25-07-2025
Ad hoc holidays cripple small businesses, says DUBS Miri
Mohammad Hafidz says for many micro and small businesses, such disruptions could directly affect cash flow and the ability to maintain day-to-day operations.
MIRI (July 26): The Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Chamber (DUBS) Miri has voiced concern over the declaration of sudden or unplanned public holidays, saying such practices should not become the norm.
Its chairman Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, in a statement yesterday, said unannounced holidays such as the additional public holiday on Sept 15 declared by the Federal government could place undue pressure on the business sector, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
'Malaysia already has a relatively high number of public holidays compared to other countries in the region.
'Ad hoc holidays complicate operational planning, disrupt productivity, and increase costs, such as overtime pay and disruptions to production and service schedules,' he said.
Mohammad Hafidz added that for many micro and small businesses, such disruptions could directly affect cash flow and the ability to maintain day-to-day operations.
According to him, the Employment Act 1955 already provides clear provisions for managing public holidays, including the option to substitute days off as permitted by law.
'Any announcement of additional holidays without formal confirmation through the Government Gazette under the Holidays Act 1951 has the potential to cause confusion among employers and result in unintended legal implications,' he said.
While acknowledging that additional holidays might temporarily benefit the tourism sector, he cautioned that their overall economic impact on small traders and entrepreneurs was often 'limited and unsustainable'.
'We (DUBS Miri) fully support the patriotic spirit of Malaysia Day celebrations.
'However, we also urge that love for the nation be demonstrated through initiatives that empower the entrepreneurial sector, recognise the challenges faced by micro and small enterprises, and foster a business environment that is both conducive and sustainable,' he said in the statement.
He stressed that local entrepreneurs not only contributed to economic growth and job creation, but also embodied the spirit of independence, dedication, and the determination to build a better future for the country.
'Patriotism should not just be celebrated – it must be protected, understood and given space to grow in tandem with the nation's economy.'
