Malaysia is a multi-cultural and multi-religious country, and its public holidays reflect this diversity. There are 14 public holidays in Malaysia in 2023, including New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali, and Christmas.
This website provides a comprehensive guide to all Malaysia public holidays in 2023. For each holiday, you will find information on the following:
- Date
- Day of the week
- Name of the holiday in English and Malay
- Significance of the holiday
- Traditions and customs associated with the holiday
- Tips for planning your trip or activities around the holiday
In addition to the main public holidays, there are also a number of state-specific public holidays in Malaysia. These holidays are typically celebrated in states where the majority of the population is of a particular religion or ethnic group.
If you are planning a trip to Malaysia in 2023, be sure to check the list of public holidays before you book your flights and accommodation. This will help you to avoid any disappointment and make sure that you can make the most of your time in the country.
Why visit Malaysia during a public holiday?
Public holidays are a great time to visit Malaysia, as there is often a festive atmosphere and many special events and activities taking place. For example, during Chinese New Year, you can experience the traditional lion dance and parade, and indulge in delicious Chinese New Year cuisine. During Hari Raya Puasa, you can visit open houses and sample traditional Malay dishes. And during Deepavali, you can witness the colorful lights and decorations, and enjoy traditional Indian sweets and snacks.
Tips for planning your trip to Malaysia during a public holiday
If you are planning a trip to Malaysia during a public holiday, here are a few tips:
- Book your flights and accommodation well in advance, as prices tend to go up during public holidays.
- Be prepared for crowds, especially at popular tourist attractions.
- Check the opening hours of businesses and attractions, as some may be closed or have reduced hours during public holidays.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
We hope that this website provides you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Malaysia during a public holiday. Have a wonderful time!
Date | Day | Holiday | States |
---|---|---|---|
1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu |
2 Jan | Mon | New Year Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu |
14 Jan | Sat | YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday | Negeri Sembilan |
22 Jan | Sun | Chinese New Year | National |
23 Jan | Mon | Chinese New Year Holiday | National |
24 Jan | Tue | Chinese New Year Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu |
1 Feb | Wed | Federal Territory Day | Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya |
5 Feb | Sun | Thaipusam | Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor |
6 Feb | Mon | Thaipusam Holiday | Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor |
18 Feb | Sat | Israk and Mikraj | Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis & Terengganu |
19 Feb | Sun | Israk and Mikraj Holiday | Terengganu |
4 Mar | Sat | Installation of Sultan Terengganu | Terengganu |
5 Mar | Sun | Installation of Sultan Terengganu Holiday | Terengganu |
23 Mar | Thu | Awal Ramadan | Johor, Kedah & Melaka |
23 Mar | Thu | Sultan of Johor’s Birthday | Johor |
7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Sabah & Sarawak |
8 Apr | Sat | Nuzul Al-Quran | National except Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Sarawak |
9 Apr | Sun | Nuzul Al-Quran Holiday | Kelantan & Terengganu |
15 Apr | Sat | Declaration of Melaka as a Historical City | Melaka |
21 Apr | Fri | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National |
22 Apr | Sat | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | National |
23 Apr | Sun | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National |
24 Apr | Mon | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National |
26 Apr | Wed | Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday | Terengganu |
1 May | Mon | Labour Day | National |
4 May | Thu | Wesak Day | National |
17 May | Wed | Raja Perlis’ Birthday | Perlis |
22 May | Mon | Hari Hol Pahang | Pahang |
30 May | Tue | Harvest Festival | Labuan & Sabah |
31 May | Wed | Harvest Festival Holiday | Labuan & Sabah |
1 Jun | Thu | Hari Gawai | Sarawak |
2 Jun | Fri | Hari Gawai Holiday | Sarawak |
5 Jun | Mon | Agong’s Birthday | National |
18 Jun | Sun | Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday | Kedah |
28 Jun | Wed | Arafat Day | Kelantan & Terengganu |
29 Jun | Thu | Hari Raya Haji | National |
30 Jun | Fri | Hari Raya Haji Holiday | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu |
7 Jul | Fri | Georgetown World Heritage City Day | Penang |
8 Jul | Sat | Penang Governor’s Birthday | Penang |
19 Jul | Wed | Awal Muharram | National |
22 Jul | Sat | Sarawak Day | Sarawak |
30 Jul | Sun | Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday | Pahang |
31 Jul | Mon | Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday Holiday | Pahang |
14 Aug | Mon | Special Public Holiday (State Election) | Selangor |
23 Aug | Wed | Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar | Johor |
24 Aug | Thu | Melaka Governor’s Birthday | Melaka |
31 Aug | Thu | Merdeka Day | National |
16 Sep | Sat | Malaysia Day | National |
17 Sep | Sun | Malaysia Day Holiday | Kelantan & Terengganu |
28 Sep | Thu | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | National |
29 Sep | Fri | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday | Kelantan |
30 Sep | Sat | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday | Kelantan |
1 Oct | Sun | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday | Kelantan |
7 Oct | Sat | Sabah Governor’s Birthday | Sabah |
14 Oct | Sat | Sarawak Governor’s Birthday | Sarawak |
3 Nov | Fri | Sultan of Perak’s Birthday | Perak |
12 Nov | Sun | Deepavali | National except Sarawak |
13 Nov | Mon | Deepavali Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak & Terengganu |
11 Dec | Mon | Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday | Selangor |
24 Dec | Sun | Christmas Eve | Sabah |
25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day | National |
26 Dec | Tue | Christmas Holiday | Sabah |