Planning your year ahead in Malaysia requires knowing the official public holidays that will give you time off work, school, and opportunities for travel. Understanding these nationwide holidays helps you organize family gatherings, book flights in advance, and make the most of long weekends. This comprehensive guide covers all confirmed national public holidays in Malaysia for 2026, ensuring you have accurate information for your scheduling needs.
Malaysia observes a diverse calendar of public holidays reflecting its multicultural society, including celebrations for Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Christian communities. However, it’s important to note that this article focuses exclusively on federal holidays observed nationwide across all states. Regional or state-specific holidays such as Thaipusam, Federal Territory Day, and various Sultan’s birthdays are not included here, as they vary by location.
Official National Public Holidays in Malaysia 2026
The following table presents all confirmed federal public holidays for Malaysia in 2026. These dates apply throughout the entire country, regardless of which state you’re in. Nevertheless, please keep in mind that Islamic holidays are tentative and subject to moon sighting confirmation by religious authorities.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Tuesday | Chinese New Year |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Second Day of Chinese New Year |
| March 20 | Friday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Tentative) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Day 2 (Tentative) |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Hari Raya Aidiladha (Tentative) |
| May 31 | Sunday | Wesak Day |
| June 1 | Monday | Agong’s Birthday |
| June 17 | Wednesday | Awal Muharram (Tentative) |
| August 25 | Tuesday | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Tentative) |
| August 31 | Monday | Merdeka Day (National Day) |
| September 16 | Wednesday | Malaysia Day |
| November 8 | Sunday | Deepavali |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
Planning Tips for 2026 Holidays
Strategic planning around Malaysia’s public holidays can maximize your vacation time without using excessive annual leave. For instance, Chinese New Year falls midweek on Tuesday and Wednesday, creating an excellent opportunity to take Monday off for a five-day break. Meanwhile, Labour Day on Friday naturally extends into a three-day weekend, perfect for a quick getaway.
On the other hand, several holidays in 2026 fall on weekends, which means you’ll receive replacement holidays on the following Monday in most states. Wesak Day falls on Sunday, May 31, so Monday, June 1 becomes a public holiday for Agong’s Birthday, creating a natural long weekend. Similarly, Deepavali falls on Sunday, November 8, which typically results in an additional day off on Monday in most states.
When planning travel during major festivals like Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Chinese New Year, book accommodations and transportation well in advance. These periods see significant domestic travel as Malaysians return to their hometowns, consequently leading to fully booked hotels and higher prices. Furthermore, checking the current local time across different time zones becomes essential when coordinating international travel during these peak periods.
Understanding Malaysia’s Holiday Calendar System
Malaysia’s public holiday system operates on two levels: federal holidays observed nationwide and state holidays specific to individual regions. The federal government declares national holidays that apply to all Malaysians regardless of location, while state governments add their own holidays based on local celebrations, Sultan’s birthdays, or cultural events.
Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, which means their dates shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, exact dates for holidays like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Awal Muharram, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday are tentative until confirmed through moon sighting by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal. This traditional method ensures religious accuracy but requires flexibility in planning.
For those coordinating schedules across multiple commitments, using reliable timer tools can help manage time effectively during busy holiday periods when balancing work deadlines before taking time off.
Important Holiday Notes for 2026
Several key considerations will help you navigate Malaysia’s 2026 holiday calendar more effectively. First, when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, most states (except those with Friday-Saturday weekends like Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Johor) observe a replacement holiday on Monday. This rule ensures workers don’t lose their entitled days off.
Chinese New Year represents the only federal holiday spanning two consecutive days nationwide, reflecting its cultural significance to Malaysia’s Chinese community. Moreover, businesses, especially in areas with large Chinese populations, may operate on reduced hours or close entirely during this period.
The Employment Act allows employers to substitute up to three public holidays with other dates agreed upon with employees. However, certain holidays cannot be replaced, including National Day, Agong’s Birthday, Malaysia Day, and Labour Day. Always verify your company’s specific holiday policy to avoid confusion.
For detailed guidance on managing your schedule around these holidays, explore our comprehensive collection of planning guides and resources that cover everything from time management to international coordination.
Long Weekend Opportunities in 2026
Smart planning can transform single-day holidays into extended breaks throughout 2026. Labour Day falls on Friday, May 1, automatically creating a three-day weekend perfect for domestic travel or relaxation. Taking one additional day off on Thursday, April 30, extends this to a four-day getaway.
Merdeka Day on Monday, August 31, provides another natural long weekend, while Malaysia Day falls midweek on Wednesday, September 16. By taking Thursday and Friday off, you can enjoy a five-day break ideal for exploring Southeast Asia or visiting family abroad.
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, setting up the year’s final long weekend. This timing works exceptionally well for year-end holidays, especially when combined with company shutdowns that often occur between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national public holidays does Malaysia have in 2026?
Malaysia has 14 confirmed federal public holidays in 2026 that are observed nationwide. This count includes both fixed-date holidays like Christmas and Merdeka Day, as well as Islamic holidays whose dates depend on lunar calendar observations. Individual states may have additional holidays specific to their region.
Which public holidays in 2026 are tentative and subject to change?
All Islamic holidays are tentative pending official moon sighting confirmation. These include Hari Raya Aidilfitri (March 20-21), Hari Raya Aidiladha (May 27), Awal Muharram (June 17), and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (August 25). The Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal typically announces final dates a few days before the actual celebration.
What happens when a public holiday falls on a weekend?
When a federal public holiday falls on Sunday, most Malaysian states observe a replacement holiday on the following Monday. This rule doesn’t apply to states where the official weekend is Friday-Saturday (Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Johor). Holidays falling on Saturday typically don’t receive replacement days in most states.
Are the Chinese New Year dates confirmed for 2026?
Yes, Chinese New Year dates are confirmed as they follow the Chinese lunar calendar rather than Islamic moon sighting. In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, with the second day on Wednesday, February 18. These dates are fixed and will not change.
Can my employer change the public holiday dates?
According to the Employment Act, employers may substitute up to three public holidays with alternative dates through mutual agreement with employees. However, four holidays cannot be substituted: National Day, Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday, Malaysia Day, and Labour Day. Any substitutions must be agreed upon in advance and documented properly.
Do all Malaysian states observe the same public holidays?
No, while federal holidays apply nationwide, each state has additional state-specific holidays. These include Sultan’s birthdays, state anniversary celebrations, and religious observances like Thaipusam or Federal Territory Day. The total number of public holidays can range from 14 to 20 depending on your state of residence or employment.
Conclusion: Make the Most of Malaysia’s 2026 Holidays
Understanding Malaysia’s national public holidays for 2026 empowers you to plan effectively for the year ahead. With 14 federal holidays spread throughout the year, numerous opportunities exist for rest, celebration, and travel. Remember to verify Islamic holiday dates as they approach, since these require official confirmation through traditional moon sighting methods.
Whether you’re coordinating work schedules, planning family gatherings, or booking international trips, having this comprehensive holiday calendar at your fingertips makes planning significantly easier. Bookmark this page and check back periodically for any official updates or changes announced by the Malaysian government. For more detailed planning resources and time management tools, visit our main public holidays and time zone information page where you’ll find additional guides for organizing your year.