The Kedah State Government has officially declared Monday, 23 March, as an additional public holiday for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations, aligning with the earlier decision made by the Federal Government. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirmed that this extra holiday remains applicable regardless of whether 1 Syawal is observed on Friday or Saturday. This announcement follows an Exco meeting chaired by the Menteri Besar today, providing clarity for residents planning their festive travels and regional activities.
According to Muhammad Sanusi, the legal basis for this declaration is rooted in Section 9 of the Holidays Act 1951 for the State of Kedah Darul Aman. This local gazetting follows the framework set by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who previously announced that an additional public holiday would be observed on Monday, 23 March, should Hari Raya Aidilfitri fall on Friday, 20 March. Alternatively, if the first day of Syawal is Saturday, 21 March, the additional holiday would be shifted to Friday to ensure a continuous festive break.
In addition to the holiday update, the Menteri Besar confirmed that the Kedah Menteri Besar’s Aidilfitri Open House will proceed as scheduled on 27 March. He noted that preparations for the annual event are already well underway. The organisation of the gathering is designed to be cost-effective, avoiding high financial implications through a “gotong-royong” (communal) approach involving various government agencies and government-linked companies (GLCs).
Addressing utility concerns during the festive period, Muhammad Sanusi highlighted the success of contingency plans implemented by Syarikat Air Darul Aman (SADA). He stated that these measures have effectively reduced water supply disruptions across the state during major holidays. Statistics from the past three years indicate a downward trend in consumer complaints, which the Menteri Besar cited as clear evidence of the effectiveness of the current strategies.
The existing water contingency framework involves the deployment of additional facilities, including static water tanks and booster pumps to maintain stable pressure. Muhammad Sanusi emphasised that systematic distribution remains a priority to ensure that residents experience minimal inconvenience during the peak celebration period. By coordinating these technical improvements alongside the festive announcements, the state administration aims to ensure a smooth and celebratory atmosphere for all Kedahans.
