(Kuching, 10th) Due to the fact that June 2, 2025, coincides with the public holiday of the National Day, which is also the second day of the Dayak Festival, eligible employees in Sarawak are entitled to a replacement holiday on June 3rd.
The Sarawak Labour Department under the Sarawak Ministry of Human Resources issued a statement today indicating that June 2 is both the second day of the Dayak Festival and the official birthday of the National Day. According to Section 104(1) of the Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76, Sarawak), the National Day is a mandatory public holiday, and employers must grant employees leave, which cannot be replaced by any other date.
The statement also mentioned that the Dayak Festival, set based on the religious and cultural background of the employees, is an optional public holiday that can be deferred for a replacement holiday if it coincides with a mandatory holiday.
"Therefore, employees entitled to the Dayak Festival holiday will have a replacement holiday on June 3, 2025."
However, according to Section 104(2) of the ordinance, employers and employees can negotiate to take the Dayak Festival holiday on another date, provided both parties agree.
The department also reminds employers that if a public holiday falls on an employee's rest day, the next working day must be considered as a replacement holiday.
"For example, if June 1, 2025 (Sunday), is a fixed rest day for employees, then June 3 will serve as a replacement holiday for the first day of the Dayak Festival, and June 4 will be the holiday for the second day of the Dayak Festival."
The Sarawak Labour Department under the Sarawak Ministry of Human Resources issued a statement today indicating that June 2 is both the second day of the Dayak Festival and the official birthday of the National Day. According to Section 104(1) of the Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76, Sarawak), the National Day is a mandatory public holiday, and employers must grant employees leave, which cannot be replaced by any other date.
The statement also mentioned that the Dayak Festival, set based on the religious and cultural background of the employees, is an optional public holiday that can be deferred for a replacement holiday if it coincides with a mandatory holiday.
"Therefore, employees entitled to the Dayak Festival holiday will have a replacement holiday on June 3, 2025."
However, according to Section 104(2) of the ordinance, employers and employees can negotiate to take the Dayak Festival holiday on another date, provided both parties agree.
The department also reminds employers that if a public holiday falls on an employee's rest day, the next working day must be considered as a replacement holiday.
"For example, if June 1, 2025 (Sunday), is a fixed rest day for employees, then June 3 will serve as a replacement holiday for the first day of the Dayak Festival, and June 4 will be the holiday for the second day of the Dayak Festival."