Malaysia announces additional Hari Raya Aidilfitri public holiday

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced an additional public holiday for Malaysians during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, giving families more time to travel and reunite during one of the country’s most important festivals.

Speaking at the launch of National Consumer Day on March 15, the prime minister said the extra day off would depend on when the first day of moon sighting to officially declare Aidilfitri.  

“We must wait for the official moon sighting. It will be announced on Friday night whether Hari Raya falls on Friday or Saturday.”

“But regardless of whether it is Friday or Saturday, do not worry, we will provide an additional Hari Raya holiday. We are giving this holiday because everyone has worked hard. During Ramadan, many have put in extra time, extra dedication, and extra effort. So we will reward you with an additional holiday.

To help Malaysians plan their journeys ahead of the festive rush, PM Anwar outlined two possible scenarios. 

“If Hari Raya falls on Friday, 20 March, the additional holiday will be Monday, 23 March. If Hari Raya falls on Saturday, 21 March, the additional holiday will be Friday, 20 March. We are announcing this early so people can plan their leave,” PM Anwar said, noting that travel and logistics during the festive period can be challenging for many families.

The announcement means Malaysians could enjoy a four-day festive break from Friday to Monday, depending on the official date of the celebration, providing additional time for family travel for festival celebration.

PM Anwar said the additional day off is also intended as a gesture of appreciation for the dedication shown by the Malaysian workforce throughout the year and during the fasting month of Ramadan.

“This Ramadan, people have given up extra time, dedication, and effort, so we will reward them,” he said.

The exact date of Aidilfitri will be determined after the sighting of the Syawal crescent moon scheduled for the evening of March 19.

Alongside the holiday announcement, the prime minister said the government has also rolled out measures to support Malaysians during the festive period, including the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme for Aidilfitri. The price control initiative, which began on March 14, will run until March 28 to help ensure essential goods remain reasonably priced during the celebrations.

The additional public holiday will apply across Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan, while Sabah and Sarawak are expected to follow announcements by their respective state authorities.