Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences and voices. All articles are personal stories and do not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
Everyone loves a good holiday. However, over time, Malaysian politicians are giving it away like nobody’s business… Ironically, Malaysians’ businesses are the most affected.
So, here’s why they need to STOP simply declaring public holidays.
1.It costs the country’s economy MILLIONS!
Public holidays are one thing, but sudden, unplanned ones are another.
In fact, on December 3, 2021, when KL won against Johor in the Malaysia Cup, the Minister of Federal Territories announced a sudden public holiday for KL.
Can you believe it? A public holiday just for a National Cup.
This cost an estimated RM400 million in lost output! This is especially considering that KL is one of the largest economic hubs in the country.
What this actually meant was quite catastrophic:
- Businesses had to totally close for work and production
- Higher labour costs are due to higher pay or last-minute replacement for enterprises to run properly.
- Cancellation of appointments in hospitals, trainings, conferences etc.
- Decrease in foot traffic for businesses in office areas.
- And more!
Politicians may not be businessmen, but they should know how stupid public holiday declarations can impact the country’s economy.
2. It’s not a commodity to be used as a bribe or ego boost.
Let’s be honest. Politicians or people in power only give holidays to keep the people happy.
It’s the ultimate ego boost!
…and not to mention *ahem* the best form of mass bribery – a currency our country is already running on anyway.
3. It’s becoming stupid, TBH
Public holiday for voting? That, we can give a pass on. But look at all the other plain stupid reasons our country has declared holidays:
- The aforementioned 2021 Malaysia Cup, where KL won against Johor
- PH winning GE14 in 2018
- Bruv, it’s a friggin’ election to determine our country’s government. What’s the point of the public holiday when whichever party wins?
- Malaysia winning the SEA games in 2017
Wait before y’all start getting triggered; here’s why this was not a smart move.
Thursday and Friday were already public holidays (Merdeka & Hari Raya). Adding the coming Monday as a public holiday made it a 5-day weekend which caused a lot of businesses to suffer.
The estimated salary cost for 1 additional public holiday in Malaysia is about RM1.5 billion per day!
4. It’s becoming a culture
So where does it end?
“Next thing you know, we’re giving out public holidays every other day because Bangsar won against Cheras in a local chess match.”
I love public holidays as much as any other person but not at the expense of our country’s economy and productivity.
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