Malaysia Public Holiday Cheatsheet 2026
Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures – it observes a variety of public holidays throughout the year.
These holidays range from Islamic celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji, after the completion of the holy month of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca, to Chinese New Year, an important festival marking the start of the Chinese year, Deepavali, which is celebrated by Hindus and Christmas Day, to name a few.
How Many Public Holidays Are Employees Entitled To in Malaysia?
Under the Employment Act, employees in Malaysia are entitled to at least 11 gazetted public holidays per year, including:
- National holidays such as Malaysia Day and Hari Merdeka
- State holidays declared by individual states
- Religious holidays depending on the employee’s faith
Employers may provide additional holidays at their discretion.
Are Employees Paid If They Work on a Public Holiday in Malaysia?
Yes. Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to extra pay. According to the Employment Act:
- Regular pay plus at least 2x the ordinary rate for hours worked on a paid public holiday
- Some employers may also offer time off in lieu
This ensures employees are compensated fairly for working on designated rest days.
Can Employers Substitute Public Holidays in Malaysia?
Yes. Employers may substitute a public holiday if it falls on a rest day, with agreement from the employee. For example, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday may be observed as a replacement holiday.
The following poster will provide you a complete list of public holidays celebrated in Malaysia in 2026. The poster also includes information on local holidays celebrated in different states.
Payroll Panda’s poster of public holidays celebrated in Malaysia in 2026
