‘No public holiday’, says Premier after Sarawak reclaims Sukma champion title

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Photo credit: Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Aug 25: The Sarawak government will not declare a public holiday despite the Sarawak contingent emerging as overall champion at the recently-concluded 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma).

According to a report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said granting a public holiday will have implications especially on the economic sector.

“I have discussed with the Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki about this matter but there is a slight problem.

“When public holidays are announced, there are many implications from an economic point of view involving double payments,” he was quoted saying when met by reporters after attending a function at a local hotel here today.

However, he said, other initiatives will be announced in the near future since the officers on duty throughout Sukma 2024 deserve to be given a break.

“We can propose another alternative. After all, we will give them incentives too.

“However, we must also give rest to those who were on duty and worked throughout this Sukma,” he added.

Yesterday (Aug 24), Sarawak made history when it emerged as overall champion at Sukma 2024 with a haul of 76 gold, 55 silver and 70 bronze medals, shattering five national records and smashing their target of 70 gold.

Sarawak narrowly beat Federal Territories which captured 75 gold, 65 silver, and 72 bronze medals, while Selangor secured third place with 56 gold, 64 silver, and 61 bronze medals.— DayakDaily