Civil servants can expect a long break at the end of the month as the nation celebrates a double festival - Deepavali and Hari Raya Adil Fitri.

The government today declared Monday, Oct 23 a public holiday for civil servants so that they can enjoy an unbroken five-day break.

Deepavali, the festival of light for the Hindus, falls on Saturday, Oct 21.

Meanwhile, Muslims are expected to celebrate the end of their month-long fasting on Tuesday, Oct 24 and Wednesday, Oct 25.