Samenta Urges Government to End Surprise Holidays, Calls Them Harmful to Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 — The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) has urged the government to stop declaring last‑minute public holidays, describing the practice as an “unhealthy economic habit” that burdens businesses. The appeal follows the prime minister’s announcement of an additional holiday for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Surprise Holidays

Samenta president William Ng said sudden holidays impose avoidable costs, especially on SMEs struggling in a volatile economy. Manufacturers face penalties and triple wage payments, while service, retail, and F&B sectors suffer from disrupted schedules and perishable stock losses.

Productivity issues

Ng cited research by the Centre for Future Labour Market Studies (EU‑ERA), which found productivity peaks at 10 gazetted holidays annually, with extra days leading to diminishing returns. He urged amending the Public Holidays Act 1951 to limit ad‑hoc declarations to genuine emergencies and require three months’ notice for additional holidays. “Declaring extra holidays sends the wrong message when businesses are fighting to survive,” Ng said.

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