Planning your 2026 calendar in Malaysia? This quick guide makes public holidays in Malaysia easy: what’s federal (nationwide) versus state-specific, when they typically fall across the year, and how shifting Islamic dates and different state weekends (Fri–Sat in some states, Sat–Sun in others) can affect your plans.
Whether you’re an international student mapping intakes and exam weeks or a visitor hunting for long weekends, you’ll find simple tables, smart planning tips, and practical that help you book flights, schedule campus/office errands, and make the most of every break in 2026.
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How Malaysian public holidays work
- Federal (national) holidays: Observed across Malaysia (e.g., Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, National Day, Malaysia Day, Labour Day, Wesak, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, Hari Raya Aidiladha, Deepavali*, Christmas). (*) Deepavali is not observed in a small number of states—check your state calendar.
- State & territory holidays: Only in specific states/territories (e.g., Thaipusam in many states, Federal Territory Day for Kuala Lumpur/Putrajaya/Labuan, Kaamatan in Sabah, Gawai in Sarawak, Good Friday in Sabah & Sarawak, Sultan/Ruler birthdays by state).
- Islamic dates move: Aidilfitri, Aidiladha, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, Nuzul Al-Quran follow the Hijri (lunar) calendar, so their Gregorian dates change every year.
- Weekend differences: Most states use Sat–Sun weekends; Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu use Fri–Sat. This affects long-weekend planning.
2026 at a glance (fixed-date highlights)
- New Year’s Day — Jan 1 (some states)
- Labour Day — May 1
- Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday — date typically in June (fixed by government each year)
- National Day (Merdeka) — Aug 31
- Malaysia Day — Sept 16
- Christmas Day — Dec 25
- Federal Territory Day (KL/Putrajaya/Labuan) — Feb 1
Note: Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, Aidiladha, Deepavali, Wesak, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul are date-varying. Always check the official 2026 calendar for exact dates in your state.
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Typical timing by month in 2026 (guide only)
Exact dates vary each year—confirm with your state’s official 2026 calendar.
| Month | Common Holidays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | New Year’s Day (some states), Thaipusam* | *Not nationwide |
| February | Chinese New Year (2 days) | Lunar—moves yearly |
| March–April | Ramadan (not a public holiday), Nuzul Al-Quran*, Hari Raya Aidilfitri (2 days) | *State-dependent; Aidilfitri dates shift |
| May | Labour Day (May 1), Wesak Day | Federal |
| June | Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday, Hari Raya Aidiladha | Aidiladha date moves |
| July–August | Awal Muharram | Islamic New Year |
| August | National Day (Aug 31) | Federal |
| September | Malaysia Day (Sept 16), Maulidur Rasul | Federal + Islamic |
| October–November | Deepavali* | *Not observed in a few states |
| December | Christmas Day (Dec 25) | Federal |
State/territory examples (not exhaustive)
- Federal Territories (KL, Putrajaya, Labuan): Federal Territory Day — Feb 1
- Sabah: Kaamatan (Harvest Festival), Good Friday
- Sarawak: Gawai Dayak, Good Friday
- Selangor, Penang, Perak & others: Thaipusam (state holiday in many—verify locally)
- All states: Ruler/Sultan/Governor’s Birthday (date differs by state)
Long-weekend planning tips (2026)
- Check whether your state uses Fri–Sat or Sat–Sun weekends.
- Look for holidays that fall on Monday or Friday for easy long weekends.
- Islamic holidays are confirmed close to the date—keep plans flexible.
- Book early around Chinese New Year, Aidilfitri, and school holidays.
