Malaysia Public Holidays List 2026
Malaysia has 14 national public holidays in 2026 — observed nationwide or near-nationwide — made up of 8 religious holidays spanning Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity, 1 cultural festival, 1 royal occasion, 2 national days and 2 international observances. Several span two days or carry a replacement day when they fall on a Sunday, and individual states gazette further holidays on top. Below is the official national list with dates, the day of the week, and the type of each holiday.
Last updated: 10 June 2026
Official Source:
Federal public holidays are gazetted under the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369) by the Prime Minister's Department of Malaysia, with Sabah and Sarawak holidays set under their respective State Holidays Ordinances. Islamic holiday dates are confirmed by JAKIM (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia).
| # | Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Jan 2026 | Thursday | New Year's Day | International |
| 2 | 17 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | Chinese New Year (Day 1) | Cultural |
| 3 | 18 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | Chinese New Year (Day 2) | Cultural |
| 4 | 7 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Nuzul Al-Quran | Religious |
| 5 | 20 Mar 2026 | Friday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (additional, declared) | Religious |
| 6 | 21 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Day 1) | Religious |
| 7 | 22 Mar 2026 | Sunday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Day 2) | Religious |
| 8 | 23 Mar 2026 | Monday | Hari Raya Aidilfitri (replacement) | Observed |
| 9 | 1 May 2026 | Friday | Labour Day | International |
| 10 | 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Hari Raya Haji (Aidiladha) | Religious |
| 11 | 31 May 2026 | Sunday | Wesak Day | Religious |
| 12 | 1 Jun 2026 | Monday | Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday | Royal |
| 13 | 2 Jun 2026 | Tuesday | Wesak Day (replacement) | Observed |
| 14 | 17 Jun 2026 | Wednesday | Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) | Religious |
| 15 | 25 Aug 2026 | Tuesday | Maulidur Rasul (Prophet's Birthday) | Religious |
| 16 | 31 Aug 2026 | Monday | Merdeka Day (National Day) | National |
| 17 | 16 Sep 2026 | Wednesday | Malaysia Day | National |
| 18 | 8 Nov 2026 | Sunday | Deepavali | Religious |
| 19 | 9 Nov 2026 | Monday | Deepavali (replacement) | Observed |
| 20 | 25 Dec 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Religious |
How Malaysia Holidays Impact Payroll and Leave Management?
Every region, and country, operates differently when it comes to Public Holidays. When we talk about Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Malaysia, it feels like a grand celebration - people are on leave and enjoying their personal time. All this is bound to bring changes in attendance, increased leave requests, and varied working arrangements which impacts payroll accuracy and leave processes for both employers and employees.
While all of these issues can impact adversely, if enterprises are well-prepared and rely on technology instead of human intervention; it will help in aligning pay cycles, overtime, and statutory requirements without disruption. This not just eases processes for the employer but aids employees while providing clarity on leave entitlements, pay calculations, and timely compensation during a high-expectation period.
Try HONO, Transform your Workplace
-1.svg)
Frequently Asked Questions
14 national public holidays in 2026 (around 20 days once second days and Sunday replacements are counted), plus state-specific holidays. The statutory minimum employers must grant is 11 paid public holidays.
Yes. Each state gazettes its own holidays (Sultan/Governor birthdays, Thaipusam, Federal Territory Day, and more), and a few national holidays aren't observed everywhere — New Year's Day is skipped in five states and Deepavali is not a holiday in Sarawak.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Haji, Awal Muharram and Maulidur Rasul follow the Islamic lunar calendar and are confirmed by JAKIM moon-sighting, so they may shift by a day.