KESUMA URGES EMPLOYERS TO GIVE FLEXIBILITY OVER ADDITIONAL AIDILFITRI LEAVE

PUTRAJAYA, March 15 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) encourages employers to provide flexibility to employees regarding the implementation of the additional leave announced in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

KESUMA welcomes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on the additional holiday as a gesture of appreciation to Malaysians.

In a statement today, the ministry said the additional holiday is in line with provisions under the Holidays Act 1951 [Act 369], which gives the government the authority to declare public holidays.

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“Accordingly, the declared holiday constitutes a public holiday applicable to private sector employees, subject to Section 60D of the Employment Act 1955 [Act 265].

“Based on this provision, employers may substitute the public holiday with another day as a paid replacement holiday for employees,” the statement said.

KESUMA said employers must inform employees regarding the arrangement for the additional holiday, whether it will be granted on the declared date or replaced with another suitable day.

“If employees are required to work on the declared public holiday, they are entitled to receive public holiday pay rates as provided under the Employment Act 1955,” it said.

In this regard, KESUMA urged employers to consider granting leave flexibility to employees as part of an employment practice that supports work-life balance.

“This will allow employees to celebrate Aidilfitri in a spirit of togetherness, well-being and harmony with their families.

“This approach is in line with the MADANI government’s efforts to strengthen work-life balance and create a more inclusive and humane working environment,” it said.

KESUMA also encouraged employers and employees to engage in constructive discussions to ensure company operations continue to run smoothly while allowing employees to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families.

Earlier today, the Prime Minister announced an additional day of leave in conjunction with this year’s Aidilfitri celebration in appreciation of the efforts and dedication of Malaysians who worked hard throughout Ramadan.

He said the date of the additional holiday, however, will depend on the official declaration of Syawal 1.

The Prime Minister said that if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Friday (March 20), the government will set Monday (March 23) as the additional holiday.

-- BERNAMA