logo
Mark your calendars: Singaporeans get six long weekends in 2026 for travel, sleep-ins… or just escaping the boss

Mark your calendars: Singaporeans get six long weekends in 2026 for travel, sleep-ins… or just escaping the boss

Malay Maila day ago

SINGAPORE, June 16 – Singaporeans can look forward to six long weekends in 2026, according to Singapore's Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) list of gazetted public holidays released today.
The year will have 11 public holidays, starting with New Year's Day on a Thursday, with several holidays creating extended weekends.
The six long weekends mark an increase from four in 2025 and five in 2024, offering more opportunities for short getaways and family time.
Here is the list of long weekends:
Fridays
Good Friday — April 3
Labour Day — May 1
Christmas Day — December 25
Sundays (following Monday a public holiday)
Vesak Day — May 31
National Day — August 9
Deepavali — November 8
Other public holidays are:
Chinese New Year — February 17 and 18 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Hari Raya Aidilfitri — March 21 (Saturday)
Hari Raya Aidiladha — May 27 (Wednesday)
Under the Employment Act, all employees are entitled to paid public holidays. Employers and employees may also agree to substitute a public holiday for another working day, the MOM added.
Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to an additional day's basic salary, on top of their usual pay.
Alternatively, employers may offer time off in lieu, with hours mutually agreed upon between the employer and employee.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Business groups urge delay of SST expansion, warn 8pc rental tax from July 1 could derail Malaysia's recovery
Business groups urge delay of SST expansion, warn 8pc rental tax from July 1 could derail Malaysia's recovery

Malay Mail

timean hour ago

  • Malay Mail

Business groups urge delay of SST expansion, warn 8pc rental tax from July 1 could derail Malaysia's recovery

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 – Six major business associations have jointly called on the government to defer the upcoming expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), warning that the move could severely harm Malaysia's economic recovery. In a joint statement, the groups warned that the imposition of 8 per cent SST on commercial rental and leasing services from July 1 could exacerbate inflation, hinder investments, and weaken consumer confidence. 'We recognise the need for fiscal consolidation, but the timing, scope and magnitude of this tax measure are gravely misguided,' the groups said in a statement here. The statement was jointly released by the SME Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association, Malaysia Retailers Association, Bumiputra Retailers Organisation Malaysia, Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, and the Federation of Malaysia Business Associations. They said businesses are already under immense cost pressure from recent policies, including the hike in minimum wage, rationalisation of fuel and utility subsidies, and mandatory e-Invoicing — amid broader economic challenges like the weak ringgit and global trade uncertainty. 'Our members from sectors such as retail, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare are struggling to cope with rising costs,' they said. The associations warned that the SST expansion would increase operating expenses for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lease premises, and these costs would likely be passed on to consumers, fuelling inflation and shrinking purchasing power. They said unlike the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the current SST regime does not allow input tax credits, causing tax cascading and double cost exposure along the supply chain, which they said is particularly harmful for SMEs operating on slim profit margins. 'We are not against tax reform, but it must be implemented with empathy and realism,' they said, adding that a more consultative and inclusive approach is needed. The six groups presented five demands to the government: deferment of the SST expansion, reduction of the SST rate on rentals, exemptions for micro and small businesses, targeted relief for key sectors, and structured consultation with the business community. They stressed that while businesses support fiscal responsibility, it should not come at the cost of economic stability or the survival of small enterprises. On Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is retaining the SST, which is more targeted in nature, particularly on imported luxury items such as avocados and cod, products typically consumed by high-income earners.

Union demand talks after 161-year-old Penang Turf Club closes, says workers denied fair retrenchment process
Union demand talks after 161-year-old Penang Turf Club closes, says workers denied fair retrenchment process

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Union demand talks after 161-year-old Penang Turf Club closes, says workers denied fair retrenchment process

GEORGE TOWN, June 17 — Members of the Club Employees Union of Peninsular Malaysia (CEUPM) held a peaceful protest today over the Penang Turf Club's (PTC) alleged failure to engage in negotiations with its retrenched workers since May 31. The union's Secretary-General Rudy Rusly said the employer's action violated the spirit and principles of collective bargaining as enshrined in the Industrial Relations Act 1967. This, he said, concerns the right of employees to be represented by a trade union in matters related to terms and conditions of employment and retrenchment. The protest over stalled retrenchment negotiations follows the closure of the club after a 161-year run. 'The union asserts that any retrenchment action must be negotiated with the union to ensure workers' welfare is protected and that dignified compensation is discussed fairly. 'Employers cannot make unilateral decisions that affect workers' livelihoods without negotiating with the union. It is a lawful action under the law to express our protest and demand justice for our members,' he said in a statement yesterday. He called on PTC to return to the negotiating table and respect the workers' right to union representation. — Bernama

Etiqa Insurance Singapore Extends Support to Customers Impacted by Jetstar Asia's Impending Closure
Etiqa Insurance Singapore Extends Support to Customers Impacted by Jetstar Asia's Impending Closure

Malay Mail

time2 hours ago

  • Malay Mail

Etiqa Insurance Singapore Extends Support to Customers Impacted by Jetstar Asia's Impending Closure

Goodwill coverage for affected travel insurance customers includes extending claim submission period from 30 to 90 days to help customers better manage their travel disruptions SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 June 2025 - On 16 June 2025, Etiqa Insurance Singapore announced its commitment to supporting its travel insurance customers who have been affected by the impending closure of Jetstar Asia's operations. Recognising the disruption and inconvenience this situation has caused for many travellers, Etiqa Insurance Singapore will extend coverage for eligible travel insurance customers with affected Jetstar Asia bookings. While airline cessation of operations is not typically covered by travel insurance policies, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is extending its coverage as a gesture of goodwill to alleviate the financial burden on its valued Insurance Singapore customers who have purchased single-trip or annual travel insurance plans before 8.00 a.m. on 11 June 2025 can claim for non-refundable expenses related to pre-booked accommodation, local transportation, and activities during their trip, subject to applicable limits and criteria. To enhance customer support, the company has also extended the claim submission period from 30 to 90 days, allowing customers additional time to review their travel plans and submit their claims when they are ready."At Etiqa Insurance Singapore, we understand the stress and uncertainty that the impending Jetstar Asia closure has brought to customers. We hope this goodwill gesture helps ease challenges faced by those with disrupted travel plans," said Raymond Ong, Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore. "We want to assure our customers that we remain committed to being 'With You' throughout their journeys, especially during unexpected situations. "Our team is committed to providing the support and assistance our customers need to manage their travel plans with confidence and peace of mind".Affected customers can contact Etiqa's Customer Care Officers via WhatsApp / Call at +65 6887 8777 or email [email protected] for assistance and/or clarifications on their #EtiqaInsurance The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Insurance Singapore) Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is a licensed life and general insurance company regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. The local insurer is the Singapore operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group – a leading insurance and Takaful business in ASEAN offering life and general insurance and family and general Takaful products through its agents, branches, offices and bancassurance network in the region. Etiqa Insurance Singapore is rated 'A' by credit rating agency Fitch for the group's 'Favorable' business profile and 'Very Strong' capitalisation. Etiqa Insurance Singapore is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture company that combines local market knowledge with international insurance expertise. The company is 69% owned by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group with footprints across 16 countries and a heritage that spans over 190 years.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store