Malaysia Public Holidays 2026

Malaysia has one of the most generous public holiday systems in the world, with 11 federal public holidays observed nationwide plus additional state-specific holidays. The multicultural nature of Malaysia means holidays span Islamic, Chinese, Indian, Christian, and indigenous celebrations.

Federal vs State Holidays

Federal holidays are observed across all 13 states and 3 federal territories. State holidays are additional days off specific to each state, often celebrating the Sultan's or Governor's birthday, or local cultural events.

Total public holidays by state:

Replacement Holidays

When a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the following Monday is typically declared a replacement holiday. This is automatic for federal holidays but varies by state for state holidays.

Islamic Holidays

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar and shift approximately 11 days earlier each year. Dates are confirmed by moon sighting, so official dates may vary by 1-2 days from predictions. Key Islamic holidays in 2026:

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr): March 20-21
• Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha): May 27
• Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year): June 17
• Maulidur Rasul (Prophet's Birthday): August 26

Chinese New Year (February 17-18, 2026)

The Year of the Horse begins on February 17, 2026. This is the most significant holiday for Malaysia's Chinese community (23% of population). Celebrations last 15 days, culminating in Chap Goh Mei (Chinese Valentine's Day).

What to expect:

• Red decorations everywhere from late January
• Lion and dragon dances at malls and temples
• Ang pow (red packets) given to unmarried individuals
• Reunion dinners on CNY eve (Feb 16)
• Many Chinese-owned businesses closed for 3-7 days
• Yee sang (prosperity toss salad) at restaurants
• Mandarin oranges exchanged as gifts

Best places to experience CNY:

• Petaling Street, KL - Traditional Chinatown celebrations
• Jonker Street, Melaka - Heritage town festivities
• George Town, Penang - Temple celebrations and street performances
• Thean Hou Temple, KL - Largest Chinese temple, spectacular decorations

Travel impact: Domestic flights and buses to hometowns are fully booked 2-3 weeks before. Hotels in tourist areas are 50-100% more expensive. Many restaurants closed.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (March 20-21, 2026)

The biggest celebration for Malaysia's Muslim majority (61% of population). Marks the end of Ramadan fasting month. Also called "Hari Raya Puasa" or simply "Raya."

What to expect:

• Month of Ramadan begins ~Feb 18, 2026
• Ramadan bazaars (pasar Ramadan) every evening
• "Balik kampung" (return to hometown) exodus
• Open houses where anyone can visit for food
• Traditional Malay cookies (kuih raya)
• New clothes (baju Melayu, baju kurung)
• Forgiveness-seeking tradition (maaf zahir batin)
• Green and gold decorations

Best places to experience Raya:

• Kampung Baru, KL - Traditional Malay village atmosphere
• Kelantan/Terengganu - Most traditional celebrations
• Any Malay kampung - Open houses welcome visitors

Travel impact: The "balik kampung" rush is Malaysia's largest annual migration. Highways jam for 8-12 hours. Flights/buses sold out weeks ahead. Book 2-3 months in advance.

Deepavali (October 8, 2026)

Festival of Lights celebrated by Malaysia's Indian community (7% of population). Symbolizes victory of light over darkness, good over evil.

What to expect:

• Oil lamps (diyas) and kolam (rice flour art) at homes
• Fireworks and firecrackers
• New clothes and gold jewelry purchases
• Open houses with Indian sweets and food
• Banana leaf rice feasts
• Temples decorated with lights

Best places to experience Deepavali:

• Brickfields (Little India), KL - Main celebration hub
• Jalan Masjid India, KL - Shopping and festivities
• George Town, Penang - Little India celebrations
• Johor Bahru - Large Indian community

Thaipusam (January 31, 2026)

Hindu festival honoring Lord Murugan. Famous for devotees carrying kavadi (elaborate structures) and body piercings as acts of devotion.

Best places to experience:

• Batu Caves, KL - Largest celebration, 1 million+ visitors
• Penang - Waterfall Temple procession
• Ipoh - Cave temple celebrations

Note: Thaipusam is a federal holiday but not observed in Perlis, Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Wesak Day (May 1, 2026)

Buddhist celebration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Coincides with Labour Day in 2026.

What to expect:

• Candlelight processions at temples
• Vegetarian food offerings
• Release of caged birds and animals
• Temple visits and prayers

Best places:

• Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang - Largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia
• Thean Hou Temple, KL - Beautiful hilltop temple
• Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields - Historic temple

Sabah - Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31, 2026)

The Harvest Festival is Sabah's biggest celebration, honoring the rice spirit Bambaazon. Celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun people, the largest indigenous group in Sabah.

What to expect:

• Traditional tapai (rice wine) drinking
• Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant
• Traditional Sumazau dance
• Thanksgiving rituals by bobohizan (priestesses)
• Cultural villages come alive

Best places:

• Penampang - Main celebration ground (KDCA)
• Tambunan - Traditional Dusun heartland
• Kota Kinabalu - City celebrations

Sarawak - Gawai Dayak (June 1-2, 2026)

Harvest festival celebrated by Sarawak's Dayak communities (Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu). One of the most unique cultural experiences in Malaysia.

What to expect:

• Tuak (rice wine) and traditional food
• Ngajat warrior dance
• Longhouse visits and open houses
• Traditional music (sape)
• Cockfighting (in rural areas)

Best places:

• Iban longhouses along Batang Ai, Lemanak, Skrang rivers
• Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching
• Bidayuh villages around Kuching

How to visit a longhouse:

• Book through tour operators in Kuching
• 2-3 day trips include boat rides and overnight stays
• Bring gifts (food, drinks) for hosts
• Dress modestly, remove shoes indoors

Kelantan & Terengganu - Extended Hari Raya

These conservative East Coast states observe an additional day of Hari Raya (Day 3). They also have unique cultural practices:

• No public entertainment during Ramadan
• Stricter dress codes
• Traditional Malay culture most preserved
• Wayang kulit (shadow puppet) performances
• Wau (kite) flying traditions

Sultan's Birthday Holidays

Each state with a Sultan celebrates the ruler's birthday as a state holiday. These are often marked with:

• Royal parades
• Award ceremonies
• Public celebrations
• Special sales at malls

Notable Sultan birthdays:

• Johor (March 23) - Grand celebrations, state pride
• Selangor (December 11) - Year-end festivities
• Pahang (July 30) - Mid-year celebration
• Perak (November 6) - Historical state celebrations

Maximizing Long Weekends in 2026

With strategic leave planning, you can turn 8 days of annual leave into 39 days off:

Best Times to Visit Malaysia

For tourists, consider:

Avoid (peak prices, crowds):

• Chinese New Year week (Feb 14-21)
• Hari Raya week (Mar 18-25)
• School holidays (May 23-Jun 7, Nov 21-Dec 31)

Best value periods:

• January (post-New Year lull)
• March (after Hari Raya)
• April (shoulder season)
• September-October (between holidays)

Booking Strategies

Flights:

• Book 3-4 months ahead for CNY, Hari Raya
• Domestic flights surge 200-300% during balik kampung
• Consider alternative airports (Subang vs KLIA)
• Red-eye flights often cheaper

Hotels:

• Book 2-3 months ahead for major holidays
• Prices double during school holidays
• Consider Airbnb in residential areas
• Beach resorts most expensive during school breaks

Car rentals:

• Book 1 month ahead for holiday periods
• Prices surge 50-100% during long weekends
• Consider one-way rentals to avoid traffic

Traffic Predictions

Worst traffic days in 2026:

1. Feb 16 (CNY eve) - KL to all directions
2. Mar 19 (Raya eve) - KL to East Coast, North
3. May 22 (School holiday start) - All highways
4. Nov 20 (Year-end holiday start) - All highways

Peak hours to avoid:

• Outbound from KL: 2pm-10pm on eve of holidays
• Return to KL: 2pm-10pm on last day of holidays

Alternative routes:

• Use Waze/Google Maps for real-time updates
• Consider trunk roads (slower but less jam)
• Travel at night (after 10pm) or early morning (before 6am)
• Take the scenic route through smaller towns

Office Closures

Government offices:

• Closed on all federal and state holidays
• Half-day on some eve of major holidays
• Skeleton staff during extended holidays

Banks:

• Closed on federal holidays
• Some branches open on state holidays
• ATMs always available
• Online banking 24/7

Private sector:

• Most follow federal holidays only
• Some companies give additional days for major festivals
• Multinational companies may follow home country holidays

Business Meeting Planning

Avoid scheduling important meetings:

• Week before and after CNY (Feb 10-25)
• Week before and after Hari Raya (Mar 13-28)
• Friday afternoons (Muslim prayer time)
• Ramadan afternoons (people fasting, low energy)

Best months for business:

• January (fresh start, budgets approved)
• April (post-Raya, pre-mid-year)
• July-August (active period)
• October (pre-year-end push)

Retail & F&B Industry

Peak sales periods:

• CNY (Jan 15-Feb 17) - Chinese goods, decorations
• Hari Raya (Feb 18-Mar 20) - Malay goods, fashion
• Merdeka (Aug 15-31) - Patriotic sales, 31% discounts
• Year-end (Nov 11-Dec 31) - 11.11, 12.12, Christmas sales

Restaurant considerations:

• Many Chinese restaurants closed CNY week
• Malay restaurants closed Raya week
• Indian restaurants busy during Deepavali
• Ramadan: Muslim restaurants closed daytime, busy at iftar

Employment Law

Under Malaysian Employment Act:

• Employees entitled to 11 federal public holidays
• If required to work on public holiday: 2x pay for regular employees
• 3x pay if holiday falls on rest day
• Employers can substitute holidays with mutual agreement

For foreign workers:

• Same holiday entitlements as locals
• Some companies offer home leave during major festivals
• Work permits may restrict travel during holidays

Chinese New Year Etiquette

Do:

• Wear red or bright colors (prosperity)
• Give ang pow in even amounts (RM8, RM18, RM88)
• Say "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin) or "Keong Hee Huat Chye" (Hokkien)
• Accept mandarin oranges graciously
• Participate in yee sang tossing

Don't:

• Wear black or white (funeral colors)
• Give ang pow in odd amounts or with 4 (death number)
• Sweep the floor on CNY day (sweeps away luck)
• Give clocks as gifts (associated with death)
• Cut hair during CNY (cutting luck)

Hari Raya Etiquette

Do:

• Say "Selamat Hari Raya" and "Maaf Zahir Batin"
• Dress modestly when visiting (cover shoulders, knees)
• Remove shoes before entering homes
• Accept food offerings graciously
• Give duit raya (green packets) to children

Don't:

• Visit during prayer times
• Bring non-halal food to Muslim homes
• Shake hands with opposite gender (unless offered)
• Overstay your welcome (1-2 hours is appropriate)
• Point with your index finger (use thumb)

Deepavali Etiquette

Do:

• Say "Happy Deepavali" or "Deepavali Vazhthukkal"
• Wear bright, colorful clothes
• Accept sweets and food offerings
• Admire kolam (floor art) without stepping on it
• Remove shoes before entering homes

Don't:

• Wear black or white
• Step on the threshold (considered inauspicious)
• Refuse food offerings (take at least a small portion)
• Visit during prayer times (early morning)

General Open House Etiquette

Open houses are a Malaysian tradition where homes are open to all visitors during festivals:

• Arrive during stated hours (usually 10am-10pm)
• Bring a small gift (fruits, cookies, drinks)
• Eat what's offered (at least taste)
• Mingle with other guests
• Thank the host before leaving
• Don't bring uninvited guests without asking
• Don't stay too long if house is crowded
• Don't take photos without permission

Visiting Places of Worship

During religious holidays, tourists may visit temples, mosques, and churches:

Mosques:

• Remove shoes
• Women: cover hair, arms, legs (robes usually provided)
• Men: long pants preferred
• Don't enter during prayer times
• Don't walk in front of people praying

Temples (Chinese/Hindu):

• Remove shoes
• Dress modestly
• Don't point feet at altars
• Ask before taking photos
• Small donation appreciated

Churches:

• Dress modestly
• Silence phones
• Don't interrupt services
• Photography usually restricted during mass

January 2026

New Year Countdown (Dec 31-Jan 1):

• KLCC Park - Fireworks, concerts
• Dataran Merdeka - Countdown event
• Genting Highlands - Theme park celebrations
• Langkawi - Beach parties

Thaipusam (Jan 31):

• Batu Caves - Main event, 1M+ visitors
• Procession starts midnight from KL
• Kavadi-bearing devotees
• Vegetarian food stalls

February 2026

Chinese New Year (Feb 17-18):

• Petaling Street - Street performances, lion dances
• Thean Hou Temple - Lantern displays
• Jonker Street, Melaka - Heritage celebrations
• Penang - Clan jetties celebrations

Chap Goh Mei (Mar 3):

• Penang Esplanade - Orange throwing (singles tradition)
• Lantern festivals at temples
• Final CNY celebrations

March 2026

Ramadan Bazaars (Feb 18-Mar 19):

• Every town has evening food bazaars
• Best: Kampung Baru KL, Jalan TAR
• Traditional kuih, drinks, main dishes
• Opens 3pm-7pm daily

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Mar 20-21):

• Open houses nationwide
• Kampung Baru - Traditional celebrations
• Malls - Raya decorations, performances
• East Coast - Most traditional

May-June 2026

Wesak Day (May 1):

• Buddhist temples - Candlelight processions
• Kek Lok Si, Penang - Special prayers
• Vegetarian food festivals

Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31):

• KDCA Penampang, Sabah - Main venue
• Traditional games, dances
• Unduk Ngadau pageant
• Tapai drinking competitions

Gawai Dayak (Jun 1-2):

• Sarawak longhouses - Open to visitors
• Kuching - City celebrations
• Traditional music and dance

August-September 2026

Merdeka Day (Aug 31):

• Dataran Merdeka - Parade, flag raising
• Nationwide celebrations
• Patriotic concerts
• Merdeka sales (31% discounts)

Malaysia Day (Sep 16):

• Sabah & Sarawak - Major celebrations
• Commemorates formation of Malaysia
• Cultural performances

October-December 2026

Deepavali (Oct 8):

• Brickfields - Little India celebrations
• Temple ceremonies
• Fireworks displays
• Open houses

Christmas (Dec 25):

• Malls - Elaborate decorations
• Bukit Bintang - Christmas lights
• Churches - Midnight mass
• East Malaysia - Larger Christian population

Year-Round Events

Ramadan Bazaars:

• Dates shift yearly (lunar calendar)
• 2026: Approximately Feb 18-Mar 19
• Evening food markets nationwide
• Best cultural food experience

Hungry Ghost Festival:

• 7th lunar month (approximately Aug 2026)
• Chinese opera performances
• Offerings and prayers
• Avoid swimming, moving house

Nine Emperor Gods Festival:

• 9th lunar month (approximately Sep-Oct 2026)
• Vegetarian festival
• Temple processions
• Fire-walking ceremonies

Emergency Services During Holidays

All emergency services operate 24/7:

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 999
• Fire: 994
• Tourist Police: 03-2166 8322

Hospitals:

• Government hospitals: Emergency 24/7, clinics may have reduced hours
• Private hospitals: Normal operations
• Pharmacies: Major chains open, independent may close

Transportation During Holidays

Flights:

• Book early for CNY, Hari Raya (2-3 months ahead)
• Expect 50-200% price increases
• Check-in early (airports crowded)
• Consider alternative airports

Trains (KTM, ETS):

• Tickets sell out 1-2 weeks before major holidays
• Book online at ktmb.com.my
• Additional services sometimes added

Buses:

• Book 1-2 weeks ahead
• Prices increase 20-50%
• Major terminals: TBS (KL), Larkin (JB), Butterworth (Penang)

Grab/Taxis:

• Surge pricing during peak hours
• May be difficult to get during balik kampung
• Book in advance if possible

Money Matters

Banks:

• Closed on public holidays
• ATMs available 24/7
• Online banking works normally
• Currency exchange at airports/malls open

Shops:

• Malls: Usually open (may have special hours)
• Small shops: May close for cultural holidays
• 24-hour stores: 7-Eleven, MyNews always open

Communication

Post offices:

• Closed on public holidays
• Sincerely recommend sending important mail before holidays

Courier services:

• May have delays during holiday periods
• Express services usually available
• Track packages online

Mobile/Internet:

• Normal service
• Telco shops may have reduced hours
• Top-up available at convenience stores

What's Open During Major Holidays

Always open:

• Hospitals (emergency)
• Police stations
• Fire stations
• 7-Eleven, convenience stores
• Petrol stations
• KLIA/airports
• Major hotels

Usually open:

• Shopping malls (may have special hours)
• Tourist attractions
• Fast food chains
• Major restaurants

Often closed:

• Government offices
• Banks
• Schools
• Small family businesses
• Specific ethnic restaurants during their festivals

Holiday Hotlines

Tourism Malaysia: 1-300-88-5050

Highway helpline: 1-800-88-7752

KLIA information: 03-8776 2000

KTM: 03-2267 1200

Grab support: In-app

Useful Apps

• Waze/Google Maps: Traffic updates
• Grab: Transportation, food delivery
• Touch 'n Go: Highway tolls, payments
• KTM Mobile: Train bookings
• AirAsia/MAS: Flight bookings
• Agoda/Booking: Hotel reservations

Major Sale Periods

Malaysian retailers time their biggest sales around public holidays. Here's when to find the best deals:

Chinese New Year Sales (Jan 15-Feb 17)

• Discounts: 30-70% off
• Best for: Fashion, electronics, home goods
• Peak: Week before CNY
• Note: Many shops close CNY day itself

Hari Raya Sales (Feb 18-Mar 20)

• Discounts: 30-50% off
• Best for: Fashion, home decor, food
• Peak: Last 2 weeks of Ramadan
• Note: Ramadan bazaars for traditional items

Merdeka Sales (Aug 15-31)

• Discounts: 31% off (patriotic pricing)
• Best for: Everything
• Peak: Aug 31 weekend
• Note: Look for 31% and 69% themed discounts

Malaysia Day Sales (Sep 10-16)

• Discounts: 16% off common
• Best for: Electronics, fashion
• Peak: Sep 16 weekend

Year-End Sales (Nov 11-Dec 31)

• 11.11 (Nov 11): Online mega sale
• 12.12 (Dec 12): Second online mega sale
• Christmas: Mall sales
• Discounts: Up to 80% off
• Best for: Everything

Shopping Tips by Holiday

Chinese New Year:

• Buy mandarin oranges early (prices rise)
• Ang pow packets available everywhere
• Traditional cookies at bakeries
• New clothes tradition = crowded malls

Hari Raya:

• Baju Melayu/Kurung at Jalan TAR
• Kuih raya at Ramadan bazaars
• Home decorations at IKEA, MR DIY
• Duit raya packets (green)

Deepavali:

• Saris and Indian wear at Brickfields
• Gold jewelry (traditional gift)
• Sweets at Little India
• Diyas and decorations

Best Shopping Destinations

Kuala Lumpur:

• Pavilion KL - Luxury brands
• Mid Valley - Everything
• Suria KLCC - Premium shopping
• Jalan TAR - Traditional Malay goods
• Petaling Street - Bargains

Penang:

• Gurney Plaza - Main mall
• Queensbay Mall - Largest
• Little India - Indian goods
• Chowrasta Market - Local items

Online Shopping During Holidays

Major platforms run holiday sales:

• Shopee: 11.11, 12.12, CNY, Raya sales
• Lazada: Similar schedule
• Zalora: Fashion-focused sales

Tips:

• Add to cart early
• Set reminders for flash sales
• Check voucher stacking
• Compare prices across platforms

Best Photo Opportunities by Holiday

Chinese New Year

• Red lantern decorations at malls
• Lion dance performances
• Thean Hou Temple decorations
• Petaling Street festivities
• Family reunion dinners (if invited)

Best spots:

• Thean Hou Temple (KL) - Spectacular lanterns
• Jonker Street (Melaka) - Heritage celebrations
• Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang) - Largest display

Thaipusam

• Kavadi bearers at Batu Caves
• Devotee processions
• Temple ceremonies
• Night procession (starts midnight)

Tips:

• Arrive early (crowds massive)
• Respect devotees (ask before photographing)
• Bring telephoto lens
• Expect challenging lighting

Hari Raya

• Mosque decorations
• Ramadan bazaar scenes
• Traditional Malay houses
• Open house gatherings

Best spots:

• Masjid Jamek (KL) - Beautiful mosque
• Kampung Baru (KL) - Traditional village
• East Coast states - Most traditional

Deepavali

• Kolam (floor art) at homes
• Oil lamp displays
• Temple decorations
• Little India festivities

Best spots:

• Brickfields (KL) - Main celebrations
• Sri Mahamariamman Temple
• Decorated homes (ask permission)

Merdeka Day

• Flag displays everywhere
• Parade at Dataran Merdeka
• Fireworks (eve of Merdeka)
• Patriotic decorations

Best spots:

• Dataran Merdeka - Main parade
• KLCC - Fireworks view
• Merdeka 118 - New landmark

Photography Etiquette

Do:

• Ask permission for portraits
• Respect religious ceremonies
• Share photos with subjects
• Dress appropriately at religious sites

Don't:

• Use flash during ceremonies
• Block processions
• Photograph without consent
• Enter restricted areas

Gear Recommendations

Essential:

• Wide-angle lens (decorations, crowds)
• Fast lens (low light ceremonies)
• Extra batteries (long days)
• Memory cards (lots of shots)

Optional:

• Telephoto (processions, details)
• Tripod (night shots, fireworks)
• Flash (fill light)
• Rain cover (unpredictable weather)