Malaysian Public Holidays & Long Weekends in 2026 (A practical guide for expats and families)
One of the great perks of living in Malaysia is the generous spread of public holidays. With celebrations rooted in multiple cultures and religions, the calendar offers plenty of opportunities for travel, staycations, and cultural experiences throughout the year.
As many AAM members start planning school terms, work travel, and family visits, here’s a helpful look at Malaysia’s key nationwide holidays in 2026, plus a few notes on long weekends and state-specific observances to keep in mind.
Key Nationwide Public Holidays in 2026
Overview
Jan 1: New Year’s Day
Feb 1: Federal Territory Day (KL, Labuan, Putrajaya)
Feb 1: Thaipusam (varies by state)
Feb 2: Federal Territory Day (replacement holiday)
Feb 3: Thairpusam (replacement holiday)
Feb 17: Chinese New Year
Mar 7: Nuzul Al-Quran (select states)
Mar 21-22: Hari Raya Aidilfitri (tentative)
May 1: Labour Day
May 27: Hari Raya Haji (tentative)
May 31: Wesak Day
June 1: Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday
June 17: Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year) (tentative)
Aug 25: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (tentative)
Aug 31: Merdeka Day
Sept 16: Malaysia Day
Nov 8: Deepavali (tentative)
Dec 25: Christmas Day
January
New Year’s Day
January 1 (Thursday)
A quiet start to the year, but a nice midweek break after the festive season.
February
Federal Territory Day
February 1 (Sunday)
Federal Territory Day is celebrated on 1st February every year in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. In KL, Federal Territory Day commemorates the 1974 transfer of Kuala Lumpur to federal control.
Thaipusam
February 1 (Sunday) (varies by state)
A major Hindu festival, most prominently observed in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, with the famous Batu Caves procession. Read our blog on Thaipusam to learn more about this captivating festival.
Federal Territory Day Holiday
February 2 (Monday)
Given that the mandatory holiday, Federal Territory Day, falls on a Sunday, the working day immediately following 1 February must be observed as a replacement public holiday.
Thaipusam Holiday
February 2 (Tuesday) (Kuala Lumpur)
Since the original holiday (Sunday) and the first replacement (Monday) are already accounted for, the replacement for Thaipusam falls on the next working day, 3 February 2026.
Chinese New Year
February 17 (Tuesday) & 18 (Wednesday)
One of Malaysia’s most widely celebrated holidays. Expect travel congestion, festive open houses, and many businesses closing or operating on reduced hours.
March
Nuzul Al-Quran
March 7 (Saturday) (select states)
Observed in certain states, this Islamic holiday marks the revelation of the Quran.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr)
March 21 (Saturday) & 22 (Sunday) (tentative)
Celebrating the end of Ramadan, this is a major national holiday with extended closures, balik kampung travel, and plenty of festive visiting. Learn more about Ramadan in our blog post.
April
None
May
Labour Day
May 1 (Friday)
A ready-made long weekend and a popular time for short getaways.
Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha)
May 27 (Wednesday) (tentative)
An important Islamic holiday observed nationwide.
Wesak Day
May 31 (Sunday)
Celebrating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. Observed nationwide, often with temple visits and processions.
June
Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday
June 1 (Monday)
A guaranteed long weekend across the country.
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year)
June 17 (Wednesday) (tentative)
Marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar year.
July
None
August
Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulidur Rasul)
August 25 (Tuesday) (tentative)
Observed nationwide with prayers and community events.
National Day (Merdeka Day)
August 31 (Monday)
A major celebration of Malaysia’s independence, featuring parades, flag displays, and patriotic events.
September
Malaysia Day
September 16 (Wednesday)
Commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963 and is celebrated nationwide.
October
None
November
Deepavali (Diwali)
November 8 (Sunday) (tentative)
The Hindu Festival of Lights, widely celebrated across Malaysia.
December
Christmas Day
December 25 (Friday)
Another convenient long weekend and a festive end to the year.
Planning for Long Weekends
2026 offers several built-in long weekends thanks to holidays falling on Mondays and Fridays, particularly around Labour Day, the King’s Birthday, Merdeka, and Christmas.
These periods are popular for domestic travel, so booking flights and accommodation early is strongly recommended.
Important Notes for Expats
Moon Sighting Matters
Islamic holidays such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Haji, Awal Muharram, and Maulidur Rasul, as well as Deepavali, are subject to change based on lunar observation. Dates may only be officially confirmed closer to the holiday.
State-Specific Holidays
In addition to nationwide holidays, many Malaysian states observe their own public holidays. Examples include:
Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday (December 11)
Gawai Dayak in Sarawak (June 1–2)
These can affect school schedules, government offices, and business operations, depending on where you live in Malaysia.
Final Tip
Malaysia’s holiday calendar is one of its greatest cultural highlights. Whether you use public holidays to travel, rest, or experience local traditions, a little planning goes a long way, especially if you’re coordinating school terms, visiting family, or hosting guests from abroad.
Here’s to a well-planned and well-celebrated 2026!