Check Out Which Malaysian States Get More Public Holidays... And Which Get Less

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While other states will have a public holiday on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, it'll be a regular working day in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. By convention, these states often prioritise holidays tied to Islamic traditions and local customs over globally recognised ones like New Year's Day.

These two states celebrate Chinese New Year for just one day, unlike other states that observe it for two days.

Meanwhile, Kedah, Kelantan, Labuan, Melaka, Pahang, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, and Terengganu do not observe Thaipusam as a public holiday. However, it may be declared an occasional holiday (cuti peristiwa) at the discretion of the respective state governments.

This distinction between a public holiday and an occasional holiday affects private-sector workers. If Thaipusam is declared an occasional holiday, the decision to grant employees a day off rests with their employers.

While Nuzul Al-Quran, commemorating the revelation of the Quran, is a significant religious observance for Muslims across Malaysia, it is not observed as a public holiday nationwide.

Six states — Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak — won't observe Tuesday, 18 March 2025, as a public holiday.

Awal Ramadan isn't a federal public holiday, but it is observed as a state holiday in Johor, Kedah, and Melaka, as other states have gazetted Nuzul Al-Quran as a public holiday instead.

While Hari Raya Aidilfitri is typically celebrated for two days, Melaka will enjoy a three-day Hari Raya celebration, as announced by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh in April, according to Astro Awani.

When public holidays fall on a Sunday, most states tend to declare the following Monday as a replacement public holiday.

However, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, which follow a Friday-Saturday weekend, will not get an additional public holiday on Monday, 1 September 2025, even though Hari Kebangsaan falls on Sunday, 31 August 2025.

The Indian community makes up a smaller percentage of the population compared to other ethnic groups in Sarawak. This demographic factor has historically influenced the state's public holiday calendar. So, Monday, 20 October 2025, will not be a public holiday for the state.

However, the Hindu community in Sarawak has been actively advocating for Deepavali to be recognised as a public holiday in the state. 

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Eid al-Adha, is generally celebrated for one day in most states. However, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu have gazetted an extra day off on Sunday, 8 June 2025.

Additionally, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu will also have an extra holiday on Monday, 9 June 2025, giving residents in those states a longer break to celebrate.

Since 2019, the Sabahan government has granted its largely Christian community a two-day Christmas break, allowing families to spend quality time together during the festive season. With Christmas Eve off, families have more time to travel, prepare feasts, and enjoy the celebrations, similar to the two-day holidays granted for other major festivals in Malaysia.