THE Johor and Kelantan governments today announced that Sunday is a replacement holiday in both states in conjunction with polling day for the general election (GE) on Saturday. 

Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a Facebook post said Sunday has been declared a holiday with the consent of the state’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. 

“After getting the consent of the Johor sultan, the state government agreed to replace the public holiday with a substitute holiday on November 20, which is Sunday,” he added. 

Onn Hafiz said the replacement holiday was granted as a sign of appreciation to electors for going out to fulfil their responsibility as voters. 

“Every vote from you will ensure that the process of democracy and national development continues to grow. This is for the well-being of the people of Johor and Malaysia in general, for the next five years,” he said. 

Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob said the decision was made in line with the announcement by caretaker prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob on Monday, declaring Friday and Saturday public holidays. 

“The state executive council, which met today, agreed to declare November 18 and 19, 2022 (Friday and Saturday) public holidays in Kelantan. 

“Given that the public holidays fall on a weekend in Kelantan, which is Friday and Saturday, then the following day, Sunday, November 20, 2022, will be a public holiday,” he said in a statement today. 

Ahmad said the matter is in line with the state Service Circular Number 7 of 1996. 

On Monday, Ismail announced public holidays on Friday and Saturday to ensure Keluarga Malaysia does not shirk its responsibilities to the country. 

He said 30 highway concessionaires had agreed to offer free toll for the two days in conjunction with the GE to make it easier for electors to go home and vote. 

Free tolls will start from 12.01am on Friday until 11.59pm on Saturday for all Class 1 private vehicles. 

Malaysia goes to the polls on Saturday. – Bernama, November 16, 2022.