We refer to the announcement by the Johor State Government that Monday, 13 July 2026, has been declared a Hari Cuti Peristiwa Negeri Johor following the Johor State Election.

Based on the information presently available, the holiday is understood to be a State public holiday declared pursuant to Section 9(1) of the Holidays Act 1951. It is therefore distinguishable from an additional public holiday declared by the Federal Government under Section 8 of the same Act. Section 9(1) permits the State Authority to appoint a day to be observed as a State public holiday.

For private-sector employers, the following should be considered:

1. Companies observing the statutory minimum public holidays

Companies that observe only the 11 paid public holidays prescribed or selected under Section 60D of the Employment Act 1955 are generally not automatically required to observe this additional State holiday, unless it has already been selected as one of the company’s gazetted public holidays.

Such companies may continue operations as usual on 13 July 2026. However, employees should be informed promptly that Monday remains a normal working day.

2. Companies observing all gazetted or State public holidays

Where the employment contract, handbook, collective agreement, company policy or established practice states that the company observes all gazetted public holidays or all public holidays declared in Johor, the company should observe 13 July 2026 as a paid public holiday.

Employers should avoid departing from an existing contractual entitlement or consistent past practice without first considering the potential employee relations and contractual implications.

3. Employees required to work

Where the company observes the holiday but requires certain employees to work due to operational requirements, the applicable public holiday payment or replacement holiday arrangements should be implemented in accordance with the Employment Act 1955 and the employees’ contractual terms.

For employees entitled to the statutory public holiday payment provisions, work performed on a paid public holiday attracts the applicable public holiday rate. Overtime exceeding normal working hours is payable at the prescribed rate.

4. Location of employment

The declaration applies to employees who wholly or mainly work in the State of Johor. It does not automatically apply merely because an employee resides in Johor while being principally employed in another State.

5. Attendance immediately before or after the holiday

Where the holiday is recognised as a paid public holiday by the Employer, employees who are absent without prior approval or reasonable excuse on the working day immediately before or after the holiday may forfeit their entitlement to holiday pay pursuant to Section 60D(2) of the Employment Act 1955, and may be subject to disciplinary action.

To assist employers in communicating with employees, we have prepared draft templates for your use:

1. Employer Recognising the Public Holiday  Download draft communication for companies observing 13 July 2026 as a paid public holiday.
   

2. Employer Not Recognising the Public Holiday   Download draft communication for companies continuing operations on 13 July 2026.

Best Regards,

DZULFADHLI LAMIN

Senior Consultant