Ministry clarifies how to handle public holidays
Private sector employers in Malaysia may grant employees another day off for Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulidur Rasul) amid overlapping holidays on September 16, according to reports.
September 16 will see both Maulidur Rasul and Malaysia Day, which are both recognised by the Human Resources Ministry as individual public holidays, The Star reported.
The ministry said private sector employers who grant employees a day off on Prophet Muhammad's Birthday may still do so on the following day.
"This falls under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955," the ministry said as quoted by The Star. "They can also choose to substitute it on a day other than Sept 17, under Section 60D(1A) of the Act."
According to the ministry, Malaysia Day is a mandatory public holiday that cannot be moved to other dates.
On the other hand, Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is an optional public holiday that employers in the private sector may choose to observe as a day off.
Employees in Malaysia are entitled to 11 paid public holidays annually under the Employment Act, including National Day (August 31), Birthday of Yang-Di Pertuan Agong, Birthday of the Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Labour Day, Malaysia Day.
