Malaysia (MY)

Federal public holiday. Most businesses and government offices closed. Celebrated across all communities with fireworks at KLCC, Dataran Merdeka, and Penang.

2026 is the Year of the Horse. Two days of national holiday. Celebrated widely by Chinese Malaysians with lion dances, ang pau (red packets), family reunions. Shopping malls close early on CNY Eve (Jan 28). Open houses (rumah terbuka) common across communities.

Second day of Chinese New Year — national public holiday. Many Chinese businesses remain closed through the 15th day of the Lunar New Year (Chap Goh Mei).

Public holiday in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan federal territories only. Not observed in the 13 states. Commemorates the proclamation of federal territories on 1 February 1974.

Hindu festival of Lord Murugan — falls on Sunday 1 February; observed Monday 2 February in Selangor, KL, Penang, Perak, and Johor. Kavadi (decorated frames) carried by devotees to Batu Caves, Penang Hill, and temples. One of Malaysia's most visually spectacular events, drawing over 1 million visitors to Batu Caves.

Subject to moon sighting — date approximate (expected late March 2026, end of Ramadan 1447H). Two days of national public holiday. Malaysia's biggest celebration: open houses, family reunions, green packets (duit raya), traditional music. Government offices, banks, and most businesses closed. Plan around this period — many workers take additional annual leave.

Second day of Eid al-Fitr — falls on Saturday Mar 21, triggering substitute holidays. Some states observe additional days (Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu observe 3–4 days).

Additional Eid al-Fitr holiday — 2nd day falls on Saturday Mar 21, with substitute observed Sunday Mar 22. Part of the extended Aidilfitri holiday period.

Substitute holiday for Eid al-Fitr 2nd day (Saturday Mar 21) — observed Monday Mar 23. Government offices, banks, and most businesses closed across the four-day Eid period (Mar 20–23).

National workers' holiday. Government offices and most businesses closed. Unions and worker organisations hold public events.

Islamic Festival of Sacrifice — subject to moon sighting, date approximate. One national public holiday (some states observe 2 days: Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Perlis, Johor). Qurban (animal sacrifice) ceremonies at mosques. Pilgrims returning from Haj welcomed home.

Two-day harvest festivals celebrated in Sabah (Kaamatan, May 30–31) and Sarawak (Gawai, June 1–2). Unique to East Malaysia — not observed in Peninsular Malaysia. Traditional music, dances, rice wine (tuak), and community feasting.

Buddhist celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Wesak falls on Sunday 31 May 2026; the substitute public holiday is Tuesday 2 June (Monday 1 June is the Agong's Birthday). Candlelight processions at Buddhist temples — Brickfields (KL) holds a major procession.

National celebration of the King's birthday, observed on the first Monday of June regardless of actual birth date. As of 2024, Sultan Ibrahim of Johor is the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Parades and investitures at Istana Negara.

First day of the Islamic lunar year (1 Muharram 1448H), approximately June 17, 2026. Subject to official moon sighting — date may vary by one day. Observed with religious gatherings, processions, and reflection. National public holiday.