In a significant update, the Ministry of Human Resources has announced that 16 September 2024 will see the observance of two major public holidays—Malaysia Day and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.
The overlap of these two holidays, which both fall on the same day, has led the Ministry of Human Resources to issue new guidelines, granting Malaysians two public holidays instead of one.
Mandatory and Optional Public Holidays
On 16 September 2024, a Monday, Malaysia Day—a mandatory public holiday—will be observed. This holiday, which marks the formation of Malaysia, is a fixed holiday that cannot be substituted or moved to another date.
Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, also a public holiday, will occur on the same day. Unlike Malaysia Day, this holiday is optional for employers, particularly in the private sector, to observe.
Revised Government Stance
This decision marks a shift from the government’s earlier stance, where it was stated that the overlap of these holidays would not result in an automatic additional day off.
However, in response to public sentiment and the unique nature of this overlap, the government has now provided a solution that offers Malaysians two separate holidays.
Guideline for employers
The Ministry of Human Resources has outlined the following options for private sector employers who choose to observe the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday as a public holiday:
- Holiday Replacement on 17 September 2024 (Tuesday): Employers can choose to provide an alternative public holiday the following day, in line with Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955.
- Holiday Replacement on Another Day: Alternatively, under Section 60D(1A) of the Employment Act 1955, employers may designate another day, apart from 17 September 2024, to fulfill this holiday requirement.
Public Awareness and Compliance
The Ministry has urged all employers, particularly in the private sector, to adhere to these guidelines to ensure fair observance of both holidays.
With these adjustments, Malaysians can now look forward to a long weekend, as employers are encouraged to make necessary arrangements to accommodate the dual holiday observance.
