Private employers reminded to observe Hari Wesak, King’s birthday public holiday entitlements

SHAH ALAM – Employers in the private sector are reminded to observe public holiday entitlements for Hari Wesak and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday, which fall on May 31 and June 1 respectively this year.

The Human Resources Ministry, through the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department, stated that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday on June 1 is one of the five compulsory paid public holidays that must be granted to employees.

It said the holiday, provided under the Employment Act 1955, cannot be replaced with another day.

Meanwhile, Hari Wesak on May 31 is a paid public holiday that employers may select as part of the remaining public holiday allocation required under the law.

The ministry said if a public holiday falls on a weekly rest day, the next working day must be given as a replacement paid holiday.

“For employers whose weekly rest day falls on Sunday and who select Hari Wesak as a public holiday, June 1 (Monday) must be observed as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday and cannot be replaced.

“June 2 (Tuesday) must then be given as a replacement public holiday for Hari Wesak, which falls on the rest day,” it said.

However, it noted that the replacement holiday may be substituted with another day, subject to agreement between employer and employee.

The ministry also reminded that employees earning RM4,000 and below, as well as those covered under the First Schedule of the Employment Act 1955, are entitled to public holiday pay rates if required to work on such days.

It stressed that employers must comply with the provisions to ensure workers’ rights and welfare continue to be protected.