Prime minister announces an additional Hari Raya public holiday, depending on the date Aidilfitri falls next week

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced an additional public holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri next week.

He reportedly said the extra holiday will depend on the day Aidilfitri falls.

“If Hari Raya falls on Friday (March 20), the additional public holiday will be on Monday (March 23). If it falls on Saturday (March 21), the additional holiday will be on Friday,” he said.

Speaking at the National Consumers’ Day event, Anwar assured the public that there was no need to worry about their festive break.

“Whether Aidilfitri is celebrated on Friday or Saturday, there will be an additional Hari Raya holiday,” he added.

He said the early announcement was made to allow the public to plan their Aidilfitri celebrations and travel arrangements.

READ MORE: Malaysia sets 19 March for Syawal moon sighting nationwide

Earlier, the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal announced that the evening of March 19 has been set for the sighting of the crescent moon to mark the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Syawal, corresponding to 29 Ramadan 1447 Hijrah.

A total of 29 locations across the country have been designated for the moon-sighting observation.

 The Sun Malaysia