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Malaysia Public Holidays

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Malaysia Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Malaysia? All public holidays in Malaysia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Malaysia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Malaysia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Holidays in Malaysia

Malaysia, a multicultural nation in Southeast Asia, has a diverse array of public holidays reflecting its religious and cultural diversity. The country observes holidays from various ethnic and religious groups, including Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and others. Public holidays are observed both at the federal and state levels, with some holidays specific to certain regions or communities.

National Public Holidays

National public holidays in Malaysia are observed throughout the country and are generally recognized by all states and territories.

1. New Year’s Day (1st January)

  • New Year’s Day is celebrated on the 1st of January every year, marking the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is a public holiday for all states in Malaysia except for Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. The day is celebrated with gatherings, fireworks, and various events organized across the country.

2. Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr)

  • Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. It is one of the most significant Muslim holidays in Malaysia, celebrated with prayers, feasts, and family reunions.
  • The holiday is typically observed for two days, and it may fall on different dates each year depending on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Traditions during Hari Raya Aidilfitri:

  • Morning prayers: Muslims attend special prayers at mosques.
  • Open houses: Many families host open houses where they invite neighbors and friends to share festive meals.
  • Charity: It is common to give donations to the poor and needy during this time.

3. Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha)

  • Hari Raya Haji, or Eid al-Adha, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.
  • The holiday is observed with prayers and the sacrifice of animals such as cows or goats, which are then shared with the community, especially with the less fortunate.
  • It usually falls about 70 days after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

4. Chinese New Year

  • According to foodanddrinkjournal.com, Chinese New Year is a major festival celebrated by the Chinese community in Malaysia. It usually falls in January or February, based on the lunar calendar, and is celebrated for 15 days.
  • The first two days of Chinese New Year are public holidays nationwide.

Traditions during Chinese New Year:

  • Lion and dragon dances: These traditional performances are believed to bring good luck.
  • Reunion dinner: Families gather on the eve of the New Year for a large feast.
  • Red packets (Ang Pow): Married couples give red packets filled with money to younger or unmarried relatives as a symbol of good fortune.

5. Wesak Day

  • Wesak Day celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. It is an important religious day for Buddhists in Malaysia and is observed nationwide.
  • On this day, Buddhists gather at temples to meditate, make offerings, and perform acts of charity.

Key activities on Wesak Day:

  • Processions: Devotees participate in colorful processions at temples.
  • Bathing of the Buddha statue: A symbolic act of purifying oneself.

6. Deepavali (Diwali)

  • Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus in Malaysia. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
  • It is a public holiday in most Malaysian states, with the exception of Sarawak.

Traditions during Deepavali:

  • Lighting of oil lamps: Small oil lamps (diyas) are lit around homes to ward off darkness.
  • Feasts and sweets: Families prepare a variety of sweets and traditional Indian dishes.
  • Rangoli: Colorful designs made from rice flour, flowers, or colored powders decorate the entrances of homes.

7. Labour Day (1st May)

  • Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is celebrated on the 1st of May every year. It is a public holiday that honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement.
  • The day is marked by rallies, speeches, and events celebrating workers’ rights and achievements.

8. National Day (31st August)

  • National Day, or Hari Merdeka, commemorates Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule on the 31st of August 1957.
  • It is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and patriotic events across the country, particularly in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

Key Merdeka events:

  • Parades: Held in major cities, showcasing the nation’s unity and military strength.
  • Flag raising: The Malaysian flag is prominently displayed, and citizens sing the national anthem, “Negaraku.”

9. Malaysia Day (16th September)

  • Malaysia Day celebrates the formation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963, when Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore (which later separated in 1965) joined Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.
  • It is a public holiday nationwide, marked by events that promote unity and national identity.

Religious Public Holidays

Malaysia’s religious diversity means several holidays are specific to particular faiths, yet widely respected across the country.

1. Thaipusam

  • Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival that honors Lord Murugan. It is observed by the Tamil community in Malaysia, especially in states like Selangor, Penang, and Perak.
  • Devotees partake in a pilgrimage, carrying “kavadis” (decorative burdens) to temples, most notably to the Batu Caves in Selangor.

Key Thaipusam activities:

  • Piercing and penance: Some devotees pierce their bodies with hooks or skewers as acts of devotion.
  • Cavadees: Decorative structures carried by devotees, representing their devotion and sacrifices.

2. Good Friday

  • Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a public holiday in Sabah and Sarawak, where the Christian population is higher.
  • The day is observed with church services, prayers, and reflection on the sacrifice of Jesus.

State-Specific Holidays

In addition to national holidays, each Malaysian state has its own holidays that reflect the local customs, traditions, or political significance.

1. Sultan’s Birthday

  • Each state in Malaysia has its own Sultan or head of state, and the Sultan’s birthday is a public holiday in that respective state.

Examples:

  • Sultan of Johor’s Birthday: Celebrated in Johor on the 23rd of March.
  • Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday: Celebrated in Kelantan on the 11th and 12th of November.

2. Federal Territory Day (1st February)

  • Federal Territory Day is observed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. It marks the formation of these territories and is celebrated with various events and activities.

Observance of Public Holidays

Public holidays in Malaysia are observed with a mix of religious ceremonies, community events, and time spent with family. While national holidays are recognized countrywide, some holidays have regional or religious significance, with varying levels of participation across communities.

Working during Public Holidays

  • In Malaysia, workers are entitled to certain benefits if they work on public holidays. Employers must compensate employees with additional pay or provide an alternative rest day.

Malaysia Public Holidays

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