Malaysia Public Holidays 2026 | National & State Holiday Calendar

The Malaysian government has announced the list of public holidays for 2026, giving Malaysians plenty of chances to rest, celebrate, and plan exciting trips. With a few clever leave hacks, you can turn the year into one filled with long weekends, festive gatherings, and mini getaways.

List of 2026 Malaysia Public Holidays

Here’s the official list of Malaysia’s public holidays in 2026. Mark these dates in your calendar early to plan balik kampung trips, festive celebrations, or short holidays.

source from https://publicholidays.com.my/

Plan Your Long Weekends in 2026: Leave Hacks for More Breaks

Want to make the most out of your holidays? By taking strategic annual leave, you can stretch single-day holidays into long weekends. For example:

• Chinese New Year (17–18 Feb, Tue–Wed) → Take leave on 16 Feb for a 5-day break!
• Hari Raya Haji ( 27-28 May, Wed-Thu) → Take leave on 29 May for a 5-day long weekends!
• National Day (31 Aug, Mon) → Enjoy a natural 3-day weekend.
• Deepavali (8 Nov, Sun) → Following Monday will be a public holiday, giving you extra rest.

How Many Public Holidays in Malaysia for 2026?

Malaysia has one of the highest number of public holidays in the region, with around 14–15 nationwide holidays, plus additional state holidays. This means even more opportunities for road trips, festive balik kampung, or local staycations.

Chinese New Year (17–18 Feb)

One of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia, with lion dances, reunion dinners, and vibrant markets in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor.

✅ Activity: Visit Petaling Street in KL or Penang’s Kek Lok Si temple for festive lights.

Hari Raya Puasa (20–21 Mar)

Marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated with open houses, kuih raya, and balik kampung.

✅ Activity: Experience traditional dishes like rendang and lemang with family and friends.

Hari Raya Haji (27–28 May)

Observed with prayers at mosques and sharing of qurban meat with the community.

✅ Activity: Participate in mosque prayers and community charity.

National Day (31 Aug)

Commemorates Malaysia’s independence with parades, fireworks, and patriotic events nationwide.

✅ Activity: Watch the National Day Parade in Putrajaya or join local festivities.

Deepavali (8 Nov)

Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus with kolam decorations, prayers, and festive meals.

✅ Activity: Visit Little India in Brickfields, KL, for colourful lights and food.

Christmas (25 Dec)

Celebrated with church services, festive decorations, and family gatherings.

✅ Activity: See the Christmas displays along Bukit Bintang or enjoy Christmas markets in malls.

How to Make the Most of Your 2026 Holidays?

• Maximise long weekends: Plan leave around mid-week holidays for extended breaks.
• Book early: Hotels and flights get filled fast during festive seasons.
• Staycations & short trips: Explore Malaysia’s islands, highlands, and cultural towns.
• Family fun: Choose activities that suit all ages, from theme parks to nature retreats.
• Stay Connected – Consider getting a local SIM card or an eSIM for easy communication and internet access.

With so many public holidays in 2026, Malaysians have the perfect chance to balance rest, travel, and celebration. Start planning now to make the most of every long weekend!