17/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 17, 2026

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Anti-WFH views outdated, says economist

‘Extra Hari Raya holiday unlikely to derail economy’ PM expresses hope that Aidilfitri announcements will benefit public KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that several announcements made for the public would provide convenience ahead of Aidilfitri. Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme are expected to help ease cost of living, ensure prices of goods remain reasonable and facilitate travel for those returning to their hometowns. announced that the government had agreed to grant one additional public holiday in conjunction with this year’s Aidilfitri celebration in appreciation of the efforts and dedication of the public for working hard throughout Ramadan. Anwar said if Aidilfitri falls on Friday (March 20), Monday (March 23) would be the additional holiday, and if Aidilfitri falls on Saturday (March 21), the additional holiday would be on Friday (March 20). In a post on social media platform X yesterday, he said the announcements on an additional public holiday and the implementation of the Aidilfitri “May the coming Syawal bring greater happiness, blessings and wellbeing to all Malaysians.” Earlier, the prime minister However, the date of the additional holiday is subject to the declaration of 1 Syawal . As for the festive price scheme, he said it would be implemented from March 14 to March 28 for essential goods. – Bernama

PETALING from employers and policymakers to flexible working arrangements reveals an outdated approach to work, experts said, even as soaring petrol prices squeeze millions of Malaysian commuters. An employers’ federation recently claimed that a work-from-home (WFH) policy would have minimal impact on national fuel consumption. It alleged that WFH is often impractical for sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, construction and hospitality, in which on-site staff are essential. Economist Geoffrey Williams strongly rejected the view. “This reflects very old-style approaches to work and management, which are holding back innovation, agility and productivity.” He added that fuel savings from WFH could be substantial, benefiting about 9.5 million public and private sector employees, while another 3.3 million own-account workers already enjoy flexible schedules. “I estimate 70% to 80% of formal sector jobs could benefit from WFH or other flexible (policies), such as a four-day work week.” He said the current pressure on petrol costs could act as a catalyst for reforms that reduce fuel consumption, save subsidies, lessen environmental impact and benefit millions of workers. He also said beyond fuel savings, flexible working could boost productivity by focusing on outcomes rather than hours spent in the office. “It could also stimulate innovation and improve business models by emphasising delivery in work rather than time in work,” he said, highlighting links to better work-life balance, mental and physical health, and overall business performance. The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) echoed concerns over rising commuting costs. Its secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Mansor said MTUC supports WFH if fuel prices remain unchecked, while acknowledging that some sectors cannot implement it. “An increase in petrol prices means higher commuting costs for workers travelling to and from work.” “For manufacturing, cleaning and other sectors that require physical presence, remote work is not possible. In these cases, companies should provide alternative support, such as transport allowances or shuttle services.” He cautioned against rushed WFH implementations, which could disrupt daily routines, such as managing children’s schooling. Kamarul emphasised the importance of maintaining fuel subsidies to ease the burden on workers. – By Harith Kamal JAYA: Opposition

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Additional off-day could even boost tourism and F&B sectors, says academic

He added that productivity concerns should be viewed in context. “It should not be an issue regarding the current number of public holidays each year. “Normally, public holidays only last for a maximum of two days. The additional days are under organisational planning. Organisations could still maintain productivity because they can plan their manpower during festive periods.” He also said there is no immediate need to amend the Public Holidays Act 1951, although earlier announcements could help businesses prepare better. “In my opinion, there is no need to amend the current Public Holidays Act 1951 because the additional holiday given by the government is under its authority.” Rahim added that short-notice extra holidays do not happen frequently and usually only occur during festive seasons. However, he said it would be better if the government announced such holidays earlier, perhaps a month in advance, to balance business predictability and worker welfare. From a work-life balance perspective, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia human resource management and social science expert Prof Dr Siti Aisyah Panatik said unexpected rest days could also benefit employees’ wellbeing. “Unexpected rest days provide employees with valuable time to recover from work stress, which may improve morale and reduce burnout. “Over time, better-rested employees tend to be more engaged and productive.” Samenta is calling for a review and amendment of Section 8 of the Public Holidays Act 1951, which currently gives the prime minister discretion to declare additional holidays. Ng proposed restricting the power to genuine national emergencies or major milestones, such as the installation of a new Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and instituting a minimum three-month notice for any non emergency holidays. “SME are ready to work hard to rebuild the economy. “But declaring additional holidays while businesses are struggling to stay afloat sends the wrong message, regardless of the intention.”

PETALING JAYA: Economists have said Malaysia’s extra Hari Raya Aidilfitri public holiday is unlikely to derail the economy, despite worries over short notice and business disruption. Experts said the one-day holiday is manageable for businesses and may even boost certain sectors. Putra Business School masters and doctorate course director Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff said such special holidays are rare and unlikely to dent overall productivity. “I do not see any significant negative impact on the country’s productivity or economic performance because special holidays such as this do not occur frequently each year and it is only

boost certain sectors, particularly food and beverage, and tourism. Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia human resource management expert Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Zumrah said last-minute announcements could pose challenges for businesses, but the impact is manageable. “I agree that last-minute public holiday announcements could disrupt business planning and increase labour costs for SMEs.” However, he said, the announcement was made on Sunday. “SMEs still have time to revise their planning because the holiday is only one day,” he told theSun .

for one day. “Moreover, businesses could already anticipate that such a situation may happen.” He added that arguments over Malaysia having more public holidays than other countries may not reflect current labour realities. “I think the argument is less relevant because although we have many public holidays, Malaysia still records positive economic growth every year. Furthermore, with flexible working arrangements such as work-from-home, the effect of additional holidays is now less significant.” He also said extra holidays could

Siti Aisyah said unexpected rest days provide employees with valuable time to recover from work stress, which may improve morale and reduce burnout. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

‘Last-minute off-day declarations could add pressure on businesses’

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Beyond that threshold, disruptions to production, higher labour costs and delayed deliveries could outweigh any short-term gains from increased consumer spending or domestic tourism. He said Malaysia has one of the highest numbers of public holidays in the region, and unscheduled additions risk pushing the economy further into diminishing returns. “If certain festivities are significant enough to warrant a holiday, they should be gazetted in advance and incorporated into the national calendar. “This allows businesses to plan manpower and operations without incurring unexpected losses.”

holidays could disrupt carefully coordinated operations. “Manufacturers may face late delivery penalties or be forced to pay higher wages to meet contractual obligations, while service sectors such as retail and food and beverage risk losses from perishable stock or disrupted logistics.” Ng cited research from the Centre for Future Labour Market Studies, which analysed 101 countries and identified an “Optimal 10” rule for public holidays. The study found that economic productivity and worker wellbeing tend to peak at about 10 gazetted holidays annually.

SME, which form the backbone of the national economy. He acknowledged the government’s intention to recognise the hard work of Malaysians during Ramadan by granting additional holidays for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, but said the ad-hoc approach inevitably imposes financial strain. “SME are already grappling with rising operational costs and a volatile global economic climate. “Declaring extra holidays on short notice compounds the pressures.” He said SME depend on predictability to plan production, manpower allocation and delivery schedules, adding that sudden

PETALING JAYA: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (Samenta) said last-minute public holiday announcements could add pressure on businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SME) which are struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty. Its president Datuk William Ng urged the government to review the Public Holidays Act 1951 to curb discretionary holiday declarations, describing the practice as economically harmful, particularly for