PM Anwar Announces Extra Public Holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026

The Malaysian government has announced one additional public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the extra holiday is given to appreciate the dedication and hard work of Malaysians, especially during the fasting month of Ramadan.

The announcement was made during the National Consumers Day celebration in Kota Kinabalu, where the Prime Minister shared the details of the additional holiday.

The extra holiday will allow Malaysians to balik kampung, spend more time with family, and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri more comfortably.

Extra Holiday Depends on Moon Sighting

The exact date of the extra public holiday depends on the moon sighting (rukyah) to determine 1 Syawal, which marks the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The government explained two possible scenarios:

Scenario 1

If Hari Raya falls on Friday, 20 March 2026
Then Monday, 23 March 2026 will be declared the extra public holiday.

Scenario 2

If Hari Raya falls on Saturday, 21 March 2026
Then Friday, 20 March 2026 will be the additional public holiday.

This arrangement could give Malaysians a long weekend during the Raya celebration.

Why the Extra Public Holiday Was Announced

According to the Prime Minister, the extra holiday is a gesture of appreciation for Malaysians who have worked hard throughout the year and during Ramadan.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the most important celebrations in Malaysia. During this period, millions of Malaysians travel to their hometowns for balik kampung, visit relatives, and hold open house gatherings.

The government hopes the extra holiday will:

Give people more time to travel safely
Reduce stress during the busy Raya travel period
Allow families to celebrate together

Helping Malaysians Plan Their Raya Travel

The Prime Minister said the announcement was made early so that families, workers, and businesses can plan ahead.

Travel usually increases significantly during Hari Raya as many people return to their hometowns across different states.

With the additional public holiday, Malaysians may enjoy a longer festive break, making it easier to plan trips and celebrations.

What This Means for Employees and Employers

For employees, the extra public holiday means:

More time for balik kampung
Less pressure during peak festive travel
More time with family during Hari Raya

For employers and HR teams, it may require workforce planning, especially in sectors that operate during public holidays such as retail, logistics, and services.

The Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) has also encouraged employers to consider flexible leave arrangements for workers during the Raya period.

FAQs

Why did the government announce an extra public holiday for Hari Raya 2026?

The additional holiday was announced to appreciate Malaysians’ dedication and hard work, especially during Ramadan, and to give people more time to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

When will the extra Hari Raya public holiday take place?

The extra holiday will either be 20 March 2026 or 23 March 2026, depending on the official moon sighting that determines the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Who announced the extra public holiday?

The additional holiday was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a public event in Kota Kinabalu.

Does the extra public holiday apply nationwide?

Yes. The additional public holiday applies nationwide in Malaysia, allowing workers and families to enjoy a longer break during the Raya celebration.

Why does Hari Raya depend on moon sighting?

Hari Raya Aidilfitri follows the Islamic lunar calendar. The date of 1 Syawal is confirmed through official moon sighting, which determines the first day of the celebration.

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