Malaysia Public Holidays - Year 2010
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 2010 are :
New Year's Day
Friday, 1 January 2010This 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.
Thaipusam Festival
Saturday, 30 January 2010Thaipusam is a festival celebrated by ethnic Indians (mainly the Tamils) of Malaysia. It is a holiday in Kuala Lumpur and some states. Notably these are usually urbanised areas with relatively higher proportions of Tamils and Indians.
Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year
Sunday, 14 February 2010Monday, 15 February 2010
14 February 2010 marks the start of the Chinese new year. This is the year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac. The previous year was that of the Ox, and the next year(2011) will be the year of the Rabbit. The associated heavenly element (one of five) for the lunar year 2010 is the Metal element in the Yang form.
The Malaysian Chinese New Year is similarly celebrated to the Singapore's. Most Chinese Malaysians working outside 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 ()
Friday, 26 February 2010As a majority Muslim(Sunni) country, Malaysia has gazetted this as an official federal holiday to celebrate the birthday of Islam's Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims (Shi'ites) celebrate this 5 days later.
Good Friday
Saturday, 10 April 2010Good Friday is only an official holiday in the states of Sabah and Sarawak which have significantly proportions of Christians.
Labour Day (or Workers' Day)
Saturday, 1 May 2010As with most countries in the world, Malaysia commemorates workers' contributions to the country with this day on 1st May every year.
Wesak Day
Friday, 28 May 2010This 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, 5 June 2010The Agong is the official Head of State of Malaysia and is a position effectively rotated among the nine Malay state sultans. The Agong (over year 2010) is expected to be the incumbent - Mizan Zainal Abidin, the Sultan of Terengganu. 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 / Hari Kebangsaan)
Tuesday, 31 August 2010This federal holiday commemorates the independence of Malaya (as it was then known) from colonial British rule. 31 Aug 2010 will mark the start of the 54th year of independent Malaysia.
Hari Raya Puasa
Friday, 10 September 2010Saturday, 11 September 2010
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
Friday, 5 November 2010*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. In Malaysia, Deepavali is a public holiday except in the state of Sarawak and Labuan Federal Territory.
* This date may change based on the updated Indian almanac.
Hari Raya Qurban (Haji)
Wednesday, 17 November 2010Thursday, 18 November 2010
Hari Raya Qurban (also commonly known as Hari Raya Haji in Singapore) 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 is an official holiday only in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Trengganu.
Awal Muharam / Maal Hijrah (Islamic calendar New Year's Day)
Tuesday, 7 December 2010This 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 (Hari Krismas)
Saturday, 25 December 2010Despite its Muslim majority, Malaysia is a multi-cultural country with a substantial proportion of Christians and Catholics. Christmas Day is gazetted as a national holiday in every state and federal territory.
[ SG Holidays (2010) ]
[ go to top of page ]