YAN: The Kedah government has declared Jan 18 next year as an occasional holiday in conjunction with Thaipusam.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the matter was approved at the state exco meeting on Wednesday (Dec 15).

       "The occasional holiday is not given automatically each year. It has to be discussed and approved in an exco meeting," he told reporters after the Sabo Dam construction project handover ceremony to the contractor at Titi Hayun here.

       He said it is hoped the approval will bring joy to the community who celebrate this festival. - Bernama