Malaysia Public Holidays
A Complete National & State-by-State Guide (Updated Annually)
Public holidays play a big role in life in Malaysia — from planning travels and staycations, to scheduling family gatherings, festivals, and business operations.
This guide brings together Malaysia’s public holidays, covering national holidays and state-specific holidays, with updates made annually so you always have the latest information in one place.
How Public Holidays Work in Malaysia
Malaysia’s public holidays are made up of three main layers:
- National Public Holidays
Observed across the whole country. - State Public Holidays
Vary by state, often linked to:- State rulers’ birthdays
- Local religious observances
- Regional historical events
- Federal Territory Holidays
Applicable to Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.
Some holidays fall on fixed dates, while others are based on lunar or Islamic calendars, meaning dates may shift slightly each year.
National Public Holidays in Malaysia
These holidays are generally observed nationwide, regardless of state.
- New Year’s Day
- Chinese New Year
- Labour Day
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- Hari Raya Aidiladha
- Wesak Day
- Agong’s Birthday
- Awal Muharram
- Malaysia Day
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- Deepavali
- Christmas Day
Note: Some states may observe additional days for certain festivals.
State-by-State Public Holidays in Malaysia
Each Malaysian state observes additional holidays unique to its history, ruler, or religious practices.
Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya & Labuan)
- Federal Territory Day
Selangor
- Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday
Penang
- George Town World Heritage Day
- Penang Governor’s Birthday
Johor
- Sultan of Johor’s Birthday
Perak
- Sultan of Perak’s Birthday
Kedah
- Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday
Pahang
- Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday
Negeri Sembilan
- Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s Birthday
Melaka
- Melaka Governor’s Birthday
Perlis
- Raja of Perlis’ Birthday
Sabah
- Harvest Festival (Kaamatan)
Sarawak
- Gawai Dayak
Some states may observe additional one-off holidays announced by the government.
School Holidays vs Public Holidays
Public holidays and school holidays are not the same.
- Public holidays apply nationwide or by state
- School holidays are set by the Ministry of Education and may not overlap
If you’re planning family trips, it’s best to check both calendars.
Planning Around Public Holidays in Malaysia
Public holidays often affect:
- Traffic conditions
- Hotel prices
- Tourist crowd levels
- Business operating hours
Popular long weekends can see:
- Fully booked hotels
- Heavier intercity travel
- Increased prices for flights and accommodation
Planning early helps avoid last-minute inconvenience.
Are Shops and Attractions Open During Public Holidays?
In major cities like Kuala Lumpur:
- Shopping malls usually remain open
- Tourist attractions generally operate as normal
- Some government offices and banks will be closed
Smaller towns may observe stricter closures, especially during major religious holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do public holidays change every year?
Yes. Fixed-date holidays remain the same, but lunar and Islamic holidays shift annually.
What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
A replacement holiday is often given on the following working day, depending on state regulations.
Where can I check official confirmations?
Official announcements are usually released via government gazettes and state authorities.
Bookmark This Page
This page is updated annually to reflect the latest Malaysia public holiday calendar.
Whether you’re planning travel, managing business schedules, or just checking what’s coming up next — this guide is designed to be your go-to reference.
