KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 -- The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called on the government to urgently gazette the September 15 public holiday to provide legal clarity to employers.

The additional holiday that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced yesterday in a special address has triggered concerns within the manufacturing sector over compliance and planning, the group said.

FMM said many businesses remain unclear whether the holiday falls under Section 8 or Section 9 of the Holidays Act 1951, which would affect their obligations under the Employment Act 1955.

"This is critical to provide legal clarity and enable businesses to plan operations, workforce scheduling, and ensure compliance with the Employment Act ...