Chinese federation questions ad-hoc public holiday, cites disruptions to schools, businesses

KUCHING (March 17): The Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) has expressed reservations over the recent ad hoc public holiday announced by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, citing potential disruptions to both schools and the business community.

SFCA president Richard Wee Liang Chiat told The Borneo Post that the additional holiday is generally unnecessary, as it forces schools to reschedule classes and examinations, while businesses must adjust work schedules, production shifts and delivery timelines.

He also highlighted the added complexity of the holiday not being fixed, noting it is contingent on Hari Raya falling on a Saturday.

“That makes planning office operations even more difficult,” Wee said.

The SFCA president is urging the government to adopt a more structured approach to additional public holidays.

“If the government wishes to grant extra holidays, it would be better to decide earlier to allow schools and the business sector to plan their classes and operations effectively,” he said.

Wee’s remarks come amid broader concerns from business groups, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta), which have warned that last-minute holidays impose avoidable costs and operational disruptions on SMEs and other businesses.