Malaysia YDP Agong Holiday
On 30 July 2019, the Malaysia government declared that it was an official public holiday. This public holiday was in celebration of the installation of the 16th YDP Agong in Malaysia.
What is the YDP Agong in Malaysia Public Holiday All About?
In July, the 16th Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah underwent the officiation ceremony. The Malaysian Government’s Chief Secretary declared the public holiday announcement. The announcement was in accordance with the Public Holidays Act 1951, applicable in peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. Sabah and Sarawak will take their own respective action based on the individual state’s constitutions.
The Agong’s role rotates among Malaysia’s nine heads of state. Every 5 years, they will select a new Agong through an election process by the council. However, this year’s installation of the YDP Agong took place after just two years, after the predecessor stepped down early. Hence, the declaration of the public holiday this year. This is an additional public holiday for 2019 in Malaysia’s existing annual public holiday list.
How Do They Celebrate It?
The installation of the YDP Agong ceremony will announce live throughout Malaysia across multiple media networks. Since the announcement was made late in the year, employers had an option to substitute an alternative public holiday replacement. They require employers to inform their employees of the available option. Employees could choose 30 July as the public holiday, or select a replace day and work on 30 July instead. If no dates are selected, employees who work are entitled to public holiday pay rates.
Pahang declared 31 July a holiday in addition to the 30 July holiday for the installation of the YDP Agong. 31 July’s holiday is in conjunction with the new Agong’s birthday. Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah is also the Pahang state’s monarch.
What to Do During the YDP Agong in Malaysia Public Holiday
The installation of the YDP Agong public holiday is not an existing recurring annual holiday in Malaysia. As such, not all places will be closed. All schools are on holidays, but many offices may continue to operate as per usual. Should you happen to be in Malaysia during this time, you could catch the installation ceremony. It will be available on any of Malaysia’s multiple media channels.
Most locals will enjoy the additional public holiday and use this time to either rest or spend time with family. Some may choose to carry on working. They’ll either get the pay for the extra rate or choose a more convenient replacement date to take leave.
