The Sabah government has declared April 2, 2025, a public holiday in conjunction with the official birthday of the Head of State.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the birthday falls on March 30, a Sunday, and since March 31 is already a public holiday, April 2 will be the replacement.

The declaration was made in line with the Holidays Ordinance (Chapter 56), as stated in the government gazette dated March 26.

In conjunction with the event, the state will roll out seven official events over the next three months to mark Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s successor, Tun Musa Aman’s 74th birthday.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam announced that the celebrations will run from March 30 to June 21, with major events scheduled for the final day.

These include the parade ceremony, a prize-giving for the parade competition, the State Awards and Honours Investiture, and the State Banquet.

Three more events — a thanksgiving and special prayer, Sabah Ethnic Day, and a tea reception with special needs children and orphans — will be held earlier, he said. 

Dr Gunsalam, who chairs the organising committee, said the state cabinet had approved the celebration lineup and budget on Tuesday.

This will be Musa’s first official birthday celebration as Sabah’s 11th Governor, following his appointment on January 1.

The March 30 date replaces the previous official birthday held on the first Saturday of October, as per the gazette issued by State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong on March 6 – March 26, 2025