TAMPARULI Assemblyman Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has proposed the introduction of “floating holidays” to give Sabahans greater flexibility in choosing meaningful leave days based on cultural and personal needs.
He raised the proposal while debating the Holidays (Amendment) Enactment 2026 Bill.
Madius said introducing one or two floating holidays annually would not merely be a policy change but a recognition of Sabah’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
“Sabah is not a place with one face. We are a story of diversity and harmony, yet not every public holiday today is meaningful to everyone,” he said.
He questioned why workers should not be given the basic right to choose the most meaningful day in their lives.
He cited the example of workers, especially those from rural areas such as Tamparuli, who often face the dilemma of choosing between work commitments and returning home to celebrate traditional festivals such as Kaamatan with their families.
On concerns over productivity, he said flexibility managed systematically would not disrupt operations but could instead improve worker loyalty and motivation.
Madius, who is also Tuaran MP, said clear guidelines such as early applications and limiting the leave to one or two days would help preserve productivity while safeguarding workers’ wellbeing.
He said the move would position Sabah as a progressive state that adapts the working world to modern and inclusive realities.
