Malaysians enjoy many public holidays each year. The school term starts in January and ends around mid-November with 4 breaks in between. Meanwhile, certain states observe more holidays as compared to others depending on their demographic and other factors.
Federal Holidays
Each year, Malaysia experiences a series of federal holidays which are observed by the entire country. It must be noted that while federal holidays are usually applicable to all states, there are a numbered few that does not follow.
- 1 January, Tuesday – New Year’s Day – Observed by most states except Perlis, Teregganu, Kelantan, Kedah, Kelantan and Johor
- 21 January, Monday – Thaipusam – celebrated only in Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Putrajaya, Selangor, Perak and Penang
- 1 February, Friday – Federal Territory Day – Only applicable and observed in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan (being Federal Territories of Malaysia)
- 5 and 6 February, Tuesday and Wednesday – Chinese New Year – Nationwide celebrations
- 1 May, Wednesday – Labour Day – Nationwide
- 19 May, Sunday – Wesak Day, holiday observed on 20 May except Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah
- 22 May, Wednesday – Nuzul Quran – observed nationwide except in Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak and Johor
- 5 and 6 June, Wednesday and Thursday, – Eid Mubarak also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- 11 and 12 August, Sunday and Monday – Hari Raya Haji
- 31 August, Saturday – Merdeka Day
- 1 September, Sunday – Awal Muharram
- 9 September, Monday – the Yang Dipertuan Agong’s Birthday
- 16 September, Monday – Malaysia Day
- 27 October, Sunday – Deepavali
- 9 November, Saturday – Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
- 25 December, Wednesday – Christmas Day
State Level Holidays
Besides the holidays observed at the federal level, the respective have their own holidays as well. They are as follow:
- 14 January, Monday – YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday
- 20 January, Sunday – Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday
- 4 March, Monday – Installation of Sultan Terengganu
- 23 March, Saturday – Sultan of Johor’s Birthday
- 3 April, Wednesday – Israk and Mikraj – only in the states of Kedah, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis
- 15 April, Monday – Declaration of Melaka as a Historical City
- 19 April, Friday – Good Friday – Only in Sabah and Sarawak
- 26 April, Friday – Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday
- 6 May, Monday – Awal Ramadan – Only for states of Johor, Kedah and Melaka
- 7 May, Tuesday – Hari Hol Pahang
- 30 and 31 May, Thursday and Friday – Harvest Festival – only for Federal Territory Labuan and Sabah
- 1 and 2 June, Saturday and Sunday – Hari Gawai – Only for Sarawak
- 7 July, Sunday – Georgetown World Heritage City Day
- 13 July, Saturday – Penang Governor’s Birthday
- 17 July, Wednesday – Raja Perlis’ Birthday
- 22 July, Monday – Sarawak Day
- 14 September, Saturday – Sarawak Governor’s Birthday
- 5 October, Saturday – Sabah Governor’s Birthday
- 11 October, Friday – Melaka Governor’s Birthday
- 24 October, Monday – Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday
- 28 October, Monday – Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar
- 1 November, Friday – Sultan of Perak’s Birthday
- 11 November, Monday – Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday
- 12 November, Tuesday – Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday
- 11 December, Wednesday – Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday
2019 School Holidays
The school terms have not been confirmed by the Ministry of Education and will be updated when it becomes available.