By Cassie Forsythe
It looks like Sabahans have a little extra reason to celebrate this season. Over the weekend, Prime Minister aka PMX, shared a diplomatic clarification regarding the Extra Hari Raya Aidilfitri Public Holiday for 2026.
Here’s what he said:
“He said the date of the additional holiday is, however, subject to the date of the declaration of Syawal 1. The Prime Minister said that if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Friday (March 20), the government will set Monday (March 23) as the additional holiday. On the other hand, if Hari Raya falls on Saturday (March 21), then the additional holiday will be on Friday (March 23) as the additional holiday” (Bernama)
So what does that mean in simple terms? It essentially means Friday (20 March) and Monday (23 March) will both be public holidays this year, giving Malaysians a nice extended festive break around Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
But wait there’s more good news for those in East Malaysia.
Sabahans and Sarawakians will soon enjoy another long weekend because 30th March (Monday) is the Sabah Governer’s Birthday and 3rd April (Friday) marks Good Friday, additional public holidays observed only in Sabah (and Sarawak).
That means within the next three weeks, many Sabahans will find themselves working just three to four days in one of the weeks. Not bad at all!
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, catching up with family, or exploring local events, or observing these days of religious obligation, it’s the perfect time to make the most of these upcoming holidays in Sabah.
