Anwar hopes additional holiday, price controls will ease Raya preparations

 

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stops by a stall run by trader Allan Majul from Likas to buy dishes such as grilled fish, grilled squid and seaweed, popular seafood delicacies in Sabah, during a visit to the Ramadan bazaar at the Universiti Apartment site in Kota Kinabalu. NSTP/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope today that the recent announcements regarding an additional public holiday and price control schemes would ease the burden on Malaysians preparing for Aidilfitri.

In a post on X, Anwar said the additional holiday and the Aidilfitri Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) were intended to mitigate living costs and facilitate travel for those returning to their hometowns.

"May the coming Syawal bring greater happiness, blessings and well-being to all Malaysians," he said.

-Advertisement-

The prime minister had earlier announced the additional public holiday as a gesture of appreciation for the people's dedication throughout Ramadan.

The date of the additional holiday remains subject to the official declaration of 1 Syawal.

If Aidilfitri falls on Friday, March 20, the government has set Monday, March 23, as the additional holiday. Should Aidilfitri fall on Saturday, March 21, the additional holiday will be observed on Friday, March 20.

Meanwhile, the Aidilfitri SHMMP 2026 is currently in effect from March 14 to 28. The scheme involves price controls on 27 types of essential items, an increase from 26 items last year. - NST