How Many Public Holidays are in Malaysia: 2025 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 2025!

Let’s discover what 2025 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 2025?

Here's a summary of the 11 major public holidays in Malaysia to expect in 2025:

The Longest Public Holidays in Malaysia in 2025

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

• Chinese New Year (January 29-30): The holiday falls midweek on Wednesday-Thursday, giving the chance to enjoy an extended break with a permissible holiday on Friday as well.

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (March 31-April 1): Falling on a Monday and Tuesday, it offers a four-day weekend, perfect for family celebrations or travel plans.

• Hari Merdeka (August 31): The celebration falls on a Sunday, giving the potential for some states to allow Monday as holiday as well, opening doors for a 4-day weekend.

Plan Ahead: Things to Do on Public Holidays in Malaysia in 2025

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.