A shorter workweek could soon be on the horizon for Johoreans, as the state government is exploring the possibility of introducing a 4½-day workweek. While not quite as short as the dream four-day arrangement, it’s still a promising change for civil servants in the state.
Johor’s Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, revealed that the idea aligns with the state’s decision to shift its weekend to Saturday and Sunday, beginning 1 January 2025.
Photo via The Straits Times
This move, he explained, aims to boost productivity and refine the efficiency of public services.
Among the strategies discussed to improve service delivery are extending counter service operating hours—including during lunch breaks from 1 PM to 2 PM—and enhancing digital platforms to enable more online transactions. In addition, efforts will be made to standardise operating hours across state departments, federal agencies, and local authorities to streamline public accessibility.
Onn stated, “If these enhancement initiatives are successfully implemented, the state government is open to considering a 4½-day workweek for the public sector. However, this would not involve reducing the total number of working hours.”
He shared these plans on 21 November while presenting Johor’s Budget 2025, noting that the implementation of any such change would require the approval of Johor’s Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, as well as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.
While the proposal is still in its early stages, Johoreans can look forward to potential advancements that might reshape their work-life balance in the near future.
