Malaysia is a country rich in cultural diversity, with a population that celebrates a wide range of festivals and public holidays. These celebrations reflect the nation’s multicultural heritage and offer a glimpse into the traditions and values of its various communities. From the vibrant and joyous Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri to the reflective and spiritual Wesak Day and Deepavali, each festival brings its own unique customs and significance.
National holidays like Independence Day and Malaysia Day foster unity and national pride, while Labour Day and the Agong’s Birthday honor the contributions of workers and the monarchy. These holidays provide Malaysians with opportunities to come together, strengthen family bonds, and celebrate their shared identity.
Public Holidays in Malaysia In 2025
Please see below the list of the public holidays in malaysia in 2025.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| Chinese New Year | Jan 29, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Chinese New Year Holiday | Jan 30, 2025 | Thursday |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Wesak Day | May 12, 2025 | Monday |
| Agong’s Birthday | Jun 02, 2025 | Monday |
| Hari Raya Haji | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Awal Muharram | Jun 26, 2025 | Thursday |
| Independence Day | Aug 31, 2025 | Sunday |
| Prophet’s Birthday | Sep 06, 2025 | Saturday |
| Malaysia Day | Sep 16, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Deepavali | Oct 20, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Know more: Public Holidays in Malawi In 2025 |
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is the most important festival for Malaysian Chinese. It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and traditions like giving red packets (ang paus) with money. People clean and decorate their homes with lucky symbols like oranges and red lanterns. On New Year’s Eve, families have big reunion dinners. The first day is for visiting relatives and friends, celebrating new beginnings, and bringing good luck for the year ahead.
Chinese New Year Holiday
During Chinese New Year, Malaysians get two public holidays to celebrate without work interruptions. They can prepare for the festivities, welcome the new year at midnight, give ang paus the next morning, and visit family over several days. Businesses close so everyone can enjoy the celebrations, including lion dances and family gatherings.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month. Malaysian Muslims celebrate with special morning prayers, wearing new clothes, and asking for forgiveness from loved ones. Families reunite and prepare special dishes, celebrating renewed faith and strong family ties.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday
The Hari Raya holidays give Malaysian Muslims time off to prepare, pray, visit relatives, and celebrate this major festival. With consecutive days off, they can travel to their hometowns, cook special dishes, buy new clothes, decorate homes and mosques, and fully enjoy the festivities with family.
Labour Day
Labour Day on May 1st celebrates the contributions and rights of workers in Malaysia. Rooted in labour union movements for better pay and working conditions, today it’s a day off for workers to spend with family. Unions and worker associations hold outdoor activities, concerts, and parades to emphasize labour rights and solidarity.
Wesak Day
Wesak Day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha for Malaysian Buddhists. Buddhists decorate homes and temples, make offerings like flowers and incense, observe vegetarianism, chant prayers, and meditate. Temples hold rituals like the ceremonial bathing of Buddha statues and releasing lanterns, promoting reflection on Buddha’s teachings.
Agong’s Birthday
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is Malaysia’s monarch and head of state. His official birthday is a national public holiday, celebrating the King with parades, exhibitions, and cultural performances. Malaysians spend the day off with family and friends, celebrating loyalty to the King and national heritage.
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji, or the Festival of Sacrifice, marks the end of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who can afford it try to make this pilgrimage once in their lives. On this day, they wear new clothes, attend special prayers, sacrifice livestock, and share meat with the less fortunate, commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
Awal Muharram
Awal Muharram is the Islamic New Year, marking the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar. Malaysian Muslims observe this day with minor celebrations and spiritual renewal, performing optional fasts, attending prayers, and giving to charity to start the new year positively.
Independence Day
On August 31st, Malaysia celebrates its independence from British colonial rule in 1957. It’s a patriotic day with parades, flag raisings, cultural shows, and fireworks. Malaysians of all races celebrate the struggles and sacrifices that led to their nation’s formation, promoting unity and national pride.
Prophet’s Birthday
Malaysian Muslims celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday by honoring the founder of Islam. They gather at mosques for special prayers, engage in charitable acts, hold processions, and decorate homes. Islamic hymns and readings highlight the Prophet’s life, promoting his teachings of peace, compassion, and service.
Malaysia Day
Malaysia Day on September 16th commemorates the formation of the Malaysian federation in 1963, uniting Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore (which later separated). It celebrates the diversity of the different states coming together as one nation. Parades, cultural performances, and patriotic exhibitions foster unity and remember Malaysia’s formation.
Deepavali
Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is the most important event for Malaysian Hindus. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindus decorate homes with oil lamps, create rangoli artworks, visit temples, wear new clothes, exchange sweets, and set off fireworks, bringing family and friends together to renew spiritual bonds.
Christmas Day
Malaysian Christians celebrate Christmas Day, marking the birth of Jesus Christ, with religious fervor. Churches hold midnight masses and decorate with poinsettias and Christmas trees. Christians visit open houses, exchange gifts, and spread festive cheer. Although it has Christian origins, Malaysians of all faiths participate in Christmas celebrations.