An additional public holiday has been announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in honor of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which is expected to occur on either April 21 or 22. If the celebration falls on April 21, then the extra public holiday will be observed on the following Monday.
However, if it falls on April 22, which is a Saturday, then the extra public holiday will be observed on the preceding Friday.
“The government has agreed to give one extra day of public holiday to help Malaysians make their preparations for Aidilfitri and to return to their hometowns,” he said during a press conference livestreamed on Radio Television Malaysia’s Facebook page.
For Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar said the state governments can announce the additional public holiday on those dates based on the states’ respective Holidays Ordinances.
“The unity government continues to be committed in ensuring the welfare of Malaysians is preserved under Malaysia Madani in all aspects.
“It is hoped that the many efforts of programmes implemented in relation to Aidilfitri will bring meaning to all Malaysians,” he said.
Last week, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that April 19 would be a special school holiday, in addition to the mid-term holiday which starts on April 20, to enable teachers and students to better manage their schedule for the long weekend celebration.
The determination of the date of Syawal 1, which marks the beginning of the Muslim celebration, will be decided by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal in Malaysia, based on the report of the moon sighting and the consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who represents the Malay Rulers.
Earlier this month, Islamic Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced that the National Fatwa Council would discuss the date determination after the prediction of the International Astronomy Centre based in the United Arab Emirates that Syawal 1 in most Islamic countries would fall on April 21.
This year, the Muslim celebration may occur on either April 21 or 22, depending on the observation of the new moon of Syawal that will take place after sunset on April 20.
