Johor is exploring a transition to a four-and-a-half-day workweek for the public sector, aligning with its upcoming change in weekend holidays to Saturday and Sunday, starting January 1 next year.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi revealed the proposal during the presentation of the Johor Budget 2025 at Bangunan Sultan Ismail. He emphasized that this adjustment, if implemented, would not reduce the total working hours for public sector employees but would aim to enhance productivity and service delivery.
"If the initiative progresses smoothly and gains the necessary approvals, we will consider implementing a four-and-a-half-day workweek," Onn Hafiz said. However, he noted that the change would require the approval of Johor’s Acting Sultan, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
Enhancing Productivity and Digital Services
Onn Hafiz highlighted that the state government is actively pursuing reforms to boost efficiency and improve the quality of public services. These efforts include expanding the use of digital platforms to increase the number of online transactions and streamline processes.
"The Johor government is also planning to extend the operating hours of critical counter services, ensuring they remain open even during breaks between 1 PM and 2 PM," he said.
Furthermore, the state government aims to standardize counter service hours across all departments and agencies, including federal government offices and local authorities, to create a unified and efficient public service system.
Learning from Global Practices
Johor’s consideration of a shorter workweek is inspired by international practices, such as those implemented by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In January 2022, the UAE introduced a four-and-a-half-day workweek, becoming the first nation in the world to adopt such a schedule.
Under the UAE’s system, government employees work from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, and from 7:30 AM to 12 PM on Fridays. Employees are also offered the flexibility to work from home on Fridays and manage their schedules with flexible hours.
The UAE’s initiative aims to improve work-life balance while maintaining productivity—a model that Johor is carefully evaluating for potential adaptation.
Balancing Change with Tradition
The proposed workweek adjustment reflects Johor’s commitment to modernizing its public sector while respecting local traditions and values. Onn Hafiz reiterated that any such change must be approached thoughtfully and with the necessary blessings from state and national leaders.
As Johor prepares for its shift to a Saturday-Sunday weekend, the state government’s efforts to explore innovative solutions, such as the four-and-a-half-day workweek, signal a forward-thinking approach to governance.
By prioritizing digitalization, service efficiency, and employee well-being, Johor aims to set a precedent for enhanced public sector operations while maintaining its cultural and administrative integrity.
Information Source: Astro Awani
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