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November 3, 2026 | 5 Minute read

Malaysia Public Holidays 2027: Calendar, State Holidays and Long Weekends

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Tiara Zenia
Malaysia public holidays 2027 calendar featuring Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Twin Towers and major Malaysian celebrations

The Malaysia public holidays 2027 calendar includes nationwide celebrations, state-specific observances, and opportunities for long weekends. Chinese New Year falls on February 6–7, Hari Raya Aidilfitri is scheduled for March 10–11, and National Day falls on August 31. Holiday entitlements vary by state, and some religious dates require confirmation.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Department has published its 2027 federal and state public holiday schedule. Travelers and residents should check the latest government announcements before requesting annual leave, booking transport, or planning important appointments.

Malaysia Public Holidays 2027 Calendar

The Malaysia public holiday calendar 2027 includes nationwide celebrations and observances with regional exceptions.

Malaysia has 13 states and three federal territories. Although major holidays are shared across the country, some celebrations have different legal arrangements depending on the state.

The following table lists the main public holidays scheduled for 2027.

DateDayPublic HolidayApplicable Area
February 6SaturdayChinese New YearNationwide
February 7SundayChinese New Year, Second DayMost states; arrangements may differ in Kelantan and Terengganu
March 10*WednesdayHari Raya AidilfitriNationwide
March 11*ThursdayHari Raya Aidilfitri, Second DayNationwide
May 1SaturdayLabour DayNationwide
May 17*MondayHari Raya HajiNationwide
May 20ThursdayWesak DayNationwide
June 6*SundayAwal MuharramNationwide
June 7MondayYang di-Pertuan Agong’s BirthdayNationwide
August 15*SundayMaulidur RasulNationwide
August 31TuesdayNational DayNationwide
September 16ThursdayMalaysia DayNationwide
October 28ThursdayDeepavaliAll states and federal territories except Sarawak
December 25SaturdayChristmas DayNationwide

Islamic holiday dates remain subject to official religious confirmation.

Important: Malaysia’s public holiday dates, state-specific observances, and replacement holidays are subject to change following official announcements by the Malaysian government and relevant state authorities. Islamic holiday dates may also change following official religious confirmation. Travelers and residents should verify the latest information through the Prime Minister’s Department before making travel arrangements or requesting annual leave.

New Year’s Day is not included in the nationwide table because it is not observed as a public holiday in every Malaysian state.

Federal and State Public Holidays in Malaysia

Malaysia’s public holiday system distinguishes between federal holidays and additional state-specific observances.

This distinction matters because a holiday observed in Kuala Lumpur may not be a public holiday in Johor, Penang, Sabah, or Sarawak.

Federal holidays generally recognize major national and religious celebrations.

State holidays include regional festivals, royal birthdays, and other observances established by the relevant authorities.

Major state and regional holidays in 2027

The following table lists scheduled state and regional holidays for 2027. These dates are subject to changes announced by the relevant government authorities.

DateDayPublic HolidayState or Territory
January 1FridayNew Year’s DayMelaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya
January 6*WednesdayIsrak and MikrajKedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Terengganu
January 14ThursdayYang di-Pertuan Besar’s BirthdayNegeri Sembilan
January 22FridayThaipusamJohor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya
February 1MondayFederal Territory DayKuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan
February 8*MondayAwal RamadanJohor, Kedah
February 20SaturdayIndependence Declaration DayMelaka
February 24*WednesdayNuzul Al-QuranKelantan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya
March 4ThursdayInstallation of the Sultan of TerengganuTerengganu
March 12*FridayAdditional Hari Raya Aidilfitri HolidayMelaka
March 23TuesdaySultan of Johor’s BirthdayJohor
March 26FridayGood FridaySabah, Sarawak
March 30TuesdaySabah Governor’s BirthdaySabah
April 26MondaySultan of Terengganu’s BirthdayTerengganu
May 16*SundayArafat DayKelantan, Terengganu
May 17MondayRaja of Perlis’s BirthdayPerlis
May 18*TuesdayAdditional Hari Raya Haji HolidayKedah, Kelantan, Perlis, Terengganu
May 22SaturdayHari Hol PahangPahang
May 30–31Sunday–MondayKaamatanSabah, Labuan
June 1–2Tuesday–WednesdayGawai DayakSarawak
June 20SundaySultan of Kedah’s BirthdayKedah
July 7WednesdayGeorge Town World Heritage City DayPenang
July 10SaturdayPenang Governor’s BirthdayPenang
July 11SundayHari Hol Almarhum Sultan IskandarJohor
July 22ThursdaySarawak DaySarawak
July 30FridaySultan of Pahang’s BirthdayPahang
August 24TuesdayMelaka Governor’s BirthdayMelaka
September 29–30Wednesday–ThursdaySultan of Kelantan’s BirthdayKelantan
October 9SaturdaySarawak Governor’s BirthdaySarawak
November 5FridaySultan of Perak’s BirthdayPerak
December 11SaturdaySultan of Selangor’s BirthdaySelangor
December 24FridayChristmas EveSabah
December 26*SundayIsrak and MikrajKedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, Terengganu

Religious observance dates are subject to official confirmation.

The table covers scheduled state observances rather than every substitute holiday or additional holiday declared later.

For the latest state-by-state information, consult the Prime Minister’s Department public holiday schedule and the Malaysian Employers Federation’s public holiday calendar.

Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan

Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan observe Federal Territory Day on February 1, 2027.

Because the date falls on a Monday, eligible employees following a Saturday–Sunday weekend may enjoy a three-day break from January 30 to February 1.

However, the three federal territories do not necessarily share every other regional holiday.

Selangor and Penang

Selangor and Penang observe nationwide public holidays alongside regional celebrations.

Thaipusam falls on January 22, while Penang celebrates George Town World Heritage City Day on July 7.

Selangor observes the Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday on December 11.

Travelers should check the relevant state calendar before assuming that a public holiday observed in Kuala Lumpur also applies in Selangor.

Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu

These states have additional religious and royal observances.

Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu generally follow Friday–Saturday weekends, while Johor follows a Saturday–Sunday weekend.

These differences can affect substitute holidays and annual leave planning.

For example, Awal Ramadan is scheduled for February 8 in Johor and Kedah.

The practical impact differs because the two states have different weekly rest-day arrangements.

Sabah and Sarawak

Sabah and Sarawak observe nationwide holidays alongside regional celebrations reflecting their cultural traditions.

Sabah celebrates Kaamatan, while Sarawak observes Gawai Dayak.

Good Friday is also a public holiday in both states.

Sarawak celebrates Sarawak Day on July 22, while Sabah observes Christmas Eve on December 24.

These differences matter when planning travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

Major Malaysia Public Holidays in 2027

Malaysia’s major public holidays reflect its religious, cultural, and national traditions.

Several celebrations also create periods of increased domestic travel as residents visit relatives or return to their hometowns.

Chinese New Year 2027: February 6–7

Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027, followed by the second day on Sunday, February 7.

The first day is a nationwide public holiday.

The second day is observed in most states, although holiday entitlements and replacement arrangements may differ in Kelantan and Terengganu.

These arrangements are subject to confirmation or changes announced by the relevant government authorities.

Celebrations commonly include family reunions, festive meals, temple visits, and lion dances.

Chinese New Year is also an important period for domestic travel.

Travel planning tip: Check whether February 8 or February 9 is an applicable substitute holiday in your state before booking transport or requesting annual leave.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2027: March 10–11

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is scheduled for Wednesday, March 10, and Thursday, March 11, 2027.

The celebration marks the end of Ramadan and is one of Malaysia’s most important religious holidays.

Many families participate in balik kampung, the tradition of returning to their hometowns.

This can increase demand for flights, trains, express buses, and accommodation.

Melaka also lists an additional Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday on Friday, March 12.

The final religious dates remain subject to official confirmation.

Hari Raya Haji 2027: May 17

Hari Raya Haji, also known as Aidiladha, is scheduled for Monday, May 17, 2027.

The celebration commemorates the Islamic tradition of sacrifice and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage period.

Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu also list an additional Hari Raya Haji holiday on May 18.

For eligible employees following a Saturday–Sunday weekend, the scheduled Monday holiday creates a potential three-day break.

Wesak Day 2027: May 20

Wesak Day falls on Thursday, May 20, 2027.

It is a nationwide public holiday commemorating significant events in the life of the Buddha.

Buddhist temples may organize prayers, religious ceremonies, and community activities.

Taking Friday, May 21, as annual leave could create a four-day break for employees who normally work Monday through Friday.

National Day 2027: August 31

Malaysia’s National Day, also known as Hari Kebangsaan or Merdeka Day, falls on Tuesday, August 31, 2027.

The holiday commemorates the Federation of Malaya’s independence in 1957.

National Day celebrations commonly include official ceremonies, patriotic displays, and community events.

Taking Monday, August 30, as annual leave could create a four-day break from August 28 to 31.

Malaysia Day 2027: September 16

Malaysia Day falls on Thursday, September 16, 2027.

The holiday commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

Although National Day and Malaysia Day are sometimes confused, they recognize different historical events.

Malaysia Day is a nationwide public holiday.

Taking Friday, September 17, as annual leave could create a four-day break for employees following a Monday-to-Friday working week.

Deepavali 2027: October 28

Deepavali falls on Thursday, October 28, 2027.

The Festival of Lights is an important Hindu celebration associated with the triumph of light over darkness.

Celebrations commonly include prayers, family gatherings, festive decorations, and traditional meals.

Deepavali is a public holiday in most Malaysian states and federal territories, except Sarawak.

Where the holiday applies, taking Friday, October 29, as annual leave could create a four-day weekend.

Christmas Day 2027: December 25

Christmas Day falls on Saturday, December 25, 2027.

It is a nationwide public holiday.

Sabah also observes Christmas Eve on Friday, December 24.

Because Christmas falls on Saturday, employees should check their applicable holiday arrangements rather than assuming an additional Monday holiday.

Malaysia Long Weekends in 2027

Several Malaysia long weekends 2027 opportunities arise from public holidays falling on Mondays, Fridays, or Thursdays.

The actual break available depends on the state, replacement-day rules, and individual working arrangements.

The following examples assume a standard Monday-to-Friday working week.

Public HolidayHoliday DatePotential BreakAnnual Leave Needed
New Year’s DayFriday, January 1January 1–30 days
ThaipusamFriday, January 22January 22–240 days
Federal Territory DayMonday, February 1January 30–February 10 days
Hari Raya AidilfitriWednesday–Thursday, March 10–11March 10–141 day
Hari Raya HajiMonday, May 17May 15–170 days
Wesak DayThursday, May 20May 20–231 day
Awal Muharram and Agong’s BirthdaySunday–Monday, June 6–7June 5–8, where June 8 is an applicable substitute holiday0 days
National DayTuesday, August 31August 28–311 day
Malaysia DayThursday, September 16September 16–191 day
DeepavaliThursday, October 28October 28–311 day

Important: These long-weekend opportunities depend on the relevant state holiday calendar, weekly rest days, and employer arrangements. Substitute holidays are subject to official government confirmation.

Three-day weekends without annual leave

Some public holidays fall on Mondays or Fridays, creating potential three-day breaks for eligible employees.

Federal Territory Day falls on Monday, February 1, creating a possible break from January 30 to February 1 in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.

Hari Raya Haji is scheduled for Monday, May 17, creating another potential three-day weekend for employees who normally have Saturday and Sunday off.

Thaipusam falls on Friday, January 22, offering a similar opportunity in states where it is observed.

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Four-day weekends with one day of leave

Thursday public holidays are useful for employees following a Monday-to-Friday working week.

Taking the following Friday as annual leave may create a four-day break.

Potential opportunities include:

  • Wesak Day: May 20–23
  • Malaysia Day: September 16–19
  • Deepavali: October 28–31, where observed

National Day offers another opportunity.

Taking Monday, August 30, as annual leave could create a four-day break from August 28 to 31.

Five-day Hari Raya break

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, March 10–11.

Taking Friday, March 12, as annual leave could create a five-day break ending Sunday, March 14.

In Melaka, March 12 is separately listed as an additional Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday, potentially reducing the annual leave required.

The final arrangement depends on official religious confirmation and the applicable state calendar.

Replacement Public Holidays in Malaysia

Replacement public holidays depend on the applicable legislation, state, and weekly rest-day arrangements.

A public holiday falling on Saturday or Sunday does not automatically create the same substitute day for every employee.

Section 3 of Malaysia’s Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369) provides that when an applicable public holiday falls on the state’s weekly holiday, the following day becomes a public holiday. If that following day is already a public holiday, the substitute moves to the next day.

The legislation governs relevant public holiday arrangements in Peninsular Malaysia, while Sabah and Sarawak have separate legislation.

Chinese New Year 2027: February 7–9

Chinese New Year creates an important scheduling issue in February 2027.

The relevant dates are:

  • Saturday, February 6: Chinese New Year
  • Sunday, February 7: Chinese New Year’s second day
  • Monday, February 8: Awal Ramadan in Johor and Kedah
  • Tuesday, February 9: Potential additional substitute holiday in certain states

In states where Sunday is the weekly holiday and February 7 is an applicable public holiday, a substitute holiday may fall on Monday, February 8.

Johor also lists Awal Ramadan on February 8. Where the relevant substitution rules apply to both observances, the overlap may move an entitlement to February 9.

Kedah follows a Friday–Saturday weekend, so its substitution arrangements differ from Johor’s.

Important: February 9 is not a nationwide public holiday. Its applicability is subject to confirmation or changes announced by the relevant Malaysian state authorities.

Employees should check official announcements before assuming they are entitled to that day off.

Awal Muharram and Agong’s Birthday: June 6–8

Another important overlap occurs in June.

The scheduled holidays are:

  • Sunday, June 6: Awal Muharram
  • Monday, June 7: Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday
  • Tuesday, June 8: Potential substitute holiday where applicable

In states where Sunday is the weekly holiday, Awal Muharram falls on that weekly holiday.

Normally, the following day would become a substitute holiday.

However, Monday, June 7, is already a nationwide public holiday for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday.

Under the applicable substitution rule, the replacement may therefore move to Tuesday, June 8.

This creates a potential four-day break from Saturday, June 5, through Tuesday, June 8, for eligible employees following a Saturday–Sunday weekend.

States with different weekly rest days may have different arrangements.

Important: June 8 is a potential substitute holiday, not a separately confirmed nationwide holiday in this calendar. Its applicability is subject to confirmation or changes announced by the relevant Malaysian government authorities.

What happens when a public holiday falls on Saturday?

A Saturday public holiday does not necessarily result in a Monday replacement holiday.

The outcome depends on the applicable legislation, weekly holiday arrangements, and employment entitlements.

This distinction matters in 2027 because Labour Day and Christmas Day both fall on Saturdays.

Employees should not assume that every Saturday holiday automatically produces an additional Monday off.

Do all Malaysian states follow the same weekend?

No. Most Malaysian states follow a Saturday–Sunday weekend.

Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu generally observe Friday–Saturday weekends.

These differences affect how public holidays interact with weekly rest days.

Employees should distinguish official public holiday observances from their employer’s annual leave and working-day policies.

How to Check Official Malaysia Public Holidays

The most reliable way to confirm public holidays Malaysia 2027 is to consult the federal holiday schedule and relevant state government announcements.

This is especially important for Islamic celebrations, substitute holidays, and additional observances announced during the year.

Check the official federal calendar

The Prime Minister’s Department public holiday portal publishes the annual federal and state holiday schedule.

The 2027 schedule was published in August 2026.

It is the primary government reference for the country’s public holiday calendar.

Confirm state-specific holidays

For regional celebrations, royal birthdays, and replacement holidays, consult the relevant state government’s official announcements.

This is particularly important when traveling between states with different holiday calendars.

A public holiday observed in Kuala Lumpur may not apply in Johor, Sabah, or Sarawak.

Recheck Islamic holiday dates

Islamic holidays follow the lunar calendar, and certain dates depend on official religious announcements.

Advance schedules are useful for planning, but final dates may change.

Before arranging non-refundable transport or accommodation, confirm the latest official announcement.

Planning Travel Around Malaysia’s Public Holidays

Major public holidays can affect domestic transport demand, accommodation availability, and operating hours.

Travelers should plan around the specific celebration and destination rather than assuming all public holidays create the same travel conditions.

Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri are particularly important periods for domestic travel.

Many residents return to their hometowns, increasing demand for intercity transport.

Book transport before major celebrations

For journeys around Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, consider booking flights, trains, and express buses early.

Transport availability may become more limited on popular routes before and after major celebrations.

Allow additional travel time when traveling through major cities or busy highways.

Check attraction and business operating hours

Public holidays do not necessarily mean every attraction, restaurant, or shopping center will close.

However, government offices and some private businesses may operate on different schedules.

Check opening hours directly before visiting attractions or arranging appointments.

Compare holiday calendars for cross-border travel

Travelers moving between Malaysia and Singapore should remember that the two countries have different public holiday schedules.

A holiday observed in Malaysia may be a normal working day in Singapore.

Eskimo’s Singapore public holidays 2026 calendar provides a useful reference for comparing Singapore’s holiday arrangements.

For readers comparing dates across years, the Malaysia public holidays 2026 calendar provides the previous year’s schedule.

Keeping the two years separate helps readers compare annual leave opportunities and recurring celebrations without confusing dates from different calendars.

Practical holiday planning tips

  • Confirm whether the public holiday applies to your state.
  • Check replacement holidays before requesting annual leave.
  • Book intercity transport early around major celebrations.
  • Verify attraction and restaurant opening hours.
  • Allow extra travel time during busy festive periods.
  • Recheck Islamic holiday dates before making non-refundable bookings.

These steps can help reduce scheduling problems during Malaysia’s busiest holiday periods.

Using Mobile Data During Malaysia’s Public Holidays

Mobile data can help travelers check KTM train updates, express bus departures, ride-hailing availability, and changes to attraction opening hours during Malaysia’s public holidays. Navigation apps are also useful when major celebrations affect traffic or road access. Reception is generally stronger in populated areas, while coverage can vary along rural roads, in mountainous regions, and in remote parts of Sabah and Sarawak.

An Eskimo Malaysia eSIM plan is a country-specific option for visitors. Eskimo provides overall coverage across 175 countries and regions, which can be useful for travelers continuing to Singapore, Indonesia, or other eligible destinations. Coverage depends on the selected plan, so travelers should check the destinations included before purchasing. Fixed data plans have no expiry, allowing unused data to remain available for a future trip.

New users can also claim a free 500MB Global eSIM.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays are there in Malaysia in 2027?

Malaysia observes nationwide public holidays alongside additional state-specific holidays. The total number of days off varies by state, replacement-day arrangements, and employment entitlements, so there is no single count that applies equally to everyone.

When is Chinese New Year 2027 in Malaysia?

Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027, followed by the second day on Sunday, February 7. The second day’s applicability and substitute-holiday arrangements may differ in Kelantan and Terengganu and are subject to official government confirmation.

Is February 9, 2027, a public holiday in Malaysia?

February 9 is not a nationwide public holiday. It may be an applicable substitute holiday in certain states because of overlapping celebrations. Its applicability is subject to confirmation or changes announced by the relevant government authorities.

Is June 8, 2027, a public holiday in Malaysia?

June 8 may be a substitute holiday in states where Sunday is the weekly holiday because Awal Muharram falls on June 6 and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday falls on June 7. Its applicability is subject to official government confirmation.

Where can I find the official Malaysia public holidays 2027 calendar?

The official calendar is published by Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s Department. Check its federal and state holiday schedules, together with subsequent government announcements, for confirmed dates and applicable replacement holidays.

Conclusion

Malaysia’s 2027 public holiday calendar provides several opportunities for extended weekends, but the best dates depend on where you live, your working schedule, and the holidays observed in your state.

Start by identifying the nationwide and state-specific holidays that apply to you. Then compare those dates with your regular days off to find suitable annual leave opportunities.

Before making travel arrangements, confirm replacement holidays and religious observance dates through official government announcements. This is especially useful when planning around Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and other major celebrations.

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Author Image
Written by a real person 💙
Tiara Zenia
I've always been curious about culture, traditions, and little everyday things that make each place special. I'd love to visit different countries and learn along the way.
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