The six National Day 2026 Malaysia Measures offer a practical guide for SMEs, employees, and households planning the year ahead. We explain the key dates, state differences, and business effects in clear terms.
Merdeka Day falls on August 31, 2026, while Malaysia Day takes place on September 16, 2026. Both are observed nationwide, but each carries a separate historical meaning. The MyGovernment portal also listed Malaysia Day on September 16, 2026.
New Year on January 1, 2026 was observed nationally except in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. Employers should check the relevant state calendar before setting staffing, payroll, customer service, or leave plans. This step helps prevent costly scheduling errors.
We take a fact-based approach by reviewing the Cabinet holiday page, the Ministry of Education calendar, and the MyGovernment portal. Reliable planning starts with verified information.
Key Takeaways
- Merdeka Day is observed on August 31, 2026.
- Malaysia Day is observed on September 16, 2026.
- New Year was not a public holiday in five states.
- SMEs should confirm state-specific holiday rules.
- Verified calendars support accurate payroll and staffing plans.
National Day 2026 Malaysia Measures at a Glance
Clear scheduling helps employers, families, and schools manage key public holiday dates. The summary below highlights major celebrations, local observances, and practical planning points.
Public Holiday Dates and National Celebrations
Merdeka Day falls on August 31, followed by Malaysia Day on September 16. Chinese New Year is observed on February 17 and 18. Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on March 21 and 22, while Hari Raya Haji is on May 27.
State-Specific Holidays Across Malaysia
February 1 combines Thaipusam with Federal Territory observances in Kuala Lumpur. Negeri Sembilan also lists its ruler’s birthday on January 14 and Israk and Mikraj on January 17. Always confirm the applicable state calendar.
Replacement Holiday Considerations for Employers and Employees
An overlapping holiday does not always create the same replacement entitlement. Employers should review applicable employment rules before changing payroll or leave records.
School Breaks and the Ministry of Education Calendar
Group A covers Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Group B covers the remaining listed states and federal territories. This split affects travel and childcare planning.
Planning Implications for SMEs
- Compare the official calendar with staffing needs.
- Confirm customer service coverage early.
- Record approved leave and replacement arrangements.
What Individuals and Families Should Prepare For
Review travel, childcare, and family commitments before booking. A simple holiday checklist can reduce last-minute costs.
Malaysia’s Key Federal and State Holiday Dates for 2026
The calendar combines nationwide observances with local holidays. Reviewing the correct holiday dates helps you plan travel, payroll, staffing, and customer support with fewer surprises.
Major Dates for Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji
Chinese New Year falls on February 17 and 18. Hari Raya Aidilfitri follows on March 21 and 22. Hari Raya Haji is observed on May 27 nationwide, with May 28 applying in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu.
| Period | Nationwide observance | Local variation |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | New Year; Chinese New Year | Negeri Sembilan birthday; Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya territory dates |
| March–May | Raya Aidilfitri; Labour Day; Raya Haji | Second Raya Haji date in four states |
| June–September | Agong’s Birthday; Merdeka; Malaysia Day | Gawai in Sarawak; Penang and Johor observances |
National Day, Malaysia Day and Other Federal Holidays
January 1 excludes Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. Other local entries include Georgetown World Heritage City, Sultan Iskandar’s memorial holiday, and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan’s birthday. August 25 marks Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, also called Maulidur Rasul.
- Verify Kuala Lumpur territory holidays on February 1 and 3.
- Confirm each state calendar before making firm commitments.
How the Measures Affect SMEs, Workers and Families
Smart workforce planning helps firms protect service levels during busy festive periods. Our guide links official dates with staffing, payroll, and family needs.
Business Operations, Staffing and Leave Planning
For Raya Aidilfitri, March 21 and 22 were observed nationwide. Raya Haji fell on May 27, while May 28 applied in Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu. SMEs should forecast demand, approve leave early, and set clear customer cut-off times.
Employers in Kuala Lumpur needed to review February 1 and February 3. Federal Territory observances could change opening hours, delivery plans, and service cover. Payroll teams should also record January 14 for Negeri Sembilan and July 21 for Johor’s Sultan Iskandar observance.
Before publishing rosters, confirm whether a replacement entitlement applies. Check the latest official notice, since a holiday date can change after a Cabinet announcement. Families can use the same plan to arrange school attendance, transport, annual leave, and travel.
Practical steps:
- Share leave deadlines with staff and suppliers.
- Maintain separate state calendars.
- Recheck public holiday information before payroll runs.
State Differences, School Calendars and Official Sources
School planning depended on the group assigned to each state. This distinction helped families arrange travel, childcare, leave, and business coverage with greater confidence.
Group A and Group B School Holiday Schedules
| Period | Group A | Group B |
|---|---|---|
| Session starts | January 11 | January 12 |
| Term 1 break | March 20–28 | March 21–29 |
| Mid-year break | May 22–June 6 | May 23–June 7 |
| Term 2 and final break | August 28–September 5; December 4–31 | August 29–September 6; December 5–31 |
Group A covered Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. Group B included Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and other states. Parents should use the correct dates for their school, especially around Chinese New Year on February 17–18 and Raya Aidilfitri on March 21–22.
Checking Updates Through Government Calendar Sources
For reliable public holidays, check the Cabinet portal and the Ministry of Education calendar. MyGovernment, operated from Cyberjaya, also listed Malaysia Day on September 16. Other entries included Georgetown World Heritage City Day on July 7 and the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan’s birthday.
- Compare the school calendar with work leave.
- Recheck dates before booking travel.
Conclusion
Reliable planning starts with checking each public holiday by state. Employers should review rules for Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, and other areas with local observances before setting rosters or payroll.
For SMEs, the right guide links staffing, leave approvals, pay runs, and customer notices to official public holidays. Do not rely on one unofficial calendar. New Year’s Day exclusions in five states show why local review matters.
Families should compare Group A and Group B school dates before booking travel for Raya Aidilfitri or the December break. August 25 recorded the Prophet Muhammad birthday, also called Maulidur Rasul, while August 31 marked Merdeka Day.
Check Cabinet, Ministry of Education, and MyGovernment sources from time to time. Official updates can affect your plans and help you manage the year with confidence.
FAQ
When is the federal public holiday for the 2026 National Day celebration?
The federal holiday falls on August 31. Businesses should confirm operating plans, staffing needs, and replacement leave rules with the official government calendar and applicable employment terms.
Is August 31 a public holiday in Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. Kuala Lumpur observes the federal holiday. Employers should also review any holiday observed by the Federal Territory, especially when planning payroll, customer support, and building access.
What are the main 2026 dates for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
Chinese New Year is expected on February 17 and 18. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected on March 20 and 21. Islamic dates depend on official moon-sighting announcements, so employers should verify the final gazette.
When is Hari Raya Haji observed?
Hari Raya Haji is expected on May 27. The date may vary if the official religious authority makes a different announcement. Companies should keep leave and shift plans flexible around the confirmed date.
Do all states observe the same public holidays?
No. Federal holidays apply across the country, while state holidays differ. Examples include Sultan Iskandar’s birthday in Johor, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar’s birthday in Negeri Sembilan, and state-level events in Sabah and Sarawak.
What replacement holiday rules should employers check?
A replacement holiday may apply when a gazetted holiday falls on a weekly rest day. The correct treatment depends on the applicable law, employment contract, collective agreement, and state rules. Employers should document the selected replacement date.
Which religious and cultural dates should families include in their planning guide?
Important dates may include New Year, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Haji, Wesak Day, Awal Muharram, Maulidur Rasul, and Christmas. Some observances are state-specific, including Thaipusam and selected temple festivals.
Is Maulidur Rasul the same as the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday?
Yes. Maulidur Rasul is the Malay term for the observance of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. The date follows the Islamic calendar and should be checked against the final public holiday announcement.
How do school holidays affect business planning?
School breaks can increase travel, retail demand, and leave requests. Families should compare the Ministry of Education calendar with Group A and Group B schedules because term dates vary by state.
Where can I find an official holiday table and the latest sources?
Check the Prime Minister’s Department, the relevant state government, the Ministry of Education, and official labor guidance. Use the final gazette rather than an unofficial online table when making payroll or compliance decisions.
Are World Heritage events included in the public holiday calendar?
World Heritage status does not automatically create a public holiday. A local celebration may still affect tourism, traffic, or access. Businesses should review notices from the relevant city council and state authority.
What should SMEs prepare before the holiday period?
SMEs should confirm staff availability, payroll cutoffs, customer service coverage, supplier schedules, inventory levels, and leave approvals. A written calendar reduces errors and helps the business meet employment obligations.