Kuala lumpur: The government has agreed to provide an additional day off in conjunction with this year's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration to appreciate the efforts and dedication of the people who worked hard throughout the month of Ramadan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He stated that the date of the additional holiday is subject to the declaration of Syawal 1.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister mentioned that if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Friday (March 20), the government will designate Monday (March 23) as the additional holiday. Conversely, if Hari Raya falls on Saturday (March 21), the additional holiday will be on Friday (March 20). Anwar made these announcements while officiating the National Consumer Day 2026 event.

The event was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and his Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh. Anwar emphasized that announcing the holiday in advance aims to help people plan their travels.

The Prime Minister also announced the implementation of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026 Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme (SHMMP) for 15 days, beginning March 14. The scheme covers seven days before and after the festival to maintain stability in the prices of essential goods.

Anwar explained that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living has identified controlled goods by location, consisting of 24 items in the Peninsula, 23 in Sabah and Sarawak, and 22 in the Federal Territory of Labuan. He also addressed a challenge regarding price increases of red chillies due to supply disruptions from major floods in Thailand, suggesting consumers use dried chillies as an alternative.