By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, April 18: The Sarawak government is currently deliberating on whether or not to grant an additional public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, following the decision made by the Federal government.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the matter is still under consideration.
“Wait first. I will announce later because I’m still thinking about it,” he said briefly when met at the breaking of fast and prayer sessions organised by Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) with children from Datuk Amar Hajah Laila Taib Welfare Complex at a hotel here tonight.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an extra public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which could fall either on April 21 (Friday) or April 24 (Monday) for Peninsular Malaysia and Federal Territory of Labuan.
Should the first day of Hari Raya fall on April 21 (Friday), then the next Monday (April 24) will be the additional public holiday, and if it falls on April 22 (Saturday), then this Friday (April 21) will be the extra public holiday.
Considering that the sighting of the new moon for Syawal is on April 20, Anwar said the Federal government has agreed to give an extra public holiday to enable the people to make plans for Hari Raya Aidilfitri and return to their hometowns.
“For Sabah and Sarawak, the State governments can declare the date for the public holiday according to the State’s respective Holiday Ordinances,” he added in a statement, during a special address at Putrajaya today.
Premier’s wife Puan Sri Datin Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Sebastian Ting were among those present at the event. — DayakDaily
