Malaysia Cancels Eid al-Fitr Open Houses and Restricts Foreign Travel to Enforce Fiscal Discipline

The Malaysian government has decided that all ministries, government agencies, and government-related companies will not hold Eid al-Fitr open house celebrations this year. This decision forms part of efforts to encourage more prudent spending amid global economic uncertainty.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the decision was agreed upon during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. The measure is intended to signal the need for greater fiscal discipline across the public sector.

“As a sign that leadership must begin taking more positive steps, I have decided together with the Cabinet that all government institutions and state-owned enterprises will not hold Eid al-Fitr open house celebrations,” Anwar said during a special press conference broadcast live on his Facebook page.

The decision sends a message that spending must be more prudent and moderate. In addition, Anwar stated that ministers, government officials, and departments will also face restrictions on foreign travel.

He said foreign visits will only be permitted for pre-scheduled agendas deemed to be important.