Malaysia’s public holiday system operates on two tiers: federal holidays that apply nationwide, and state holidays that vary by the thirteen states and three federal territories. The Holidays Act 1951 governs the federal list, while each state’s ruler or governor determines additional holidays.
For employers in Malaysia, understanding the difference between compulsory and non-compulsory holidays is critical. This guide breaks down the federal holidays, explains how states add their own, and covers your obligations as an employer.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Malaysia observes 11-12 compulsory public holidays per year at the federal level
- Each state adds 1-3 additional holidays based on local festivals
- The Holidays Act 1951 sets the legal framework
- Employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays that fall on their working days
- Substitute holidays apply when a public holiday falls on a rest day
Federal Compulsory Public Holidays (2026)
These holidays apply to all states and territories in Malaysia:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Federal Territory Day | 1 February | Sunday → Monday 2 |
| Chinese New Year | 17 February | Tuesday |
| Thaipusam | 3 February | Tuesday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 21 March | Saturday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Friday |
| Wesak Day | 12 May | Tuesday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 28 May | Thursday |
| Agong’s Birthday | 2 June | Tuesday |
| National Day | 31 August | Monday |
| Malaysia Day | 16 September | Wednesday |
| Deepavali | 20 October | Tuesday |
| Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | 5 September | Saturday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Islamic holiday dates depend on moon sightings and may shift by a day.
State-Specific Public Holidays
Each Malaysian state observes additional public holidays based on its population’s dominant cultural and religious traditions:
Johor
- Sultan of Johor’s Birthday
- Johor Declaration Day
Kedah
- Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday
- Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim’s Birthday
Kelantan
- Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday
- Declaration Day
Negeri Sembilan
- Sultan of Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday
- State Independence Day
Pahang
- Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday
- Sultan Ahmad Shah’s Birthday
Penang
- Penang Governor’s Birthday
- George Town Heritage Day (7 July)
Perak
- Sultan of Perak’s Birthday
- Sultan Azlan Shah’s Birthday
Perlis
- Raja of Perlis’s Birthday
- Perlis Day
Sabah
- Sabah Governor’s Birthday
- Kaamatan (Harvest Festival, 30-31 May)
Sarawak
- Sarawak Governor’s Birthday
- Gawai Dayak (1-2 June)
Selangor
- Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday
- Selangor Day
Terengganu
- Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday
- Terengganu Sultan’s Installation Day
Melaka
- Melaka Governor’s Birthday
- Declaration of Melaka as a Historical City
How Many Holidays in Total?
A typical Malaysian employee observes:
| Level | Number of Holidays |
|---|---|
| Federal compulsory | 11-12 |
| State additional | 1-3 |
| Total | 12-15 |
The exact total depends on which state you work in.
Employer Obligations Under the Holidays Act 1951
When a Public Holiday Falls on a Rest Day
If a public holiday falls on the employee’s rest day, the next working day becomes a replacement public holiday. This is automatic under the Act.
When a Public Holiday Falls on an Annual Leave Day
If a public holiday falls during an employee’s annual leave, that day is not counted as annual leave. The employee gets the public holiday as a separate paid day.
Payment on Public Holidays
- Monthly-rated employees: Full salary is payable for public holidays
- Daily-rated employees: Wages for the public holiday are payable if it falls on a working day
- Employees required to work: Must be paid at double their daily rate or given a replacement holiday
Replacement Holidays
If an employee works on a public holiday, the employer must provide a replacement holiday within 30 days. This replacement holiday is a paid day off.
Choosing Which Holidays to Observe
Employers can choose which holidays to observe from the full list. You are not required to observe all state holidays if your employees are from different states. However:
- You must observe all federal compulsory holidays
- You can select which state holidays to observe based on your workforce
- The selected holidays must be communicated to employees in advance
- Once selected, you cannot unilaterally remove holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deepavali a compulsory public holiday nationwide?
Yes. Deepavali is one of the federal compulsory holidays under the Holidays Act 1951. It applies in all states and territories.
Can an employer reduce the number of public holidays?
No. Employers must observe all federal compulsory holidays. They may choose which state holidays to add, but they cannot reduce the federal minimum.
What if Hari Raya falls on a weekend?
If Hari Raya falls on a Saturday (rest day for most employees), the following Monday is observed as the replacement public holiday.
Do part-time employees get public holidays?
Part-time employees are entitled to public holiday benefits on a pro-rata basis if the public holiday falls on a day they would normally work.
Are foreign employees entitled to public holidays?
Yes. The Holidays Act 1951 applies to all employees in Malaysia regardless of nationality. Foreign workers are entitled to the same public holidays as Malaysian citizens.