Employers must observe Sept 15 holiday, says Sim
Sim said the additional holiday, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was in accordance with Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76), and the Holidays Act 1951.
"Employers are expected to adhere to the legal provisions. If employees are required to work on the public holiday, then they must be fairly compensated or given a replacement day off," he said.
He said the Labour Department was prepared to advise employers and employees on the public holiday.
"We want to make sure this celebration is not only meaningful but also carried out justly," he said.
Sim said those in need of clarification coiuld contact the department's hotline at 03-8886 5192 or 03-8886 5937, email jtksm@mohr.gov.my, or visit the nearest Labour Department office.
Sim also welcomed the government's move to declare Sept 15 a public holiday, describing it as a meaningful gesture that allowde Malaysians to come together and reflect on the nation's shared identity.
"This announcement is a welcome relief for workers in Malaysia. It provides an important space for Malaysians to strengthen the bonds that make us a peaceful and diverse nation," he said.
He added that the long weekend would give workers time to rest, reconnect with their families, and potentially contribute to the local economy through increased domestic tourism and leisure spending.
"This short break could revitalise small businesses and boost economic activity in many areas.
From local food vendors to hospitality services, we expect to see an uptick in engagement," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
27 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Cutting RON95 price by 6 sen was not easy, says Anwar
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said those who are unhappy over the 6 sen reduction in RON95 petrol 'didn't hear the full explanation'. PETALING JAYA : It was not easy for the government to decide to slash the price of RON95 petrol, even if only by six sen, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said consideration of the financial implications was why he needed time to deliberate before announcing the price reduction from RM2.05 to RM1.99 per litre on Wednesday. 'Countries like Thailand and Singapore may have adjusted their prices earlier, but ours is still lower, and this is for the benefit of Malaysians. '(You) want to be ungrateful or disagree, it's okay, but please know that this was not an easy decision. 'Some say it's just a six sen difference, but they have not heard the full explanation,' Bernama reported him as saying at the 2025 National Anti-Drugs Day celebration at Dataran Darulaman in Kedah today. Yesterday, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin said the government's move to lower the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 per litre towards the end of the year is 'not thanks to Anwar Ibrahim per se'. Hamzah said the government can only afford to do this because oil prices are dropping globally, adding that many other countries in the region, including Thailand, have lowered their petrol prices over the past few weeks. Anwar also addressed criticism over the government's decision not to extend fuel subsidies to foreign nationals, reiterating that foreigners do not pay taxes. 'I'm puzzled when the opposition says we are burdening foreigners, claiming they too contribute to the country. I don't understand. In what part of the world are foreigners treated the same as citizens?' he said.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
BYD ATTO 2 makes its official debut in Malaysia
From left: Chen Han Sern, senior manager sales division, BYD Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Eagle Zhao, managing director; Andrew Basham, managing director of Sime Motors; and Jeffrey Gan, managing director of Sime Motors, Southeast Asia KUALA LUMPUR: BYD Sime Motors has unveiled the BYD ATTO 2, an all-new electric compact SUV that is targeted at "first-time drivers, trendsetters and go-getters eager to embrace electric mobility". According to Sime Motors managing director Andrew Basham, the BYD ATTO 2 removes major barriers for easy EV ownership with flexible payment plans and a partnership with Power Up, a mobile EV charging service that offers on-demand charging for EVs. "The BYD ATTO 2 is more than just a vehicle — it's a lifestyle model built on innovation, designed to connect with a new generation of Malaysians. "Innovation doesn't end with the car. We're rethinking how Malaysians can own and enjoy an EV by making it more accessible, flexible and convenient," he said in a statement. The BYD ATTO 2 is powered by a 130kW electric motor delivering 290 Nm of torque and accelerates from 0 to 100kmh in 7.9 seconds. It has an NEDC-rated driving range of up to 410km. The EV is fitted with a 51.13 kWh Blade Battery, which supports both AC and DC fast charging. "With the BYD ATTO 2, we've created an EV that speaks to the needs of young drivers and first-time EV users in the country, coupling BYD's innovative edge with today's trend-setting lifestyle features. "It embodies the spirit of versatility, practicality and style synonymous with our brand. As BYD's pioneering youth-oriented model with all-new features and innovations, the ATTO 2 sets a new benchmark in its class," said BYD Malaysia managing director Eagle Zhao. The public is welcomed to the launch of the BYD AROO2 from July 25-27 at Heritage Valley, KL. Interested parties may register at
Focus Malaysia
an hour ago
- Focus Malaysia
Consumer credit law risks squeezing poorer households further, says think tank
THE Institute for Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP) has applauded recent the passing of the Consumer Credit Bill 2025 (CCB) by the Dewan Rakyat. However, its chairman Datuk Dr Pamela Yong cautioned that while the CCB is a milestone in efforts to regulate Malaysia's expanding consumer credit market, legislation alone will not resolve the structural issues pushing Malaysians, particularly the youth and informal workers, into cycles of debt. 'The Bill's introduction of a dedicated Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) to oversee previously unregulated credit providers and enhance consumer protection is a positive step,' she remarked. '(But) without wider economic reforms, this law may unintentionally tighten credit access for low- and middle-income groups already struggling with stagnant wages, high living costs and shrinking financial buffer.' As of December 2024, Malaysia's household debt stood at RM1.63 tril, representing 84.2% of GDP, which is the highest in Southeast Asia according to Bank Negara Malaysia. This reflects the growing reliance on short-term credit to cope with volatile income and essential spending, especially as the economy transitions from stable industrial jobs to more precarious service roles. At the same time, new fiscal measures such as petrol subsidy rationalisation and sales and services tax (SST) expansion have increased pressure on household budgets. The think tank went on to warn that layering new compliance costs on credit providers may inadvertently make credit more expensive or inaccessible, especially for the very groups the law intends to protect young adults, gig workers and financially excluded households. It also highlighted the importance of institutional clarity, regulatory independence and accountability for the CCC. Clear frameworks must govern leadership appointments, scope of powers and stakeholder engagement to ensure transparency and public trust. Crucially, INSAP stressed that any reform of the credit ecosystem must be matched by real structural policies that raise income security and job quality, control the cost of essential goods and services, and expand access to financial literacy and consumer rights education. 'The CCB must not become a regulatory plaster over a deeper economic wound. Without bold reforms to tackle inequality and economic insecurity, Malaysians will continue to borrow just to survive, no matter how well-regulated the system becomes,' Dr Yong added. ‒ July 25, 2025 Main image: Pexels/Anna Shvets
