Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2023

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional public holiday in Malaysia in anticipation of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The public holiday could fall on either April 21 or April 22, depending on the official confirmation of Aidilfitri's date. If Aidilfitri falls on April 21, then the additional public holiday will be on Monday, April 25. If it falls on April 22, which is a Saturday, then Friday, April 22, will be the extra public holiday. Anwar Ibrahim made this announcement during a press conference that was livestreamed on Radio Television Malaysia's Facebook page.

For the states of Sabah and Sarawak, Anwar stated that the state governments can announce the additional public holiday on those dates based on their respective Holidays Ordinances. He also mentioned that the unity government is committed to ensuring the welfare of Malaysians is preserved under Malaysia Madani in all aspects.

Last week, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that April 19 would be a special school holiday, in addition to the mid-term holiday, which starts on April 20. This move aimed to facilitate the travel of those who will be returning to their hometowns for the weekend-long celebration.

Earlier this month, Islamic Affairs Minister Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stated that the National Fatwa Council would discuss the determination of the date of Syawal 1 after the prediction of the International Astronomy Centre based in the United Arab Emirates. The declaration of the date of Syawal 1 in Malaysia would be made by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal after receiving the report of the moon sighting and consent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who represents the Malay Rulers. The exact date of the Muslim celebration is subject to the observation of the new moon of Syawal, which will occur after sunset on April 20.

Others good news:

Toll exemptions will be granted on 33 highways nationwide for four days from April 19 until April 21 and April 24. Anwar also announced discounts for traffic summonses from last year and previous years. The Prisons Department will roll out the Licensed Prisoner Release (OBB) programme, with over 1,000 prisoners released under licence during Ramadan and Syawal. The government will also provide special discounts for basic food items, including chicken and onion, to help Menu Rahmah operators. Lastly, Anwar announced an initiative to reduce the prices of affordable homes by up to RM5,000, which will support the development of 24,000 units of affordable houses.