Accra:Sarawak Public holidays in Sarawak that fall on a Sunday or coincide with another public holiday will now be automatically replaced. This follows the passing of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill 2026 by the State Legislative Assembly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the bill was introduced by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, and was approved by a majority vote after a debate involving seven assemblymen. The existing law allowed for the following Monday to be a public holiday if a holiday fell on a Sunday, but did not address situations where two holidays coincide.

Sharifah Hasidah noted that such overlapping had occurred before, particularly during festive seasons. For instance, in 2025, the second day of Hari Gawai coincided with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, and in 2026, Wesak Day fell on a Sunday, with Monday and Tuesday already marked as Gawai holidays.

The new bill ensures that replacement public holidays will automatically take effect without the need for separate notifications in the Gazette. This change is expected to provide greater certainty for the public and improve administrative efficiency, allowing individuals and families to plan their holidays in advance.