Malaysia observes 11 national public holidays annually[1], showcasing its rich cultural diversity. These celebrations encompass various cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. Notably, state-specific holiday variations exist across the country, adding complexity to the national calendar.

Some holidays vary by state. Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu follow a different weekend schedule (Friday-Saturday) compared to the rest of the country (Saturday-Sunday). This can lead to minor date variations for specific holidays. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both local and international stakeholders navigating Malaysia’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Source: malaysia.gov / Important Dates General Holidays Tarikh Penting Kelepasan Am — 2024

Malaysia Public Holidays (Nationwide)

Holiday NameDate in 2024Date in 2025
New Year’s Day Tahun BaruJanuary 1 (Monday)January 1 (Wednesday)
Federal Territory Day Hari Wilayah PersekutuanFebruary 1 (Thursday)February 1 (Saturday)
Birthday of Prophet Muhammad Maulidur RasulMarch 1 (Friday)February 28 (Friday)
Good FridayMarch 29 (Friday)–
Easter MondayApril 1 (Monday)–
Labour Day Hari PekerjaMay 1 (Wednesday)May 1 (Thursday)
Wesak Day Hari WesakMay 16th (Thursday)May 8th (Thursday)
King’s Birthday Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan AgongJune 8th (Saturday)June 6th (Friday)
National Day Hari KebangsaanAugu 31 (Saturday)Augu 31 (Sunday)
Malaysia Day Hari MalaysiaSeptember 16th (Monday)September 16th (Tuesday)
Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad Maulidur Rasul — Replacement HolidaySeptember 17 (Tuesday)Not Applicable
DeepavaliOctober 30 (Wednesday)October 29 (Wednesday)
Christmas Day Hari KrismasDecember 25 (Wednesday)December 25 (Thursday)

Malaysia School Holidays (Group A or Group B)

While not public holidays, school holidays can impact business hours and overall activity. Note: Malaysia has two groups with slightly different school break schedules.

Group A — Academic Calendar Session 2024/2025

Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu

School HolidaysStartEnd
First Day of SchoolMar 10, 2024 (Sun)–
Term 1 HolidaysMay 24, 2024 (Fri)Jun 2, 2024 (Sun)
Term 2 HolidaysSep 13, 2024 (Fri)Sep 21, 2024 (Sat)
Term 3 HolidaysDec 20, 2024 (Fri)28 Dec 2024 (Sat)
End of School Year HolidaysJan 17, 2025 (Fri)15 Feb 2025 (Sat)

Group B — Academic Calendar Session 2024/2025

Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor.

School HolidaysStartEnd
First Day of SchoolMar 11, 2024 (Mon)–
Term 1 HolidaysMay 25, 2024 (Sat)Jun 2, 2024 (Sun)
Term 2 HolidaysSep 14, 2024 (Sat)Sep 22, 2024 (Sun)
Term 3 HolidaysDec 21, 2024 (Sat)Dec 29, 2024 (Sun)
End of School Year HolidaysJan 18, 2025 (Sat)Feb 16, 2025 (Sun)

Other school holidays

School HolidaysStartEndStates
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holidays7 Apr 2024 (Sun)11 Apr 2024 (Thu)Group A
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holidays8 Apr 2024 (Mon)12 Apr 2024 (Fri)Group B
Deepavali Holidays30 Oct 2024 (Wed)31 Oct 2024 (Thu)Group A
Deepavali Holidays30 Oct 2024 (Wed)1 Nov 2024 (Fri)All states in Group B except Sarawak
Deepavali Holidays31 Oct 2024 (Thu)31 Oct 2024 (Thu)Sarawak
Source: Malaysia Ministry of Education (MOE / KKM) — KALENDAR AKADEMIK SESI 2024/2025 / Public Holidays Global

School Holidays vs. Public Holidays.

Malaysia’s school holidays (generally March-February) follow a separate schedule and may not coincide with public holidays.

Planning tip.

Malaysia’s public holidays create exciting opportunities for long weekends. Consider strategically using your personal leave days to maximize travel or leisure time during these periods.