PETALING JAYA: Employers must comply with the public holiday declared on Sept 15 by either giving employees the day off with regular pay, paying public holiday rates if they are required to work, or offering a replacement day off.
Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the implementation of the holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955, the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76), and the Holidays Act 1951, and it must be done fairly.
“This long weekend (Sept 13-16) can be used to promote wellness among workers and stimulate local economic activities, which in turn contribute positively to the community,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 23).
ALSO READ: Sept 15 declared public holiday (https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/07/23/sept-15-declared-public-holiday)
Sept 15 falls on a Monday, creating a long weekend as it leads into the Malaysia Day public holiday on Sept 16.
Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the extra holiday, describing it as a gesture to honour the unity and uniqueness that underpin the formation of Malaysia.
He said the long weekend would allow Malaysians to spend time with their families, return to their hometowns, or travel locally.
Sim said the holiday reflects the spirit of Malaysia Day, providing an opportunity for citizens to come together, strengthen national pride, and appreciate the country’s multiracial and multicultural identity.
He also called on Malaysians to embrace the occasion by fostering harmony and solidarity in conjunction with the national celebration.
To support a smooth rollout, the Labour Department is ready to assist employers and workers with any queries via its hotline at 03-8886 5192/5937, by e-mail at [email protected], or any of its offices.
