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Extra Raya holiday not a populist move, says Ahmad Maslan

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The deputy finance minister says the government does not see the decision as ‘hurting’ the private sector.

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Free Malaysia Today
Deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan said declaring an extra public holiday, just like providing toll exemption for four days, is aimed at helping the people.

KUCHING:
The decision to declare an additional public holiday in conjunction with Aidilfitri is not a populist one and the government has no intention of making the private sector bear the losses, said deputy finance minister Ahmad Maslan.

“I don’t see this decision disturbing the private sector and I think the festive atmosphere is felt by all communities,” he told reporters after handing over cash aid for the B40 under the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah programme here today.

“So, it’s not troubling and hurting (the private sector) and it’s the same as giving free Rahmah toll for four days, which aims at helping the people.”

Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Ameer Ali Mydin had said in an interview with a television station that the additional holiday would cause his company losses of RM500,000.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced an additional public holiday in conjunction with Aidilfitri to make it easier for people to make preparations for the festival and to return to their hometowns.

Ahmad said the government had distributed cash contributions to about 8.7 million recipients nationwide, including 63,510 in Sarawak.

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