Malaysia Public Holidays - Year 2009


Besides some nationally recognized common holidays, the official public holidays (and bank holidays) in Malaysia may vary from state to state. The states' or federal territories' own holidays usually relate to a local cultural festival/custom, or mark the birthday of the local head of state (the Sultan or governor). If you're travelling to a smaller town or city and require business facilities or public services such as postal and government permits, it's best to check beforehand. The major Malaysian holidays for year 2009 are :
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Awal Muharram (Islamic calendar New Year's Day)

Monday, 29 December 2008
This is the first day of the Islamic calendar year (which is based on the lunar cycle). Awal Muharram is a federal holiday in Malaysia.

New Year's Day

Thursday, 1 January 2009
This is an internationally recognized first day of the Gregorian calendar year. In Malaysia, this is not a federal holiday, but for most purposes, it would be safer to assume offices are not opened on this day.

Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year

Monday, 26 January 2009
Tuesday, 27 January 2009

26 January 2009 marks the start of the Chinese lunar new year. This is the year of the Ox in the Chinese zodiac. The previous year was that of the Rat, and the next year(2010) will be the year of the Tiger. The associated heavenly element (one of five) for the lunar year 2009 is the Earth element in the Yin form.
The Malaysian Chinese New Year is similarly celebrated to the Singapore's. Most Chinese Malaysians working out of their home state or based overseas will take a long break and return to their hometowns, usually arriving a day or more before the first day. Chinese businesses especially restaurants and eateries may be closed for as long as a week or two during this period.


Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Monday, 9 March 2009

Good Friday

Friday, 10 April 2009

Good Friday is only an official holiday in the states of Sabah and Sarawak.


Labour Day

Friday, 1 May 2009

Wesak Day

Saturday, 9 May 2009

This is also known as Vesak day in Singapore and commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha although it is often associated mainly with the Buddha's birthday.


Yang di-Pertuan Agong's (Malaysian King's) Birthday

Saturday, 6 June 2009

The Agong is the official Head of State of Malaysia and is a position effectively rotated among the nine Malay state sultans. This is a nationwide holiday, while individual states will celebrate their own Sultan's or Governor's birthdays (on their respective dates of birth).


National Day (Merdeka Day)

Monday, 31 August 2009

31 August 2009 will mark the 52nd year of independence of Malaysia (formerly known as Malaya).


Hari Raya Puasa

Sunday, 20 September 2009
Monday, 21 September 2009

Hari Raya Puasa is the local Malay name for the Muslim religious holiday/celebration of Eid ul-Fitr (Aidilfitri), which marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.


Deepavali

Saturday, 17 October 2009*

Deepavali, also known as Diwali or Divali, is an Indian holiday/festival celebrated by ethnic Indians, especially by followers of the religions of Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism. It is also commonly called the Festival of Lights.

* This date may change and will be updated later based on the Indian almanac.


Hari Raya Haji

Friday, 27 November 2009
Saturday, 28 November 2009

Hari Raya Haji is the local Malay name for the Muslim religious holiday/celebration of Eid ul-Adha (or Aidiladha) which marks the end of the pilgrimage(hajj) period. The second day of Hari Raya Haji may not be an official holiday in some states.


Awal Muharam / Maal Hijrah (Islamic calendar New Year's Day)

Friday, 18 December 2009
This is the first day of the Islamic calendar year (which is based on the lunar cycle) and is a federal holiday in Malaysia.

Christmas Day

Friday, 25 December 2009


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