How Many Public Holidays are in Malaysia: 2026 Edition

Malaysia does not hold back when it comes to celebrating holidays!

Known for its rich cultural diversity, there are probably more opportunities to celebrate than you’ve ever experienced before.

With a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other communities, Malaysia hosts a vibrant calendar full of colorful holidays. 

The most exciting part? You get to plan your holidays ahead by knowing how many public holidays in Malaysia there will be in 2026!

Let’s discover what 2026 has in store for all of us…

Types of Public Holidays in Malaysia: National and State-Level Holidays

Malaysia’s public holidays are divided into two main categories:

• National Public Holidays: These are holidays that are observed nationwide, such as Hari Merdeka (Independence Day), Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Chinese New Year. 

No matter where you are in Malaysia, these dates are recognized as public holidays.

• State-Level Public Holidays: Each state also has its own holidays based on local customs and celebrations.

For example, it is a common practice to celebrate each state’s governor's birthday by marking it as a public holiday for that state.

Some states like Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu observe Friday and Saturday as their weekend, as opposed to Saturday and Sunday for all other states, making for different work schedules and holiday arrangements.

How Many Public Holidays are in Malaysia in 2026?

Here's a summary of the 14 major public holidays in Malaysia to expect in 2026:

The Longest Public Holidays in Malaysia in 2026

If you’re looking for long weekends to maximize on your vacation itinerary, mark these dates down:

• Chinese New Year (February 17–18):
  The public holidays fall on Tuesday and Wednesday. Combined with the weekend before (Saturday–Sunday), and taking Monday off, this creates a 5-day long break, perfect for travel or rest.
• Labour Day (May 1):
  Labour Day falls on a Friday, which means you get a 3-day weekend from Friday to Sunday (an easy short getaway opportunity).
• Wesak Day & King’s Birthday (May 31 – June 1):
  Wesak Day falls on Sunday, followed by the King’s Birthday on Monday. Together with the weekend, this forms a 3-day long weekend.
• Hari Merdeka (August 31):
  Malaysia’s National Day falls on a Monday, giving you a 3-day weekend from Saturday to Monday.
• Christmas Day (December 25):
  Christmas falls on a Friday, creating a 3-day long weekend, ideal for year-end travel or celebrations.

Plan Ahead: Things to Do on Public Holidays in Malaysia in 2026

Explore Cultural Festivals

Malaysia’s multicultural holidays provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different festivities.  

Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, and Deepavali are the most colorful and culturally rich celebrations.

Discover Nature

Malaysia is home to stunning natural landscapes.

Use public holidays as a chance to escape the city and visit spots like Cameron Highlands.

Indulge in a Getaway

For a true getaway, explore Malaysia’s pristine islands.

The clear waters of Perhentian Islands or the luxury resorts of Langkawi can make for unforgettable trips.

Host a Game Night with Friends

There’s nothing more warm than having your friends over for home-cooked dinner and game night!

Get together and enjoy some UNO cards and don’t forget to stick to the rules (P.S. UNO Confirms You Can't Stack +4 or +2)

Just Relax!

We understand that sometimes, the best plan is no plan at all.

Public holidays are your perfect excuse to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with your favorite book (or even cat) at home.

Know more about budget-friendly things you can do in Malaysia’s capital city as a student in this guide.