By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Dec 13: A message circulating on social media today claiming that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced an additional public holiday for Christmas on Dec 26 (Boxing Day) in Sarawak is fake news.
An officer from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has today confirmed that this is a fake news.
Sarawak will continue to enjoy one day of holiday which is on Christmas Day (Dec 25).
The message in Bahasa Malaysia (BM) alleged that Chief Minister has this afternoon at Wisma Bapa Malaysia announced two days public holiday on Dec 25 and 26, 2019.
It added that Sarawak became the second state to give additional public holiday for the Christmas celebration which is celebrated every Dec 25.
The actual message read: “Cuti umum selama dua hari bertarikh 25 dan 26 Disember 2019 diumunkan oleh Ketua Menteri Sarawak, Datuk Amar Abg Zohari Tun Openg pada tengah hari tadi di Wisma Bapa Malaysia Di Kuching. Dalam pada itu Sarawak menjadi negeri kedua memberikan cuti tambahan sehari bagi perayaan Hari Krimas yang diraihkan pada setiap tanggal 25 Disember.”
The DayakDaily reported yesterday (Dec 13) that the Christian community in Sarawak are also hoping to get an additional public holiday for Christmas, following Sabah declaring Dec 24 (Christmas Eve) as an additional public holiday for the state starting this year.
Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep was supportive of the proposal as majority of the population in Sarawak are Christians especially the indigenous or native communities.
He said the community, especially Christians and those celebrating the holidays, have high hope for that opportunity.
However, Henry pointed out that the process was not simple as the matter must be tabled to the State Cabinet for discussion such as to decide whether Christmas Eve (Dec 24) or Boxing Day (Dec 26) is suitable or preferred by the people.— DayakDaily
