Malaysia Public Holiday 2023: How to maximise your leave days
December 13, 2022 · 9 min read
You can enjoy longer breaks in 2023! Planning your leave early is a great way to gauge how much work you need to clear before each break. This article Malaysia Public Holiday 2023: How to maximise your leave days provides the complete list of Public Holidays in Malaysia, and how you can plan your time-off in advance. It also comes with suggestions on the best places to holiday in for each month!
1) Take note of the date and off-in-lieu for each Malaysia Public Holiday 2023
If you’re not sure where to begin, fret not! We’ve got just the cheat sheet for you. Simply bookmark this article and start taking notes. Be quick about it, as you may want to beat your colleagues in reserving Annual Leave as soon as possible!
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu |
| 2 Jan | Mon | New Year Holiday (off-in-lieu) | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu |
| 14 Jan | Sat | YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday | Negeri Sembilan |
| 22 Jan | Sun | Chinese New Year | National |
| 23 Jan | Mon | Chinese New Year Holiday | National |
| 24 Jan | Tue | Chinese New Year Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu |
| 1 Feb | Wed | Federal Territory Day | Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya |
| 5 Feb | Sun | Thaipusam | Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor |
| 6 Feb | Mon | Thaipusam Holiday | Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor |
| 18 Feb | Sat | Israk and Mikraj | Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis & Terengganu |
| 19 Feb | Sun | Israk and Mikraj Holiday | Terengganu |
| 4 Mar | Sat | Installation of Sultan Terengganu | Terengganu |
| 5 Mar | Sun | Installation of Sultan Terengganu Holiday | Terengganu |
| 23 Mar | Thu | Awal Ramadan | Johor, Kedah & Melaka |
| 23 Mar | Thu | Sultan of Johor’s Birthday | Johor |
| 7 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | Sabah & Sarawak |
| 8 Apr | Sat | Nuzul Al-Quran | National except Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Sarawak |
| 9 Apr | Sun | Nuzul Al-Quran Holiday | Kelantan & Terengganu |
| 15 Apr | Sat | Declaration of Melaka as a Historical City | Melaka |
| 22 Apr | Sat | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | National |
| 23 Apr | Sun | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National |
| 24 Apr | Mon | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National except Johor & Kedah |
| 26 Apr | Wed | Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday | Terengganu |
| 1 May | Mon | Labour Day | National |
| 4 May | Thu | Wesak/Vesak Day | National |
| 17 May | Wed | Raja Perlis’ Birthday | Perlis |
| 22 May | Mon | Hari Hol Pahang | Pahang |
| 30 May | Tue | Harvest Festival | Labuan & Sabah |
| 31 May | Wed | Harvest Festival Holiday | Labuan & Sabah |
| 1 Jun | Thu | Hari Gawai | Sarawak |
| 2 Jun | Fri | Hari Gawai Holiday | Sarawak |
| 5 Jun | Mon | Agong’s Birthday | National |
| 18 Jun | Sun | Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday | Kedah |
| 28 Jun | Wed | Arafat Day | Kedah & Terengganu |
| 29 Jun | Thu | Hari Raya Haji | National |
| 30 Jun | Fri | Hari Raya Haji Holiday | Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu |
| 7 Jul | Fri | Georgetown World Heritage City Day | Penang |
| 8 Jul | Sat | Penang Governor’s Birthday | Penang |
| 19 Jul | Wed | Awal Muharram | National |
| 22 Jul | Sat | Sarawak Day | Sarawak |
| 30 Jul | Sun | Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday | Pahang |
| 31 Jul | Mon | Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday Holiday | Pahang |
| 23 Aug | Wed | Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar | Johor |
| 24 Aug | Thu | Melaka Governor’s Birthday | Melaka |
| 31 Aug | Thu | Merdeka Day | National |
| 16 Sep | Sat | Malaysia Day | National |
| 17 Sep | Sun | Malaysia Day Holiday (off-in-lieu) | Kelantan & Terengganu |
| 28 Sep | Thu | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | National |
| 7 Oct | Sat | Sabah Governor’s Birthday | Sabah |
| 14 Oct | Sat | Sarawak Governor’s Birthday | Sarawak |
| 3 Nov | Fri | Sultan of Perak’s Birthday | Perak |
| 11 Nov | Sat | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday | Kelantan |
| 12 Nov | Sun | Deepavali | National except Sarawak |
| 12 Nov | Sun | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday | Kelantan |
| 13 Nov | Mon | Deepavali Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak & Terengganu |
| 13 Nov | Mon | Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday | Kelantan |
| 11 Dec | Mon | Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday | Selangor |
| 24 Dec | Sun | Christmas Eve | Sabah |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day | National |
| 26 Dec | Tue | Christmas Holiday (off-in-lieu) | Sabah |
2) Maximise your rest days with annual leave, public holidays and weekends
P.S. For the sake of brevity, this article will advise on off-in-lieu and leave days maximisation based off of national Public Holidays that are not state-specific.
| Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Sun | New Year’s Day | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu |
| 2 Jan | Mon | New Year Holiday (off-in-lieu) | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu |
| 22 Jan | Sun | Chinese New Year | National |
| 23 Jan | Mon | Chinese New Year Holiday | National |
| 24 Jan | Tue | Chinese New Year Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu |
| 22 Apr | Sat | Hari Raya Aidilfitri | National |
| 23 Apr | Sun | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National |
| 24 Apr | Mon | Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday | National except Johor & Kedah |
| 1 May | Mon | Labour Day | National |
| 4 May | Thu | Wesak/Vesak Day | National |
| 5 Jun | Mon | Agong’s Birthday | National |
| 29 Jun | Thu | Hari Raya Haji | National |
| 19 Jul | Wed | Awal Muharram | National |
| 31 Aug | Thu | Merdeka Day | National |
| 16 Sep | Sat | Malaysia Day | National |
| 28 Sep | Thu | Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday | National |
| 12 Nov | Sun | Deepavali | National except Sarawak |
| 13 Nov | Mon | Deepavali Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak & Terengganu |
| 25 Dec | Mon | Christmas Day | National |
PSA: The Talenox HRMS software comes built-in with Malaysia’s national and state-specific holidays, as well as statutory leave entitlements – so you don’t have to key them in yourself. Talenox takes care of it all with preset leave entitlements that adhere to Malaysia’s Employment Act, laws and regulations.
Jan 2023: 3-day long weekend with New Year’s Day, and 9-day vacation with Chinese New Year
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Sunday, 1 Jan 2023 (New Year)*
- Monday, 2 Jan 2023 (New Year off-in-lieu)**
- Sunday, 22 Jan 2023 (Chinese New Year)
- Monday, 23 Jan 2023 (Chinese New Year)
- Tuesday, 24 Jan 2023 (Chinese New Year off-in-lieu)**
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Wednesday, 25 Jan 2023
- Thursday, 26 Jan 2023
- Friday, 27 Jan 2023
Enjoy a 9-day long holiday break from 21st to 29th January, when you include the weekends and take Wednesday to Friday off.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – | – | 30 Dec | 1 Jan (PH)* |
| 2 Jan (OIL)** | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | 21 Jan | 22 Jan (PH) |
| 23 Jan (PH) | 24 Jan (OIL)** | 25 Jan (AL) | 26 Jan (AL) | 27 Jan (AL) | 28 Jan | 29 Jan |
*except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu
** Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu
Best places to visit in January
But where can you go from 22nd to 27th January that’s unaffected by Chinese New Year? If you ask me, the best place to visit is snowy Norway!
Aside from dreamy sunrises and sunsets, you’ll have a high chance of seeing the Norwegian Northern Lights – a neon phenomenon at its most crystal clear against dark, clear winter night skies.
However, if you prefer a sunny holiday, Maldives would be at beginning of the dry, sunny season (26°C and 31°C), which is the best time to go weather-wise. This can definitely be a romantic vacation for couples.
After a tropical rainy season spanning from May to November, January would be the best time to soak up the sun and enjoy the clearest skies!
Apr to May 2023: A 16-day holiday break with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Labour Day and Wesak Day
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Saturday, 22 Apr 2023 (Hari Raya Aidilfitri)
- Sunday, 24 Apr 2023 (Hari Raya Aidilfitri off-in-lieu)*
- Monday, 1 May 2023 (Labour Day)
- Thursday, 4 May 2023 (Wesak Day)
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Tuesday, 25 Apr 2023
- Wednesday, 26 Apr 2023
- Thursday, 27 Apr 2023
- Friday, 28 Apr 2023
- Monday, 2 May 2023
- Tuesday, 3 May 2023
- Friday, 5 May 2023
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – | – | 22 Apr (PH) | 23 Apr |
| 24 Apr (OIL)* | 25 Apr (AL) | 26 Apr (AL) | 27 Apr (AL) | 28 Apr (AL) | 29 Apr | 30 Apr |
| 1 May (PH) | 2 May (AL) | 3 May (AL) | 4 May (PH) | 5 May (AL) | 6 May | 7 May |
*except Johor & Kedah
Best places to visit in April and May
From 22nd April to 7th May, you can spend part of the break enjoying gondola rides and feasting on authentic pasta al fresco. April and May are a great period to visit the historic Italian city of Venice.
The weather is comfortable, with spring temperatures starting to emerge and less humidity than in the summer months.
The tourist crowds only filters in from May onwards; so, enjoy fewer crowds as you explore St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica. Why not arrange a self-guided audio tour using handy apps like Urbs?
With 16 days to spare, you definitely have to consider trips out to other parts of Italy like Florence, Rome and more!
If you’re just looking for a 3-day weekend trip (22nd to 24th April; and 29th April to 1st May) to neighbouring countries, Bali is an option.
April marks the start of Bali’s dry season, which usually lasts through October, so it is a great time to experience the beaches and outdoor activities that the island is known for.
However, do note that April and May are a popular time for tourists heading to Bali. You will find yourself paying a premium for accommodations and airfare.
To combat this, you may want to apply for leave and book your flight tickets & accommodation far in advance.
June 2023: A 3-day long weekend with Agong’s Birthday and a 9-day vacation with 9-day holiday break with Hari Raya Haji
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Monday, 5 Jun 2023 (Agong’s Birthday)
- Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 (Hari Raya Haji)
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Tuesday, 6 Jun 2023
- Wednesday, 7 Jun 2023
- Thursday, 8 Jun 2023
- Friday, 9 Jun 2023
- Friday, 30 Jun 2023
Best places to visit in June
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – | – | 3 Jun | 4 Jun |
| 5 Jun (PH) | 6 Jun (AL) | 7 Jun (AL) | 8 Jun (AL) | 9 Jun (AL) | 10 Jun | 11 Jun |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | 29 Jun (PH) | 30 Jun (AL) | 31 Jun | 1 Aug |
Best places to visit in June
Enjoy a 9-day adventure in Turkey from 3rd to 11th June!
One part of Turkey you can consider exploring is Cappadocia. Cappadocia in June is the best summer time for dramatic sunrises and hot air balloons in the morning.
You can even consider a pitstop in Istanbul on the way from Malaysia to Cappadocia. That is where you can visit iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
And why not throw in a visit to Pamukkale to view it’s breathtaking “cotton castle”?
29th June to 1st August could be your long weekend getaway to the beautiful island of Bintan! You can kayak, jet ski, snorkel and relax at a resort at the end of each day.
June is one of the months in the best season to visit Bintan because of its nice and dry weather conditions (around 26 °C).
However, hotels are usually booked up during this season, which is why it is important to apply for your leave, book your ferry ticket(s) and accommodation well in advance!
Tired of the laggy HR software that makes your leave application process cumbersome? With the Talenox HRMS, you can:
- Simply log in to your own account to apply for time-off in one click
- Plan and approve time-off applications from anywhere and at anytime (as an HR administrator)
Watch how Talenox makes company leave policy set-up and employee time-off management so easy!
July 2023: A 5-day long weekend with Awal Muharram
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Wednesday, 19 July 2023 (Awal Muharram)
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Thursday, 20 July 2023
- Friday, 21 July 2023
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | 19 Jul (PH) | 20 Jul (AL) | 21 Jul (AL) | 22 Jul | 23 Jul |
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise. To enjoy the island city’s multicultural cuisine at its best, you’ll want to visit in July during the Singapore Food Festival.
Aside from a street food extravaganza, you can bougie it up with the festivals’ cooking masterclasses and fine dining events.
August to September 2023: A 4-day long weekend with Merdeka Day and a 9-day holiday with Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Thursday, 31 Aug 2023 (Merdeka Day)
- Thursday, 28 Sep 2023 (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Friday, 1 Sep 2023
- Monday, 25 Sep 2023
- Tuesday, 26 Sep 2023
- Wednesday, 27 Sep 2023
- Friday, 29 Sep 2023
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | 31 Aug (PH) | 1 Sep (AL) | 2 Sep | 3 Sep |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | – | 23 Sep | 24 Sep |
| 25 Sep (AL) | 26 Sep (AL) | 27 Sep (AL) | 28 Sep (PH) | 29 Sep (AL) | 30 Sep | 1 Oct |
Best places to visit in August
After enduring sunny Malaysia for too long, you might enjoy a destination that offers some chill from 23rd September to 1st October. One such destination in September would be British Columbia, Canada.
Aside from hikes in Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park, glacier kayaking_ _is a beautiful adventure to consider. You get to kayak through the ice-blue waters that meander across monstrous snow-white Canadian glaciers!
Alternatively, a typical Italian summer at the Amalfi Coast is a great time to enjoy in September! Summer crowds are on their way out and temperatures stay hot during the day.
Get to booking your flight tickets and accommodation in advance for good deals! You and your friends will want to relax on beautiful beaches, escape the crowd on private boats and kayak the stark blue waters.
November 2023: 9-day vacation with Deepavali
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Sunday, 12 Nov 2023 (Deepavali)
- Monday, 13 Nov 2023 (Deepavali off-in-lieu)
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Tuesday, 14 Nov 2023
- Wednesday, 15 Nov 2023
- Thursday, 16 Nov 2023
- Friday, 17 Nov 2023
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – | – | 11 Nov | 12 Nov (PH) |
| 13 Nov (OIL) | 14 Nov (AL) | 15 Nov (AL) | 16 Nov (AL) | 17 Nov (AL) | 18 Nov | 19 Nov |
Best places to visit in November
November is one of the best months to be in India , as the summer heat slowly gives way to the winter chill. From 11th to 19th November, why not see the one of the 7 Wonders – the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra!
You can even take a train ride to Jaipur for iconic landmarks like the Amer Fort and the pretty pink Hawa Mahal; then head further down to Udaipur – the Venice of Rajasthan.
Dec 2023: 9-day holiday break with Christmas
Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):
- Monday, 25 Dec 2023 (Christmas)
Annual Leave Date(s):
- Tuesday, 26 Dec 2023
- Wednesday, 27 Dec 2023
- Thursday, 28 Dec 2023
- Friday, 29 Dec 2023
Enjoy a 9-day holiday break, including weekends.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| – | – | – | – | – | 23 Dec | 24 Dec |
| 25 Dec (PH) | 26 Dec (AL) | 27 Dec (AL) | 28 Dec (AL) | 29 Dec (AL) | 30 Dec | 31 Dec |
Best places to visit in December
If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Hokkaido , Japan for a snowy Christmas, it’s December! Spend 23rd to 31st December skiing and snowboarding in Furano and Sapporo, with Hokkaido as your base. It will get as cold as 3°C, so heading to the onsen at the end of an active day would be perfect. Don’t forget to feast on the freshest seafood that Hokkaido is known for!
Bangkok, Thailand is also a great place to visit as the rainy season wraps up in November.
Aside from great Thai food, try visiting one of Bangkok’s multiple floating markets to be in the bustling atmosphere and enjoy a unique souvenir shopping experience!
We’ve built-in location-specific holidays into the Talenox system. Now, Talenox users can:
- Find out at a glance who’s on vacation and who’s at work
- Submit and approve time-off in a few clicks
- Sync the team’s leave calendar to a Google Calendar
- Create custom holidays
Watch how Talenox makes company leave policy set-up and employee time-off management so easy!
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