Sarawak passes Bill to automate replacement holidays when public holidays overlap

Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex (file photo)

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Oct 13: Sarawak has passed the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill 2026 to automate replacement public holidays when a public holiday falls on a Sunday or coincides with another public holiday, eliminating the need for separate Gazette notifications.

Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63 and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali said the amendment would provide a clear legal mechanism for replacement holidays to take effect automatically.

She said the Bill amends the Public Holidays Ordinance by moving the relevant provision from the First Schedule to Section 3.

Under the existing law, the following Monday becomes a public holiday when a public holiday falls on a Sunday. However, the Ordinance does not expressly address situations where two public holidays coincide.

“This Amendment Bill will, in essence, provide greater clarity and better administration of our public holidays as public holidays form part of the ordinary calendar of our society.

“The law governing the observances of public holidays should therefore be clear and practical,” she said when tabling the Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today.

Sharifah Hasidah said the current practice requires a separate Gazette notification whenever a replacement holiday is declared due to overlapping holidays, potentially causing administrative difficulties and delays for the public and private sectors.

She cited previous overlaps, including Hari Gawai’s second day coinciding with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday in 2025, and Wesak Day falling on a Sunday in 2026 when the following Monday and Tuesday were already Gawai public holidays.

With the amendment, replacement holidays will arise automatically under the law, allowing families and businesses to plan their schedules in advance without waiting for separate official notifications.

However, the amendment preserves the power of the Sarawak Governor to order otherwise through a Gazette notification when circumstances require it.

The Bill also provides for the deletion of the Second Schedule, which is no longer relevant, alongside consequential amendments to remove existing references to the “First or Second Schedule” in the Ordinance. — DayakDaily