PUTRAJAYA, July 23 — Employers must comply with the declaration of September 15 as an additional public holiday in conjunction with this year’s Malaysia Day, said Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
He said employers can observe the additional public holiday and pay workers their regular salaries, or have their employees work for public holiday rates.
“Employers can also opt to give a replacement holiday if their employees are required to work on that public holiday.
“To ensure the implementation of the additional public holiday is fair and organised, the Labour Department (JTK) is prepared to provide advisory services and answer any queries from employers and employees regarding the implementation of this additional public holiday,” he said in a statement today.
Sim said the Human Resources Ministry welcomes Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that September 15 will be designated an extra public holiday for Malaysia Day.
“This announcement is good news for workers in the public and private sectors nationwide. This additional holiday allows all Malaysians to celebrate unity, strengthen the spirit of nationalism and appreciate the uniqueness of the formation of Malaysia as a multiracial, multireligious and multicultural country,” he said.
Sim called on Malaysians to use the long holiday for recreation, to promote well-being among workers and stimulate economic activity, which in turn will positively impact the local economy.
The additional holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan; the Sabah Labour Ordinance, the Sarawak Labour Ordinance, and the Holidays Act 1951 as the basis for the announcement of the official additional holiday by the government.
Employers or employees requiring further information can contact the Peninsular Malaysia JTK via its hotline at 03-8886 5192/5937, by email at jtksm@mohr.gov.my, or at JTK offices.
— Bernama
