Public holidays amendment seeks clearer holiday arrangements

THE proposed amendments to Sarawak’s Public Holidays Ordinance aim to clarify holiday arrangements and make the law easier to implement.

“In daily life, what the people need most is clarity,” he said.

Ngemah assemblyman, Anyi Jana said this when debating the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2026, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

He said clear provisions were important when a public holiday fell on a rest day or coincided with another public holiday, to avoid confusion over replacement holidays.

Anyi said certainty over public holidays was particularly important for daily-wage earners, factory workers, plantation workers and those working far from their hometowns, as it helped them plan their work schedules, journeys home and family commitments.

He also stressed that laws should be clear and easy to implement.

“Laws should not merely be documents kept in government offices. They must contain clear provisions, be easy to understand and be implemented effectively,” he said.

Anyi hoped the relevant authorities would ensure information on the implementation of the amendments was widely communicated so employers, employees and the public understood their rights and entitlements.

Turning to rural communities, he said residents along the Batang Rajang and in other rural areas often had to travel long distances by road and water to return to their longhouses, incurring considerable expenses.

He said extended public holidays and school breaks allowed families to reunite, enabled parents to spend time with their children and gave younger generations opportunities to reconnect with village life.

He added that the return of family members during holiday periods could benefit rural economies, including grocery shops, small traders, food operators and other local businesses.

Anyi stressed that development should take into account not only infrastructure and economic growth but also family well-being and the quality of life of rural communities.

He expressed his support for the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and hoped its implementation would achieve its intended objectives.