Johor Announces Employee-Friendly Policy
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Starting January 2025, employees in Johor’s public and private sectors will receive a two-hour Friday break, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced.
Shift in Weekend Policy
This new policy accompanies the state’s decision to adopt a Saturday-Sunday weekend schedule, replacing the Friday-Saturday weekend arrangement that has been in place since 2014.
Supporting Religious Commitments
The longer Friday break is designed to accommodate Muslim employees attending Friday prayers. “To ensure a smooth transition, government departments will synchronize their operations with federal schedules, while private sector companies must provide two-hour breaks,” said Onn Hafiz.
Religious Facilities in Schools
Schools may also open suraus and halls for male Muslim students to perform their prayers. Onn Hafiz confirmed that religious authorities and the state Education Department would oversee these measures.
Balancing Family and Economic Growth
He expressed confidence that the weekend change would bolster the state economy while enhancing family life and upholding Islamic traditions.
Historical Weekend Shift Confirmed
This shift, decreed by Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, marks the end of Johor’s 11-year Friday-Saturday weekend policy.
