Employers, however, say the additional holiday will be a burden
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has declared an additional public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but employers aren't too happy with the change.
Anwar announced over the weekend that if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on March 20, the government will declare March 23 as an additional public holiday.
But if the holiday falls on March 21, then March 20 will be recognised as an extra holiday, The Star reported.
"We are announcing this early, so people can plan ahead," Anwar said as quoted by the news outlet.
"This Ramadan, people have given up extra time, have been extra dedicated and have made extra effort, so we will reward you with an extra holiday."
Additional business burdern
But employers in Malaysia said the additional public holiday is a financial burden for them, according to reports.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman pointed out that employers will still need to pay workers' salaries despite the closure of businesses on the holiday.
He also noted that companies that will remain operational on the extra holiday will be obliged to pay employees double or triple their daily rates.
"The declaration of this additional public holiday directly increases costs for employers because workers' wages must still be paid even when operations are closed," Syed Husman said as quoted by the New Straits Times.
"For companies that need to continue operations, employers must bear higher wage payments for staff working on the public holiday."
He also criticised the announcement for its short notice, highlighting that many businesses had already finalised their operational schedules and manpower planning ahead of time.
What can employers do
Malaysia's Human Resources Ministry said may replace the declared public holiday with another day as a substitute paid holiday for employees.
However, they must keep their employees informed of the arrangements for the additional holiday, The Straits Times reported.
"At the same time, employers and workers are encouraged to engage in constructive discussions to ensure business operations continue smoothly," it said as quoted by the news outlet.
The ministry also said employers may consider granting flexible leave arrangements to workers.
"The celebration of festivals such as Aidilfitri is a deeply meaningful time for workers to be with their families and loved ones," it said.
"Employers are therefore encouraged to consider granting flexibility in leave arrangements as part of caring and progressive employment practices."
