Starting January 1, 2025, Johor, Malaysia, will shift its weekend from the current Friday and Saturday back to the traditional Saturday and Sunday. This change aims to honor cultural values while meeting the demands of modern work life.
A Look Back in Time
On October 7, 2024, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim announced this important decision on the HRH Crown Prince of Johor Facebook page. Since January 2014, Johor has observed a Friday-Saturday weekend to accommodate Friday prayers, reflecting the state’s commitment to Islam as its official religion.
This isn’t the first time Johor has followed the Saturday-Sunday weekend. According to The Star, the state originally made this transition in 1994 during Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s tenure as Mentri Besar.
The return to the Friday-Saturday weekend in 2014 marked a revival of an earlier tradition from when Johor was an Unfederated Malay State.
Listening to the Community
Tunku Ismail emphasized that the decision to revert to a Saturday-Sunday weekend was made after consultations with various groups, including the Johor Islamic Religious Council (JAINJ). He noted that this change has the support of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
Supporting Religious Practices
In his statement, Tunku Ismail highlighted the importance of providing Muslim workers with adequate time for Friday prayers. He called on both private businesses and government agencies to support these religious practices, stating,
“I hope that the private sector, the government, and related parties allow sufficient time and space for Muslim workers to perform Friday prayers accordingly.”
Effects on Daily Life and Business
The transition to a Saturday-Sunday weekend will bring Johor in line with the standard weekend observed throughout the rest of Malaysia and Singapore. This change is expected to improve coordination among businesses operating in these regions, allowing for smoother interactions.
As Johor prepares for this significant change in January 2025, it demonstrates a thoughtful approach to governance that respects cultural traditions while addressing the needs of modern life. This change seeks to promote a balanced lifestyle for residents by blending traditional values with modern needs.
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