Malaysia celebrates a variety of public holidays that reflect its rich cultural diversity, religious practices, and historical significance. For businesses operating in Malaysia, understanding these holidays is crucial for ensuring compliance with local labor laws, managing employee time off, and maintaining efficient operations.
Key Public Holidays in Malaysia for 2025
Below is a list of the major public holidays observed nationwide in Malaysia for 2025. Malaysia’s unique multicultural society means its holiday calendar reflects the country’s rich diversity, with holidays celebrated by Muslim, Chinese, Hindu, and Christian communities, among others. Public holidays can vary by state, so employers must be aware of both national and regional observances.
Date | Holiday | Description |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | New Year’s Day | Marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Major celebrations take place in cities like Kuala Lumpur with fireworks, gatherings, and concerts. |
February 1 | Federal Territory Day | Celebrated in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan, this holiday commemorates the establishment of these territories. Public events and activities are common. |
February 10-11 | Chinese New Year | One of the most important festivals for the Chinese community, celebrated with lion dances, fireworks, and family reunions. Businesses often close for several days. |
April 10 | Awal Ramadan | Marks the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Special prayers are held, and many workplaces adjust working hours for Muslim employees. |
April 19 | Good Friday | A significant Christian observance in Sabah and Sarawak, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The day is observed with church services and religious events. |
May 1 | Labor Day | Also known as International Workers’ Day, it is a national holiday celebrating workers’ contributions. Most businesses and offices close to mark the occasion. |
May 10-11 | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | The festival marks the end of Ramadan. Celebrations include large family feasts, giving of “duit raya” (money gifts), and open houses for friends and neighbors. |
June 1 | Harvest Festival (Gawai Dayak & Tadau Kaamatan) | In Sarawak (Gawai Dayak) and Sabah (Kaamatan), the indigenous communities celebrate the rice harvest with cultural performances and traditional rituals. |
June 6 | Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday | Celebrates the official birthday of Malaysia’s King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) with parades, official ceremonies, and royal events. |
July 7-8 | Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) | An Islamic festival commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son. It is marked with prayers and the distribution of meat to the poor. |
August 31 | National Day (Merdeka Day) | Malaysia’s Independence Day, celebrating its independence from British colonial rule in 1957. Parades, fireworks, and patriotic events are held nationwide. |
September 16 | Malaysia Day | Celebrates the formation of Malaysia in 1963, when the Federation of Malaya united with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore. This holiday emphasizes national unity. |
October 23 | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulidur Rasul) | A key Islamic holiday commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Observed with processions, sermons, and religious activities across the country. |
December 25 | Christmas Day | A major Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed mainly in East Malaysia with religious services, family gatherings, and festive meals. |
Additional Holidays and Observances
Malaysia also has a range of additional holidays and observances, many of which reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. While not all of these are public holidays, they are widely celebrated and may affect businesses, particularly in specific states.
Date | Holiday/Observance | Description |
|---|---|---|
February 14 | Valentine’s Day | Celebrated mostly in urban areas with the exchange of gifts, flowers, and romantic dinners. While not a public holiday, it is gaining popularity among young Malaysians. |
April 9-16 | Holy Week and Easter | Observed by Christians, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, with special church services, prayers, and celebrations culminating in Easter Sunday. |
November 1 | Deepavali | Known as the Festival of Lights, it is a significant Hindu holiday symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Families light oil lamps and burst fireworks to celebrate. |
Regional Holidays and Unique State Observances
In addition to national holidays, several Malaysian states observe unique holidays that reflect the local culture or historical significance of the area.
Thaipusam (January 25, 2025): Celebrated predominantly by the Tamil Hindu community, Thaipusam involves a pilgrimage to temples, where devotees offer prayers and participate in the kavadi (burden) ritual. Batu Caves in Selangor is the epicenter of Malaysia’s Thaipusam celebrations, attracting millions of devotees.
Sarawak Independence Day (July 22, 2025): Observed in Sarawak, this holiday commemorates the day Sarawak gained self-government in 1963 before joining Malaysia.
Sultan of Johor’s Birthday (March 23, 2025): Johor celebrates the birthday of its Sultan with official events and public festivities.
Employer Considerations for Managing Public Holidays
National vs. Regional Holidays
Malaysia’s public holiday schedule is complex due to its multicultural population and regional diversity. Employers need to recognize both national and state-specific holidays, especially if they have employees in different parts of the country. For instance, Thaipusam is a holiday in states like Selangor and Penang, but not in others. Additionally, certain holidays such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year may involve extended leave periods due to cultural practices.
Managing Public Holidays with EOR/PEO Services
Employers Without a Presence in Malaysia: Using an EOR/PEO service like GlobainePEO can streamline the process of managing public holiday schedules, ensuring compliance with local regulations on holiday pay and time off. This is particularly helpful for global employers managing remote teams in Malaysia.
Employers with a Local Entity: Employers with operations in Malaysia need to manage public holiday entitlements directly. Companies should ensure they meet legal obligations regarding paid leave and holiday pay. Employees who work on public holidays are often entitled to additional compensation (up to triple their regular wages, depending on the situation).
Holiday Pay and Compliance
Paid Leave: Malaysian law mandates paid leave for all public holidays. Employees required to work on public holidays are entitled to additional compensation, which may include double or triple pay, as stipulated by Malaysian employment law.
Leave Policies: Employers should have clear leave policies in place, especially for culturally significant holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali, when employees may request extended time off. Employers should also plan for lower productivity during these periods, as many workers take extended leave to visit family.
Productivity and Holiday Planning
During major holidays like Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, there may be significant closures across the country, with businesses, offices, and government institutions shutting down for extended periods. Employers should plan ahead for these disruptions, especially if they have project deadlines or need to manage supply chains during these times.
Final Thoughts
Understanding Malaysia’s public holiday calendar is essential for both local and international employers. With its diverse cultural and religious practices, Malaysia’s public holidays offer insight into the country’s unique social fabric. Properly managing these holidays is key to maintaining employee satisfaction, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, and avoiding disruptions in business operations.
GlobainePEO – Your Trusted Partner
At GlobainePEO, we help employers navigate the complexities of managing public holidays in Malaysia. From ensuring compliance with provincial laws to managing holiday schedules, we provide the support your business needs to thrive. Let us handle your workforce management while you focus on growing your business.