Public Holidays

New Year

1 Jan 2013 | Nationwide

With New Year’s Eve parties in full swing, dazzling fireworks accompanying the local countdown, celebrating the turn of the year in Malaysia is always an exciting affair.

Maulidur Rasul

24 Jan 2013 | Nationwide

Maulidur Rasul is the observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, which falls on the 12th day of the month of Rabiul Awal in the Islamic calendar.

Federal Territory Day

1 Feb 2013 | Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only

Federal Territory Day is a state holiday observed by the three Federal Territories in Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

Chinese New Year

10 – 11 Feb 2013 | Nationwide

Red is the colour of this festive season. Malaysian Chinese celebrate the New Year with family reunions, food and merrymaking, while children receive money in little red packets.

Labour Day

1 May 2013 | Nationwide

As in many other countries, Labour Day is observed in Malaysia on 1st May every year. The working populace celebrate with an extra day off.

Wesak

24 May 2013 | Nationwide

Wesak Day marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of Gautama Buddha. Buddhists all over the country celebrate with religious offerings and rituals held at Buddhist temples.

Tadau Kaamatan

30 – 31 May 2013 | Sabah and Labuan

Rice holds a special meaning to Sabahans, which makes Tadau Kaamatan (rice harvest festival) one of the biggest, most joyous celebrations in Sabah. In an event filled with traditional customs, villagers give thanks for the year’s crop and pray for an even better harvest the following year.

Gawai Dayak Festival

1 Jun 2013 | Sarawak

Gawai Dayak, or the harvest festival, marks the end of the rice-harvesting season and welcomes in another year of bountiful harvest. It is celebrated by the Iban and Bidayuh tribes in Sarawak with traditional dances, ceremonial offerings and 'tuak' (home-made rice wine).

King's Birthday

1 Jun 2013 | Nationwide

The King, or Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is the head of state of Malaysia. His Majesty’s birthday is officially celebrated on the first Saturday in June, as mandated in the Malaysian Constitution.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

8 – 9 Aug 2013 | Nationwide

After a month of fasting, Hari Raya Aidilfitri symbolises victory for Muslims everywhere. Starting with morning prayers and visits to the graves of loved ones, Muslims then proceed to open houses and family gatherings filled with good food and company.

Independence Day (Hari Merdeka)

31 Aug 2013 | Nationwide

This day marks the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957. Colourful multicultural parades are organised at city centres throughout the country.

Malaysia Day

16 Sep 2013 | Nationwide

Malaysia Day is held on September 16 yearly to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation on the same date in 1963. Celebrations are held in various parts of the country.

Hari Raya Aidiladha

15 Oct 2013 | Nationwide

Also known as Hari Raya Haji or Qurban, this festival marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca which is performed by millions of Muslims annually. Muslims in the country celebrate the festival with prayers and the sacrifice of cattle.

Deepavali

3 Nov 2013 | Nationwide except Labuan and Sarawak

Deepavali or the 'Festival of Lights' is celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. Family and friends visit each other at open houses, where delicious traditional goodies are served.

Awal Muharram

5 Nov 2013 | Nationwide

Awal Muharram (also called Maal Hijrah) marks the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, commemorating the day Prophet Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijrah.

Christmas

25 Dec 2013 | Nationwide

You won’t find a white Christmas in Malaysia, but the real spirit of the season — love, joy and peace — is evident. Christians look forward to special services in church, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.