Monday, 23 March 2026 — 3 Syawal 1447H
The final public holiday of the festive break. Raya continues throughout Syawal. Government offices reopen tomorrow.
3 SYAWAL — THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES
Today marks 3 Syawal and the final gazetted public holiday of Malaysia’s four-day Aidilfitri break. Government offices, Bursa Malaysia and most institutions will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, 24 March.
But the celebration itself is far from over. In Malaysia, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is observed throughout the entire month of Syawal. Open houses, family visits, community gatherings and the warmth of the festive season will continue well into April.
The four-day break — Friday, 20 March; Hari Raya Day 1 on Saturday, 21 March; Day 2 on Sunday, 22 March; and today’s replacement public holiday — gave Malaysians one of the most generous festive stretches in recent years.
The Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme, covering 27 categories of essential goods, remains in force until 28 March, supporting the active open house period ahead.
FUEL SUBSIDY SURGE — RM3.2 BILLION A MONTH
The most significant development over the Raya weekend came directly from the Prime Minister’s own disclosure.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Malaysia’s monthly fuel subsidy bill has surged from approximately RM700 million to RM3.2 billion — a near fivefold increase within weeks, driven by the Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The breakdown:
RON95: RM2 billion
Diesel: RM1.2 billion
Anwar also highlighted a critical structural vulnerability: nearly half of Malaysia’s petroleum supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, despite the country being an oil producer.
Malaysia exports crude oil at global prices, but imports refined petroleum products through the same disrupted route — placing the country on both sides of the same crisis.
The subsidy policy is clearly positioned as protection for ordinary Malaysians. But at RM3.2 billion per month, it is fiscally unsustainable over the medium term unless the Hormuz disruption eases, global crude prices fall significantly, or structural subsidy reform begins.
None of these conditions appear imminent.
Watch Wednesday, 25 March:
The weekly fuel price announcement will be the first post-Raya economic signal. With Brent crude still elevated — despite easing from its March 9 peak of US$119 — another week of high unsubsidised prices is the base case.
HEATWAVE DURING RAYA — KEDAH AT DANGER LEVEL
A second concern emerged over the weekend — one affecting millions on the move today.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department has issued a Level 2 heatwave warning for Padang Terap, Kedah, where temperatures have reached 37–40°C for at least three consecutive days.
A further 14 areas across Peninsular Malaysia are under Level 1 alert (35–37°C), including Perlis, multiple districts in Kedah (Baling, Langkawi, Kubang Pasu), Timur Laut (Penang), Hulu Perak and Rembau (Negeri Sembilan).
The timing is critical. Millions are travelling today — either continuing Raya visits or returning to urban centres — with major stretches of the North-South Expressway running directly through affected zones.
Authorities are urging travellers to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, protect children and the elderly, and take regular rest breaks.
The Health Ministry has reported 15 heat-related cases nationwide so far this year, including one fatality involving a child.
HIGHWAYS CLEAR THIS MORNING — CONGESTION FROM NOON
Traffic conditions into the Klang Valley were smooth this morning, with the return wave not yet fully underway.
That window is closing.
Traffic is expected to build significantly from noon, as Malaysians begin returning to the city ahead of tomorrow’s reopening of offices.
PLUS has identified the broader return peak as 27–29 March, meaning today’s movement is a precursor to heavier flows later in the week.
Travel advice:
Depart early morning
Or delay until late evening
Avoid midday to afternoon peak
The heavy vehicle ban (Phase 2) will be enforced on 28–29 March, while Ops Selamat 26 continues until Tuesday, 24 March, with nationwide enforcement at high-risk zones.
OPEN HOUSES THROUGH SYAWAL — A TRADITION ENDURES
While the official holidays end today, the true spirit of Raya continues.
Melaka will host its state open house on 28 March, Penang will hold a modest joint celebration, and countless community and private open houses will carry the festive spirit through April.
The Johor Menteri Besar’s open house on Raya Day 1 drew over 20,000 attendees, reflecting Malaysia’s deeply rooted tradition of inclusive celebration.
At the federal level, a different signal has emerged.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s absence from the open house circuit this year — the first in recent memory — has drawn attention and quiet political commentary.
The message of austerity has been noted. Whether it remains politically sustainable throughout the Syawal season remains an open question.
Bottom Line
Malaysia closes its four-day festive break with new realities coming into sharper focus: a RM3.2 billion monthly subsidy burden, rising heat risks across multiple states, and a return wave building on national highways.
The celebration of Syawal continues — open houses, family gatherings and the warmth of the season ahead.
But so does the reckoning.
Government offices reopen tomorrow. The economic policy cycle resumes in full.
From the TNS News desk — Syawal 1447H has only just begun.
May the warmth, forgiveness and generosity of this blessed month continue to fill every home across Malaysia.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
- TNS News | tnsnews.com.my