JOHOR BARU: Johoreans will have a longer break after the state government decided to make Monday (May 2) a special holiday in conjunction with the Labour Day and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

       Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said Hari Raya would most likely be celebrated on Tuesday (May 3) and Wednesday (May 4), while Labour Day is on Sunday (May 1).

       “For Johor, our weekends are on Fridays and Saturdays. As such, (Sunday is a working day and) there is no automatic replacement holiday on Monday for Labour Day.

       "Those who did not apply for leave on that date will have to go to work as usual.

       “However, the state government has decided to declare a special holiday on Monday. This applies to all state government departments, statutory bodies, local authorities, government-linked companies and private companies,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 27).

       Onn Hafiz said the state government made the decision after taking many factors into consideration.

       Having Monday off would allow families to plan their Hari Raya celebrations better and avoid road congestion as people rush home to welcome the festive season with their loved ones, he said.

       “It will also allow families to spend more valuable time with each other after two years of not being able to celebrate Hari Raya due to movement restrictions,” he added.

       He said parents with small children would also find it much easier as daycare centres will be closed on that day.

       “I hope this holiday will benefit all of Bangsa Johor, to design and plan their vacations well,” he said, in wishing everyone Selamat Hari Raya.