Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 17, 2024 5:15 am GMT
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 — Johor is set to make a significant change to its weekend schedule, moving back to a Saturday-Sunday weekend starting January 1, 2025. The announcement, made by the Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, marks the end of the current Friday-Saturday weekend, which has been in place since 2014. This decision comes after a thorough review conducted by the Johor government and input from various stakeholders.
Background of the Weekend Shift
The original change to a Friday-Saturday weekend was implemented in honor of Sultan Ibrahim’s 55th birthday. However, the state government has recently faced feedback from the public and different sectors, prompting this review. A series of surveys and engagement sessions were conducted to evaluate the impact of the weekend system on work-life balance and productivity.
The reasons for reverting to a Saturday-Sunday weekend include:
- Better alignment with the federal government’s weekend schedule.
- The need to enhance productivity and work-life balance for employees.
- Ensuring that Muslim workers have adequate time to perform Friday prayers.
Local Reactions to the Decision
While the changes aim to improve overall productivity, not everyone agrees with the shift. Hassan Abdul Karim, a Member of Parliament from PKR, has voiced his opposition. He argues that maintaining Friday as a weekend day honors its significance in Islam. “Friday is a holy day in Islam and should be respected in Johor,” he stated in a recent Facebook post.
Karim emphasized, “Maintaining Friday as a weekend day would not lead to Johor being left behind.” His remarks resonate with a segment of the population that values the religious importance of the day.
However, supporters of the decision, including Johor’s executive councillor Lee Ting Han, argue that the change will greatly benefit the state’s workforce. He noted, “This move will help improve work-life balance and productivity across various sectors.”
Impact on the Population
The shift to a Saturday-Sunday weekend is expected to affect approximately 2.5 million residents in Johor, which includes around 587,343 school students. The remaining workforce consists of nearly 1.94 million employees across both government and private sectors.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi highlighted that the state will work closely with the Johor Labour Department and industry players to ensure smooth implementation of the directive. Employers who fail to comply may face strict actions, indicating that the state is serious about enforcing the new weekend structure.
Future Considerations for Implementation
As Johor gears up for this change, it is crucial that businesses prepare to adapt their operations. Stakeholders may need to adjust payroll systems and work rosters, which could take around three months. This transition period will be essential for ensuring that all sectors are equipped to handle the alterations.
- Employers should:
- Assess their current work schedules.
– Update payroll processes.
– Communicate changes effectively to employees.
As the new weekend structure approaches, Johor’s government will likely monitor feedback and address any issues that arise during the transition.
Conclusion
Johor is changing its weekend to Saturday and Sunday, which is a big change for the way people work and relax. Some people in Johor are happy about this new weekend, but others are worried about how it will affect the Muslim community. As the state gets ready for this change, it’s important for everyone to talk and share their thoughts so that the new schedule works well for all.
