JOHOR BARU: The decision to revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend starting Jan 1 next year is expected to boost productivity and accelerate Johor's economic growth.
State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs, and Human Resources Committee chairman, Lee Ting Han, said that this move, which aligns Johor's workweek with that of Kuala Lumpur, the banking sector, and neighbouring countries, is anticipated to streamline business operations and improve coordination across various sectors, including trade, logistics, and finance.
This will help simplify planning, scheduling, and coordination, benefiting both the public and private sectors," he told the New Straits Times when contacted today.
He added that aligning weekends with the private sector is expected to improve work-life balance, particularly for families with school-going children.
Such a decision, he said, will also help to boost the retail and leisure industries, contributing to local economic growth.
"The shift is viewed as a strategic move to foster greater economic integration and efficiency while supporting family-oriented and lifestyle improvements," he added.
Earlier today, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim announced that Johor will revert to weekend off days on Saturday and Sunday starting Jan 1.
"Following consent and blessing from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and after considering the views of the Johor Islamic Religious Council (JAINJ), I would like to announce that starting Jan 1, 2025, Johor's weekend off days will be changed to Saturday and Sunday," Tunku Ismail wrote on his Facebook page today.
Tunku Ismail added that he has decreed both Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the Johor mufti to discuss and study every angle and aspect regarding this matter.