The Johor state government is considering introducing a 4.5-day work week for the public sector as part of its efforts to enhance productivity and improve service efficiency.
This follows the recent announcement of a weekend shift to Saturday and Sunday, effective January 1, 2025.
Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi revealed the proposal while presenting the Johor Budget 2024.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve digital services, allowing more processes to be conducted online.
To enhance services, critical counters will remain operational during lunch breaks between 1.00 pm and 2.00 pm.
Additionally, operating hours for all government departments and agencies at state, federal, and local levels will be standardized,” he said.
If approved, the new system would maintain the current total working hours for public servants.
The proposal, however, requires the approval of the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
During the budget session, Onn Hafiz also added that the move aligns with global trends, such as the UAE’s adoption of a 4.5-day work week since January 2022.
In the UAE, employees work Monday to Thursday from 7.30 am to 3.30 pm and have shorter hours on Fridays, with options for flexible or remote work.
Johor aims to leverage this system to modernize its public services while ensuring maximum productivity and service quality.
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