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Malaysians are set to enjoy a longer Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration this year after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional public holiday. The announcement means the Aidilfitri holiday period will be extended to three days, depending on when 1 Syawal falls.
I think this early announcement is helpful because many people across Malaysia travel back to their hometowns during Hari Raya, and having clarity about the holiday schedule allows families to plan their trips earlier.
According to the Prime Minister, if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Friday, 20 March, an extra public holiday will be given on Monday, 23 March. However, if Aidilfitri is celebrated on Saturday, 21 March, the government will instead declare Friday, 20 March as the additional holiday.
In other words, Malaysians will still receive an extra day off regardless of whether the celebration starts on Friday or Saturday.
The announcement was made during the launch of the Hari Pengguna Kebangsaan 2026, where several government leaders were also present, including Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali.
Personally, I think this move shows that the government understands how important the festive season is for Malaysians. Hari Raya is not just about celebration but it’s about family reunions, long journeys back to hometowns, and spending meaningful time together.
For many people across Malaysia, the 'balik kampung' tradition is one of the most meaningful parts of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Highways get crowded, bus and flight tickets sell out quickly, and millions of Malaysians travel across the country just to spend a few precious days with their families. Having an extra public holiday can make a big difference, giving people more flexibility and time to plan their journeys.
By announcing the additional holiday early, it also allows families to organize their travel plans ahead of time. People can book their transportation earlier, plan their leave more efficiently, and avoid the stress of last-minute arrangements. This kind of early notice helps both workers and businesses prepare better for the festive season.
Most importantly, the extra day off means Malaysians can enjoy a longer and more relaxed celebration. Instead of rushing back to work immediately after the festivities, families will have more time to visit relatives, strengthen relationships, and truly enjoy the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
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