In addition to national public holidays, individual states observe regional holidays, such as the official birthdays of their respective hereditary Sultans or state rulers.
Rules governing substitute holidays vary significantly across states and employers. The schedule below reflects a standard national implementation.
Certain holidays listed below may not be observed in all states and federal territories.
◎ indicates a movable holiday whose date changes each year.
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Overview of Malaysia's Public Holidays
Federal Territory Day Commemorates the establishment of the Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya) upon their transfer from state jurisdiction to direct federal administration.
Thaipusam A major Hindu festival of thanksgiving and devotion dedicated to Lord Murugan, characterized by grand processions and acts of religious penance.
Chinese New Year Celebrates the traditional New Year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Observed nationwide as a two-day holiday, with the exception of Kelantan and Terengganu, where a one-day holiday is observed.
Nuzul Al-Quran Commemorates the divine revelation of the first verses of the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.
Hari Raya Puasa (Aidilfitri) A major Islamic celebration marking the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Observed as a two-day public holiday.
Hari Raya Haji (Aidiladha) An Islamic holiday honoring the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. It also coincides with the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Wesak Day Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Observed on the full moon day of the lunar month of Vaisakha.
Agong's Birthday While Malaysia's constitutional monarchy rotates the role of King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) among the nine royal state rulers every five years, the official public holiday celebrating the King's birthday is fixed on the first Monday of June.
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) Marks the beginning of the new year in the Islamic lunar calendar (Hijri calendar).
Merdeka Day (National Day) Commemorates the declaration of independence of the Federation of Malaya from British rule on August 31, 1957.
Maulidur Rasul Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad on the 12th day of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Malaysia Day Commemorates the federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore to form Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
Deepavali The Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, calculated according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Malaysia's Flag & National Anthem
National Flag
The national flag of Malaysia is known as the "Jalur Gemilang" (Stripes of Glory). The blue canton displays a crescent and a 14-point star, traditional symbols of Islam and the unity of the 13 states with the federal government. The 14 alternating red and white stripes represent equal status among the member states and federal administration.
National Anthem
The national anthem of Malaysia is "Negaraku" (My Country). Its lyrics express love and loyalty to the nation, invoking divine blessings and peace for the sovereign King. The melody was originally adapted from the state anthem of Perak, which incorporated elements of a popular 19th-century French melody.
