ISANDAR PUTERI - Exciting news for workers in Johor!

Starting January 1, 2025, both public and private sector employees will benefit from a mandatory two-hour break on Fridays, announced Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

This groundbreaking decision is part of a larger shift where Johor will change its official weekend from the current Friday-Saturday to Saturday-Sunday. The Chief Minister emphasized that this change aims to accommodate the needs of Muslim employees, allowing them ample time to perform their Friday prayers with ease.

"To ensure all Muslims working in private sector jobs can comfortably fulfill their religious obligations, the state has decided to extend the Friday break time from a previous one hour and 30 minutes to a full two hours," stated Onn Hafiz during the presentation of the Johor Budget 2025 at Kota Iskandar.

In addition to this, plans are underway to utilize areas within schools, such as surau (prayer rooms) and halls, to facilitate Friday prayers for male Muslim students, further ensuring accessibility. The state’s Education Department and Islamic Religious Department will collaborate with the Mufti Department to implement these plans effectively.

Onn Hafiz expressed optimism that the new weekend structure would not only uphold the sanctity of the Islamic faith but also invigorate the state’s economy. He highlighted that the change would allow families to spend quality time together, enhancing their weekend experiences.

This announcement comes on the heels of a decree from Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, formalizing the transition to Saturday and Sunday as the state’s official rest days. This marks the end of an 11-year tradition, previously observed since 2014, which designated Fridays and Saturdays as the official weekends.

With these developments, Johor is poised for a positive transformation that respects both the cultural and economic aspects of its community. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to this significant transition begins!