Private sector employees in Sarawak are set to receive substitute public holidays following overlapping national and cultural celebrations in 2026, including Wesak Day and Gawai Dayak.
The Sarawak Labour Department Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sarawak said in a statement that the calendar clash involves multiple public holidays falling in close succession, requiring the designation of replacement rest days for affected workers.
According to the department, Wesak Day falls on 31 May 2026, followed by the official birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Gawai Dayak on 1 June 2026, while the second day of Gawai is observed on 2 June 2026.
Under Section 104(1) of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76), the King’s birthday is classified as a mandatory public holiday that cannot be substituted. In contrast, Wesak Day and Gawai celebrations are recognised as religious and cultural holidays, which may be subject to substitution arrangements when they overlap with other public holidays or rest days.
The department explained that where such overlaps occur, the next working day is to be treated as a replacement holiday. For 2026, this means 3 June will serve as a substitute holiday for Wesak Day if it falls on a worker’s rest day, while 4 June will be designated as a replacement for Gawai Dayak.
However, the statement added that these substitution dates may be adjusted through mutual agreement between employers and employees, in line with provisions under the same ordinance.
Employers are also reminded that workers required to work on public holidays or substitute holidays are entitled to enhanced pay rates as stipulated under Sections 104(6) to 104(9) of the Sarawak Labour Ordinance.
