Pelagus rep: Public holiday amendments must clarify replacement off days, workers’ rights

Wilson Nyabong Ijang

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawakians should not lose the benefit of a public holiday when dates overlap, but clear guidelines are needed to ensure employers and employees understand their rights under the proposed changes, says Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang.

Speaking during the debate on the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today, he said the amendments to the Public Holidays Ordinance 1958 would provide greater clarity when public holidays coincide.

“Under the proposed amendment to Section 3, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a public holiday. If that Monday is already another public holiday, the subsequent day would be observed as a replacement holiday, unless otherwise ordered by the Sarawak Governor,” he said.

Wilson said the change would promote fairness, consistency and certainty in the observance of public holidays.

He also urged the relevant authorities to provide clear implementation guidelines, particularly on how replacement holidays interact with applicable employment laws and contractual arrangements.

He stressed that both employers and employees must understand their respective rights and obligations.

“Predictable public holiday arrangements are important for employees, who rely on these holidays for rest, family time, and religious and cultural celebrations. They are equally important for businesses that need to plan their workforce and operations.

“Certainty over public holiday arrangements is particularly important in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, retail and transportation, where proper workforce and operational planning is essential,” he said.

Schools and public institutions would also benefit from clearer rules when preparing their calendars and programmes, he added.

Wilson also welcomed the proposed provision empowering the Yang di-Pertua Negeri to amend the Schedule of public holidays through notification in the Gazette, saying it would give the Sarawak government greater flexibility to respond to changing circumstances.

He said the amendments should not only clarify the law but also ensure the rules were properly communicated, understood and implemented for the benefit of the people. — DayakDaily