Sabah has designated March 30 as the birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, aligning with the actual birthdate of Tun Musa Aman.

State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong confirmed that the change, replacing the previous October 4 celebration, was gazetted on March 6 and will take effect this year.

However, he noted that the official celebration date would still be determined by Istana Negeri.

“Gazetted on March 30. The date of celebration will be decided by Istana,” he said when contacted about the announcement, which has been circulating on social media since last night. 

As March 30 falls on a Sunday this year, Safar also confirmed that a replacement holiday would be observed the following day.

The official birthday of the Sabah Governor was previously held in October after being moved from its original date on the first Saturday of June several years ago.

The change has prompted speculation online that Sabahans may receive an extended Hari Raya Aidilfitri break this year, as the replacement holiday is expected to fall on March 31. If Hari Raya Aidilfitri is observed on March 31 or April 1, an additional public holiday could be declared.

A purported government gazette announcing the new date had earlier gone viral on social media. — March 18, 2025