KUALA LUMPUR: The additional Hari Raya holiday announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim could help stimulate local businesses by encouraging travel and spending, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic).
“In tourism, an extra day can help other industries as well. With one more day of holiday, more people can return to their hometown, spend time with their family, go shopping and even plan domestic trips,” said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister.
This would help boost local tourism, he said when contacted.
Anwar had earlier announced that if Hari Raya falls on Friday, the following Monday (March 23) would be declared an additional public holiday.
If it falls on Saturday, Friday would be designated as the extra holiday.
This led to the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia commenting that the practice of declaring additional holidays at short notice would disrupt business operations.
Its president Datuk William Ng acknowledged that the association understood the government’s gesture in showing appreciation to hardworking Malaysians, but “the practice of declaring ‘surprise’ or ad hoc public holidays is an unhealthy economic habit that must stop”.
Tiong, when contacted yesterday, urged the public and business community not to misinterpret the Prime Minister’s intention.
“He took into account that Hari Raya may fall on a Friday and many people would need to travel long distances to return home.
“Businesses may also face manpower shortages during this period,” he said.
He stressed that Malaysia’s multicultural society should prioritise unity and harmony, especially during festive periods.
“This is about unity and harmony. If businesses earn slightly less this week but provide some benefits to their employees, they will receive better returns in the long run,” he added.
