Malaysia has 7 federal public holidays, but each of its 13 states and 3 federal territories observes additional state-level holidays, bringing the total to 18–20 days depending on where you operate. The variation is driven by the country’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition — Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities each observe different cultural celebrations, and states designate different days as official holidays.
This guide maps Malaysia’s federal and state holiday landscape for 2026 so you can manage payroll and scheduling across Peninsular and East Malaysia.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organization.
Key Takeaways
- Malaysia has 7 federal public holidays mandated nationwide
- Each state adds 2–5 additional holidays based on local observance
- Total holidays range from 18 to 20 days per state
- East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak) has additional holidays reflecting indigenous culture
- Employers must track both federal and state holidays for compliance
Federal Public Holidays (All States)
These holidays are mandated by the federal government and observed in all states:
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Federal Territory Day | 1 February | Sunday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Friday |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | 20 March | Friday (estimated) |
| Hari Raya Aidiladha | 27 May | Thursday (estimated) |
| National Day (Merdeka) | 31 August | Monday |
| Malaysia Day | 16 September | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
Note: Hari Raya dates are determined by the Islamic calendar and vary annually. The dates shown are estimates for 2026.
State-Level Holiday Variations
Malay/ Islamic Holidays by State
| State | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Hari Raya Aidiladha | Maulidur Rasul | Nuzul Al-Quran | Israk Mikraj |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Kedah | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Kelantan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Melaka | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Negeri Sembilan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Pahang | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Penang | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Perak | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Perlis | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Selangor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Terengganu | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sabah | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Sarawak | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| KL | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Putrajaya | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
| Labuan | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | — | — |
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is observed as a public holiday in most states:
| State | Chinese New Year |
|---|---|
| Johor | 2 days |
| Kedah | 1 day |
| Kelantan | 1 day |
| Melaka | 1 day |
| Negeri Sembilan | 1 day |
| Pahang | 1 day |
| Penang | 1 day |
| Perak | 1 day |
| Perlis | 1 day |
| Selangor | 1 day |
| Terengganu | 1 day |
| Sabah | 1 day |
| Sarawak | 1 day |
Johor observes 2 days of Chinese New Year, while most states observe 1 day.
Deepavali
Deepavali (Diwali) is observed in most states but not all:
| State | Deepavali Observed |
|---|---|
| Johor | Yes |
| Kedah | Yes |
| Kelantan | No |
| Melaka | Yes |
| Negeri Sembilan | Yes |
| Pahang | Yes |
| Penang | Yes |
| Perak | Yes |
| Perlis | Yes |
| Selangor | Yes |
| Terengganu | No |
| Sabah | Yes |
| Sarawak | Yes |
Kelantan and Terengganu do not observe Deepavali as a public holiday, reflecting their demographics.
State-Specific Holidays
| State | Unique Holiday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Johor | Sultan’s Birthday | March (varies) |
| Kedah | Sultan’s Birthday | June (varies) |
| Kelantan | Sultan’s Birthday | November (varies) |
| Melaka | Melaka Governor’s Birthday | October (varies) |
| Penang | Penang Governor’s Birthday | July (varies) |
| Perak | Sultan’s Birthday | April (varies) |
| Perlis | Raja of Perlis’ Birthday | May (varies) |
| Selangor | Sultan’s Birthday | December (varies) |
| Terengganu | Sultan’s Birthday | April (varies) |
| Sabah | Governor’s Birthday | October (varies) |
| Sarawak | Sarawak Day | July (varies) |
East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak)
Sabah and Sarawak have additional holidays reflecting their distinct cultural heritage:
| Holiday | Sabah | Sarawak |
|---|---|---|
| Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) | 30–31 May | — |
| Gawai Dayak | — | 1–2 June |
| Sarawak Day | — | July (varies) |
| Governor’s Birthday | October (varies) | October (varies) |
These indigenous celebrations are unique to East Malaysia and reflect the cultural diversity of the region.
2026 Federal Holiday Calendar
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Federal Territory Day | 1 February | Sunday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Friday |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | 20 March | Friday |
| Hari Raya Aidiladha | 27 May | Thursday |
| National Day | 31 August | Monday |
| Malaysia Day | 16 September | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
What This Means for Employers
Maintain Per-State Calendars
A single national calendar doesn’t cover your obligations. Map each employee to their state’s specific holidays.
Respect Cultural Significance
Malaysian holidays reflect the country’s multi-ethnic identity. Ensure all communities’ holidays are equally respected in your policy.
Handle Substitute Holidays
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as a substitute. When it falls on a Friday or Sunday, states may designate a substitute day.
Account for Islamic Calendar Dates
Hari Raya and other Islamic holidays shift annually based on the Islamic calendar. Update your calendar each year based on official announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holidays does each Malaysian state have?
Most states have 18–20 public holidays per year, combining 7 federal holidays with 11–13 state holidays. The exact number depends on which state-level holidays are observed.
Can an employer in Malaysia require work on a public holiday?
Under the Employment Act 1955, employees are entitled to public holidays off. Work on public holidays requires the employee’s consent and must be compensated with a substitute day off plus 2 days’ wages or 1 day’s wages plus a substitute day.
Are Hari Raya dates fixed each year?
No. Hari Raya dates follow the Islamic calendar, which shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Dates are announced by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal.
Do East Malaysian employees get different holidays?
Yes. Sabah and Sarawak observe additional indigenous holidays (Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak) not observed in Peninsular Malaysia. These are mandatory for employers in those states.
How do substitute holidays work in Malaysia?
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is typically observed as a substitute. Some states designate alternative substitute days. Check your state’s specific rules.