Anwar Ibrahim – dixonthum

Guys! As we already know, our Prime Minister announced that Monday, 15 September 2025, will be a public holiday for all Malaysians! That’s right — a long weekend is officially on the cards, and it’s all in conjunction with Malaysia Day, which falls on Tuesday, 16 September 2025.

As someone who juggles work and short getaways, I think this bonus holiday is a great opportunity to take a breather or plan something fun with family or friends. Whether you’re heading back to your hometown, exploring a new café, or just enjoying a well-deserved nap at home, this announcement definitely comes as good news.

So why was 15 September 2025 made a public holiday?
According to PM Anwar Ibrahim, it’s all about giving Malaysians extra time to reflect on the country’s unity and journey since its formation. Symbolically, it adds weight to Malaysia Day celebrations, making it a true moment of togetherness and national pride.

And yes, the implementation of the additional holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan; the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) and the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369) as the basis for the announcement of the official additional holiday by the government.

Here’s what employers and employees need to know:

If your company already assigned 11 paid public holidays for 2025, this 15 Sept holiday still counts as an extra mandatory day off.
Employers can:
1. Give the day off with full pay,
2. Ask employees to work, but pay them double (2x daily wage) and triple (3x hourly rate for OT hours),
3. Replace the holiday with another paid day off.
If you’re working on that day, make sure you check your payroll — the Employment Act ensures proper compensation, including overtime rates if applicable.

For employers, especially those in F&B, healthcare, logistics, or retail, you might want to start adjusting your shift planning and payroll settings now. Even the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has urged the government to gazette the holiday early, so businesses can prepare.

From a practical point of view, this bonus holiday is perfect for planning a gathering with loved ones, exploring local attractions, or finally going on that short getaway you’ve always had in mind.

So, mark your calendars:
📅 13 Sept (Saturday)
📅 14 Sept (Sunday)
📅 15 Sept (Monday – Public Holiday)
📅 16 Sept (Tuesday – Malaysia Day)

4 days of freedom.
You’re welcome.

So, what do you plan to do during the long weekend?

If you’re a Malaysian aged 18 and above, here’s some good news — you’re getting a one-off RM100 cash handout directly through your MyKad. This was officially announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a televised address as part of a nationwide effort to ease the cost-of-living burden for all Malaysians.

What makes this announcement special to me? It’s the first time in Malaysia’s history that every adult citizen (aged 18 and above) — regardless of income group — will receive cash assistance under the government’s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme. And the best part? It’s not by household — it’s individual. That means if you and your three other adult family members live under the same roof, that’s RM400 total for your household.

I was already eligible to receive a monthly allowance under the SARA programme, so I thought it’d be helpful to share my experience on how to make the most of the aid using the MyKasih app.

The one-off RM100 cash aid will be made available starting 31 August 2025 and must be spent by 31 December 2025. However, it’s not withdrawable cash — it can only be used to purchase essential items at over 4,100 participating grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Any unspent amount after December 31 will be returned to the government and channeled into future aid programmes for vulnerable groups.

What Can You Buy with the one-off RM100 SARA Aid?
The RM100 can be used for basic goods only. Here’s a list of eligible categories under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme:

Rice, bread, noodles, biscuits, eggs, flour
Cooking oil and basic seasonings
Milk, beverages, and canned food
Personal hygiene items like toothpaste, soap, sanitary pads
Household cleaning items such as detergent and dishwashing liquid
Over-the-counter medicine including paracetamol and cough syrup
School supplies including stationery and basic shoes

You cannot use the RM100 to purchase snacks, soft drinks, fast food, frozen meat without labels, or premium/imported goods. Just look out for the MyKasih label or scan the barcode using the app to confirm if the item is eligible.

How to Use the RM100 Cash Aid at the Store

Visit any participating grocery store or supermarket
Choose items from the approved list
Inform the cashier you’re paying via MyKasih
Present your MyKad and key in your 6-digit PIN
The eligible amount will be deducted directly from your RM100 balance
Keep the receipt to track your usage

The MyKasih system will automatically reject ineligible items, so you won’t accidentally overspend on the wrong products.

Step-by-Step How to Check Eligible Items on the MyKasih App

Step 1: Download the MyKasih App

Go to Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone)
Search for MyKasih
Install and open the app
(App name: MyKasih – official app by MyKasih Foundation)

Step 2: Log in or Register

Register using your MyKad number
Set a 6-digit PIN for security (For first time login, temporary PIN is the first 6-digits of your MyKad)
If you’re already registered, just log in with your existing MyKad and PIN

Step 3: Go to the Barcode Scanner Feature

On the main dashboard, tap on “Check Item” or look for the barcode icon
This lets you scan any product barcode while you’re in the store

Step 4: Scan the Item Barcode

Point your phone camera at the item’s barcode
The app will immediately tell you whether the item is eligible or not eligible under the SARA programme

Step 5: Check Your Balance Anytime

Your remaining SARA balance is shown on the homepage
It updates every time you spend using your MyKad at a participating store

Step 6: Locate Nearby Participating Merchants

Make sure to shop only at these outlets for the aid to work

Tap on “Find Merchants” to find nearby supermarkets and grocers that accept MyKasih

Participating merchants include Mydin, Giant, Econsave, The Store, Pacific, Miimewa, 99 Speedmart, Lotuss Stores and some independent supermarkets and mini markets.

Step 7: Check Eligible Items for Purchase

Tap on “Catalogue” for the full list of eligible items

Other Announcements by the Prime Minister
Along with the RM100 cash handout, here are a few more things the government announced to help ease the rakyat’s burden: