According to a report by the state’s public communications unit (UKAS), Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said a sudden public holiday announcement would be detrimental to the economic sectors.

He also said this followed discussions with state secretary Abu Bakar Marzuki.

“But we can think of alternatives. After all, we do have incentives for them (the Sarawak contingent). However, all must also give them a break after being on duty throughout Sukma,” he said.

Sarawak pipped the Federal Territories by one gold medal to become Sukma champion.

The final medal tally put Sarawak at 76 gold, 54 silver and 68 bronze medals. The Bornean state was just ahead of the Federal Territories, which managed to win 75 gold, 66 silver and 72 bronze medals.

This was Sarawak’s fourth time as the overall Sukma champion. It topped the medal table in the 1990, 1992 and 1994 games.