KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed an additional public holiday for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, giving Malaysians more time to travel and spend with loved ones.
Speaking at the National Consumer Day celebration at Suria Sabah shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu today, the prime minister said the extra day off will fall on either the Friday or Monday surrounding the festival, depending on the official declaration of the first day of Raya, Malay Mail Online reported.
To help the public plan their celebrations, Anwar outlined the two possible scenarios.
Under the first scenario, if the first day of Raya falls on Friday, March 20, Monday, March 23 will be declared the extra holiday.
In the second scenario, if Raya begins on Saturday, March 21, the extra public holiday will be observed on Friday, March 20.
“We are announcing this early so people can plan ahead,” Anwar said, acknowledging the logistical challenges of the festive season.
The prime minister described the additional day off as a gesture of gratitude for the commitment and efforts shown by Malaysians throughout the year and during the fasting month.
“This Ramadan, people have given up extra time, dedication, and effort, so we will reward them,” he said.
The crescent of Syawal is expected to be sighted on the evening of March 19, which will officially mark the start of Aidilfitri. – March 15, 2026