Education Ministry Announces Extra School Holiday Ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026
PUTRAJAYA — The Ministry of Education has announced an additional school holiday for all schools nationwide next Wednesday in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in 2026.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the additional day off is intended to provide sufficient time for teachers, students and parents to prepare for the festive season, which is widely celebrated across Malaysia.
The announcement reflects the ministry’s effort to ensure that the school community can make the necessary preparations for the celebration while maintaining a balanced academic schedule for the year.
Extra Holiday Included in 2026 Academic Calendar
Fadhlina explained that the additional holiday had already been incorporated into the 2026 Academic Calendar issued by the ministry.
Under the arrangement, schools categorised under Group A have been allocated one additional holiday on March 19.
Meanwhile, schools under Group B will receive two extra days off, specifically on March 19 and March 20, which fall on Thursday and Friday respectively.
The grouping of schools is based on the academic calendar system used by the ministry, where certain states follow different holiday schedules to better manage the school year.
These states are divided into two main groups to coordinate academic activities and public holidays more effectively.
Providing Time for Festive Preparations
According to Fadhlina, the additional holiday is meant to ease the preparation process for the Hari Raya celebration, particularly for families who may need extra time to travel, prepare their homes or organise festive gatherings.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims in Malaysia, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In the days leading up to the celebration, many families typically travel back to their hometowns to celebrate the festive occasion together with relatives and loved ones.
The ministry recognised that such preparations can require considerable time and planning, especially for families living far from their hometowns.
By granting the additional holiday, the ministry hopes to reduce stress and allow the school community to prepare for the celebration in a more organised and comfortable manner.
Prioritising Well-Being of the Education Community
Fadhlina said the decision is also consistent with the ministry’s ongoing commitment to prioritising the well-being of the education community.
Teachers, students and parents are all part of a broader ecosystem that supports the country’s education system, and their well-being remains an important consideration in policy decisions.
The minister noted that the additional holiday aims to create a more balanced environment where academic responsibilities can coexist with cultural and family traditions.
“This additional holiday is expected to give teachers, students and parents enough time to make the necessary preparations for Hari Raya in an orderly and comfortable manner,” she said in a brief statement released on Tuesday evening.
Balancing Academic Schedules and Cultural Celebrations
Malaysia’s education calendar often takes into account major national and religious celebrations to ensure that academic activities remain flexible and inclusive.
Festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri are deeply rooted in Malaysian society and involve extensive preparations, including travel, shopping and family gatherings.
For many families, the days leading up to the celebration are important moments to reconnect with relatives and strengthen community ties.
By adjusting the school calendar accordingly, the Ministry of Education aims to maintain a balance between academic commitments and the cultural traditions that shape Malaysian society.
Schools to Resume Normal Schedule After Holidays
Following the additional holiday, schools are expected to resume classes according to the schedule set in the academic calendar.
The ministry has also reminded schools to ensure that teaching and learning activities continue smoothly after the festive break.
The extra holiday announcement has been welcomed by many parents and educators, who view it as a thoughtful measure that recognises the needs of the school community during the festive season.
As the Hari Raya celebration approaches, the ministry hopes the additional time will allow families to prepare for the occasion while strengthening bonds within their communities.
-wilayah.com.my
