Baling, Jan 13 – The Kedah government today declared Jan 17 as a ‘cuti peristiwa’ (occasional holiday) for the state in conjunction with the Thaipusam festival.
Menteri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr Mahathir said the holiday was declared upon consent from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, who is also the Sultan of Kedah.
“However, if the occasional holiday falls on weekend (Friday and Saturday), it will not be replaced.
“Since Jan 17 this year falls on Friday, it will not be replaced, but it will enable private companies, including banks, to have a day off,” he told reporters the Kolej Universiti Insaniah (Kuin) main campus in Kuala Ketil near here Sunday.
He said, after this, the state government would make a request for Thaipusam to be declared a public holiday in Kedah.
“But this year, we’ll just enjoy the occasional holiday,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kedah MIC chairman Datuk S.Ganeson lauded the announcement, saying that it was indeed a recognition for the deeds and contribution of the Indian community in the state.
While thanking Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Mukhriz, as well as MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, for keeping their promises to the people, Ganeson said he believed that the celabration of the Thaipusam festival would be merrier this year.
“I would also like to call on all Hindu devotees in Kedah to take the opportunity celebrate the festival and fulfill their religious obligations, while maintaining harmony and the good image of all the relevant quarters,” he added.
– Bernama
