Welcome to an exciting exploration of leisure and celebration in Malaysia for the year 2024! As we embark on this journey through time, we invite you to unlock the doors to joy, relaxation, and cultural festivities that await on the Malaysian Public Holiday Calendar. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key dates that mark moments of significance, providing you with a roadmap to plan your well-deserved breaks, family gatherings, and travel adventures.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Malaysian culture as we unveil the Malaysia public holidays 2024. Join us as we highlight the unique blend of traditions, flavors, and experiences that each Malaysian holidays brings, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.
Check out this list of public holidays in 2024 in Malaysia
1 Jan (Mon): New Year’s Day
Celebrated nationwide, marking the beginning of the year. All states except JHR, KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG observe this state holiday, ushering in joyous festivities and reflections.
14 Jan (Sun): Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Besar
Exclusive to NSN, observed on 15 Jan (Mon). A state holiday honoring local leadership, fostering a sense of community, and promoting unity.
15 Jan (Mon) YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday Holiday in Negeri Sembilan
On January 15th, YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday is celebrated as a public holiday in Negeri Sembilan. Residents of the state enjoy a day off in honor of this significant occasion.
25 Jan (Thu): Thaipusam
Revered in Johor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Putrajaya, Penang, Perak, and Selangor, the state holiday celebrates the vibrant Hindu festival, Thaipusam, uniting communities in spiritual devotion and cultural festivities.
4. 1 Feb (Thu): Federal Territory Day
Honoring KUL, LBN, PJY with a federal holiday. Reflect on the significance of federal territories through cultural events, community gatherings, and historical appreciation.
8 Feb (Thu): Isra and Mi’raj
A tentative state holiday in KDH, NSN, PLS, TRG. Commemorate this spiritual journey with observances, fostering reflection and cultural understanding in these states.
10 Feb (Sat): Lunar New Year’s Day
Nationwide federal public holiday, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Embrace joyous traditions, festivities, and cultural celebrations, symbolizing new beginnings.
11 Feb (Sun): Second Day of Lunar New Year
Federal public holiday in most states. Kelantan and Terengganu observe this state holiday, adding an extra day to Lunar New Year celebrations, fostering cultural unity.
12 Feb (Mon): Lunar New Year Holiday
Federal public holiday in most states. Excluding JHR, KDH, KTN, TRG. Extend your Lunar New Year festivities, embracing cultural traditions and forging connections with family and friends.
20 Feb (Tue) Independence Declaration Day in Melaka
Independence Declaration Day in Melaka is celebrated on February 20th (Tuesday), commemorating the historical moment when Melaka declared its independence. It stands as a significant day in the region’s history.
4 Mar (Mon): Anniversary of the Coronation of the Sultan of Terengganu
Exclusive state holiday in Terengganu. Reflect on historical significance, cultural richness, and local heritage while participating in community celebrations honoring the Sultan’s coronation.
12 Mar (Tue): First Day of Ramadan (Tentative Date)
State holiday in JHR, KDH, MLK. Begin the holy month with reflection, community, and prayer, fostering unity and spiritual devotion.
23 Mar (Sat): Birthday of the Sultan of Johor
Exclusive state holiday in Johor. Celebrate local royalty, traditions, and community spirit, honoring the Sultan’s special day.
28 Mar (Thu): Nuzul Al-Quran (Tentative Date)
A tentative state holiday in KTN, KUL, LBN, PHG, PJY, PLS, PNG, PRK, SGR, TRG. Reflect on the Quran’s revelation with spiritual observances.
29 Mar (Fri): Good Friday
State holiday in Sabah, Sarawak. Observe this Christian holy day with solemnity, reflection, and religious observances, marking the crucifixion of Jesus.
31 Mar (Sun): Easter Sunday
An observance of joy and renewal. Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, embracing religious and cultural traditions on this significant Christian day.
10 Apr (Wed): Hari Raya Puasa (Tentative Date)
Federal Public Holiday. Mark the end of Ramadan with joyous festivities, feasting, and prayers, fostering unity and compassion.
11 Apr (Thu): Hari Raya Puasa Day 2 (Tentative Date)
Federal Public Holiday. Extend the celebrations, strengthening bonds with family and friends, and sharing the joy of Hari Raya.
15 Apr (Mon): Declaration of Malacca as Historical City
State holiday in Malacca. Reflect on Malacca’s rich history, heritage, and cultural significance, celebrating its status as a historical city.
26 Apr (Fri): Birthday of the Sultan of Terengganu
State holiday in Terengganu. Honor the Sultan’s birthday with local festivities, cultural events, and community celebrations.
1 May (Wed): Labour Day
Federal Public Holiday. Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of workers, promoting workers’ rights and well-being, and fostering solidarity within the labor community.
17 May (Fri): Birthday of the Raja of Perlis
State holiday in Perlis. Celebrate local royalty and traditions, fostering community spirit and a sense of pride in Perlis’s heritage.
22 May (Wed): Wesak Day
Federal Public Holiday. Commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha with religious observances, charity, and cultural festivities, fostering peace and compassion.
22 May (Wed): Pahang State Holiday
State holiday in Pahang. Acknowledge and celebrate Pahang’s local significance, heritage, and traditions, fostering community pride and unity.
30 May (Thu): Harvest Festival
State holiday in Labuan, Sabah. Celebrate the bountiful harvest with cultural events, traditional performances, and communal feasting, fostering unity and gratitude.
31 May (Fri): Second Day of Harvest Festival
State holiday in Labuan, Sabah. Extend the festive celebrations, showcasing cultural richness, and strengthening community bonds during the Harvest Festival.
1 Jun (Sat): Gawai Dayak
State holiday in Sarawak. Embrace the festivities, traditional music, and cultural events, celebrating the harvest and fostering unity among the Dayak communities.
2 Jun (Sun): Gawai Dayak Holiday
State holiday in Sarawak. Extend the joyous celebrations, fostering cultural appreciation, community spirit, and unity among the Dayak people.
3 Jun (Mon): The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday
Federal Public Holiday. Celebrate the King’s birthday with national pride, events, and cultural festivities, fostering unity and patriotism.
3 Jun (Mon): Gawai Dayak Holiday observed
State holiday in Sarawak. Reflect on the significance of Gawai Dayak, fostering cultural appreciation and community spirit, while observing the King’s birthday.
4 Jun Tue Hari Gawai Holiday Sarawak
On June 4th, Tuesday, Sarawak celebrates the Hari Gawai holiday, a festive occasion filled with cultural events and joyous gatherings. It is a time to embrace and share the rich heritage of the Sarawakian community.
16 Jun (Sun): Day of Arafat (Tentative Date)
Spiritual observance in Kelantan, Terengganu, fostering reflection and unity.
17 Jun (Mon): Hari Raya Haji (Tentative Date)
Federal celebration, marking Eid al-Adha with prayers, feasts, and charity.
18 Jun (Tue): Hari Raya Haji (Day 2) (Tentative Date)
Extend festivities in Kelantan, Terengganu, and honor the day in Kedah, Perlis.
21 Jun (Fri): June Solstice
Welcome the season’s longest day, symbolizing renewal, growth, and the beauty of nature.
30 Jun (Sun): Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday
Celebrate the ruler’s birthday with state events, fostering local pride and community unity in Kedah.
7 Jul (Sun): Muharram/New Year (Tentative Date)
Federal New Year celebration, reflecting on the Islamic calendar, fostering spiritual renewal and community solidarity.
7 Jul (Sun): George Town World Heritage City Day
Penang celebrates its rich heritage, fostering community pride and cultural appreciation for George Town’s status as a World Heritage City.
8 Jul (Mon): Muharram Holiday (Tentative Date)
Federal public holiday, excluding some states, marking the Islamic New Year with reflection and community observances.
9 Jul Tue Georgetown World Heritage City Holiday Penang
Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage City in Penang, observes a public holiday on July 9th, Tuesday. It’s a day to celebrate the rich cultural and historical significance of this vibrant city.
13 Jul (Sat): Penang Governor’s Birthday
State celebration honoring the governor, fostering local pride, and community unity in Penang.
22 Jul (Mon): Sarawak Independence Day
State holiday in Sarawak, commemorating independence with cultural events and fostering community spirit.
30 Jul (Tue): Birthday of the Sultan of Pahang
State holiday in Pahang, celebrating the Sultan’s birthday with local festivities, cultural events, and community celebrations.
11 Aug (Sun): Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Hol Day (Tentative Date)
State holiday in Johor, commemorating the late Sultan Iskandar’s contributions, fostering local pride and community spirit.
24 Aug (Sat): Birthday of the Governor of Malacca
State holiday in Malacca, celebrating the governor’s birthday with local events, cultural festivities, and community unity.
31 Aug (Sat): Malaysia’s National Day
Federal celebration, commemorating independence with patriotic events, fostering national pride and unity.
1 Sep (Sun): Holiday for Malaysia’s National Day
Common local holiday in JHR, KDH, KTN, TRG, extending National Day celebrations, fostering community spirit and unity.
16 Sep (Mon): The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Tentative Date)
Federal celebration, honoring the Prophet’s birth with religious observances, fostering unity and spiritual reflection.
16 Sep (Mon): Malaysia Day
Federal celebration, marking the formation of Malaysia, fostering national pride, unity, and community celebrations. This year Malaysia Day and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday will be celebrated on the same day.
22 Sep (Sun): September Equinox
Seasonal transition, welcoming the arrival of autumn, fostering reflection on nature’s cycles.
29 Sep (Sun): Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan
State celebration in Kelantan, honoring the Sultan’s birthday with local events, cultural festivities, and community unity.
30 Sep (Mon): Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Day 2)
State holiday in Kelantan, celebrating the Sultan’s second day with local events, cultural festivities, and community unity.
5 Oct (Sat): Birthday of the Governor of Sabah
State holiday in Sabah, honoring the governor’s birthday with local events, cultural festivities, and community celebrations. You can enjoy some of the best cultural experiences in Sabah on this day.
12 Oct (Sat): Birthday of the Governor of Sarawak
State holiday in Sarawak, celebrating the governor’s birthday with local events, cultural festivities, and community unity.
31 Oct (Thu): Diwali/Deepavali
Federal public holiday, celebrated nationwide except in Sarawak, marking the Festival of Lights with joyous festivities and cultural observances.
1 Nov (Fri): Birthday of the Sultan of Perak
State holiday in Perak, celebrating the Sultan’s birthday with local events, cultural festivities, and community unity.
11 Dec (Wed): Birthday of the Sultan of Selangor
State holiday in Selangor, celebrating the Sultan’s birthday with local events, cultural festivities, and community unity.
21 Dec (Sat): December Solstice
Seasonal transition, marking the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year, fostering reflection on nature’s cycles.
24 Dec (Tue): Christmas Eve
State holiday in Sabah, observed with cultural and religious events, marking the anticipation of Christmas Day.
25 Dec (Wed): Christmas Day
Federal public holiday, Christmas in Malaysia is celebrated nationwide, marking the birth of Jesus with religious observances, festivities, and community gatherings.
31 Dec (Tue): New Year’s Eve
Observance, marked by festivities and celebrations as the year comes to a close, reflecting on the past and anticipating the new year.
Conclusion
From the quiet contemplation of Awal Muharram to the joyous din of Christmas carols, 2024’s public holidays offer a window into the soul of Malaysia. These celebrations are more than just days off; they are threads woven into the fabric of our national identity, reminding us of our rich heritage and shared values.
Let these holidays be a bridge between communities, a symphony of cultural expression, and a testament to the vibrant tapestry that is Malaysia. Remember, every celebration is an invitation to connect, to share, and to celebrate the beauty of our diverse and dynamic nation.