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The number of public holidays varies in different states in Malaysia. There are 14 national holidays in all states except Sarawak, which has 13 national holidays.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, observed on January 22, 2023, is the most important time for the family union. Hundreds of thousands of people working outside will return to their hometowns to meet families and friends.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Hari Raya Aidilfitri, or Eid al-Fitr, is a religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, celebrating the end of a month of fasting. The holiday falls on the first day of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday lasts two days, from April 22 to April 23, 2023.
Labour Day
Labour Day is observed on May 1, 2023, and it celebrates the achievements of workers. The holiday originates in the eight-hour day movement, which is eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
Wesak Day
Wesak Day, observed on May 4, 2023, commemorates the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Gautama Buddha later. Buddha Purnima was the founder of Buddhism.
Agong's Birthday
Agong's Birthday is a public holiday in Malaysia and is observed on June 5, 2023. The holiday marks the birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional monarch and head of the state of Malaysia established in 1957.
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji, or Eid al-Adha, is an important Muslim festival. The holiday falls on June 29, 2023, and it honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
Awal Muharram
Awal Muharram, or Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year, and it is observed on the first day of the month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It falls on July 19, 2023.
Independence Day
Independence Day, or Hari Merdeka, is a national holiday in Malaysia, observed on August 31, 2023. The holiday commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence on August 31, 1957, which ended over 100 years of control from the British Empire. The British became formally involved in Malay politics in 1771, but Japan ruled Malaya and Singapore during World War II.
Malaysia Day
Malaysia Day, observed on September 16, 2023, commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian Federation on the same date in 1963. Malaya, North Borneo (renamed Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore formed into a single state under the basis of the Malaysia Agreement, which set out the terms and conditions for the component States to be federated under a new constitution.
Prophet's Birthday
The holiday, observed on September 28, 2023, commemorates the birthday of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad was born around 570 AD in Mecca and was a deeply spiritual man spending time in meditation.
Deepavali
Deepavali or Diwali, observed on November 12, 2023, is the festival of lights in India and usually lasts five days. People light rows of lamps inside and outside their homes for the holiday, representing the triumph of light over dark and the power of good over evil.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is celebrated on December 25, 2023, and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Christmas Day is a holiday of sharing. People exchange Christmas gifts and cards with families and friends.
The following is the list of public holidays in Malaysia 2023.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | Jan 22, 2023 | Sunday | National Holiday |
| Chinese New Year Holiday | Jan 23, 2023 | Monday | except for Kelantan, Terengganu |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri | Apr 22, 2023 | Saturday | National Holiday |
| Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | Apr 23, 2023 | Sunday | National Holiday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2023 | Monday | National Holiday |
| Wesak Day | May 04, 2023 | Thursday | National Holiday |
| Agong's Birthday | Jun 05, 2023 | Monday | National Holiday |
| Hari Raya Haji | Jun 29, 2023 | Thursday | National Holiday |
| Hari Raya Haji Holiday | Jun 30, 2023 | Friday | Kelantan, Terengganu |
| Awal Muharram | Jul 19, 2023 | Wednesday | National Holiday |
| Independence Day | Aug 31, 2023 | Thursday | National Holiday |
| Malaysia Day | Sep 16, 2023 | Saturday | National Holiday |
| Prophet's Birthday | Sep 28, 2023 | Thursday | National Holiday |
| Deepavali | Nov 12, 2023 | Sunday | All except Sarawak |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2023 | Monday | National Holiday |
Please also check the working days in Malaysia in 2023.