MALAYSIANS will enjoy four consecutive days of public holidays at the end of this month.
This follows the clash of two public holidays that fall consecutively, namely Wesak Day and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, on May 31 and June 1, respectively.
The Ministry of Human Resources (Kesuma), in a Facebook post last week, announced that if Wesak Day falls on a Sunday, which is a public holiday, then Tuesday, June 2, is the replacement holiday.
"The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday (on Monday, June 1) is a mandatory holiday for private sector workers and cannot be replaced.
"Working on a public holiday entitles employees to receive special payment in accordance with the Employment Act 1955," the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also reminded all employers and employees to understand their respective rights.
The week is also the mid-year holiday for this year's school session, which runs from May 23 to June 7.
However, Kesuma stated that the replacement date of June 2 can be changed to another day, provided it is agreed upon by the employees in advance.
Kesuma also issued a stern reminder to employers about the rights of employees who are asked to work on a public holiday. Employees who are paid RM4,000 and below, or those subject to the First Schedule of the Employment Act 1955, are eligible to receive additional payment at the prescribed rate.
Compliance with this requirement is mandatory, and employers who fail to do so may be subject to action. – May 12, 2026
