Last-minute holiday announcements bad for business, govt told

The Malaysian Employers Federation has called on the government to consult businesses and provide adequate notice before declaring special public holidays, warning that last-minute announcements could pose challenges for the private sector. MEF president Syed Hussain Syed Husman explained that industries like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and hospitality often plan their staffing and production schedules well in advance, and short notice makes it difficult to adjust shift schedules and supply chain operations.

This can impact production targets and international delivery commitments. The federation urged the federal and state governments to establish a reasonable minimum notice period for special holidays. Meanwhile, Raymond Woo, a member of the Federation of Malaysian Business Associations, highlighted that last-minute holiday announcements could also disrupt small and medium-sized enterprises, potentially affecting their revenue, profitability, and ultimately, their survival.