sector.
“They need to start planning now. The longer break may lead to overcrowding at popular destinations, a shortage of lodging places and traffic congestion along some highways and roads.
“This could affect visitors’ satisfaction,” he said.
He added that frontline workers in the tourism sector may also face burnout due to the continuous flow of visitors.
Melaka Tourism Association president Madelina Quah said civil servants would be the happiest as they will be able to enjoy the longer holiday break while saving on their annual leave.
She added that some states would benefit from the longer holiday breaks, which would help boost the local economy.
