JOHOR BARU: The Johor state government has declared Jan 6 as a special replacement holiday for state civil servants to ease the transition to a Saturday-Sunday weekend system.
State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs, and Human Resources Committee Chairman Lee Ting Han said the state government issued a new directive clarifying that Jan 6 will be designated as a replacement holiday exclusively for civil servants, as they were required to work six days during the transition week.
The state secretary's office human resources management issued a circular dated Dec 23 highlighting the need to address the six-day workweek overlap during the weekend shift.
Lee confirmed the decision and described the holiday as a practical measure to accommodate the transition.
"The Johor state government has agreed to set Jan 6 as a special replacement holiday exclusively for civil servants to facilitate the weekend adjustment," he told the New Straits Times when contacted today.
Schools in Johor will also observe the holiday on Monday, although the ongoing Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations will proceed as scheduled.
On Oct 7 last year, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, announced that Johor would revert to the Saturday-Sunday weekend starting Jan 1, following the consent and blessing of His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia.
In 2014, Johor adopted a Friday-Saturday weekend.
The move to revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend aims to standardise operations with other states and enhance synergy with the private sector.
The adjustment was widely welcomed, particularly by those working in industries adhering to a Saturday-Sunday weekend schedule, as it promises greater alignment between the public and private sectors.
However, several parties questioned the change.
Tunku Ismail, who is also Johor's Crown Prince, said the decision reflected the wishes of Johoreans to spend more time with their families and children.