So 2024 is coming to a close and we are already looking forward to exciting possibilities and happenings that the coming year is expected to bring. But if you are visiting Malaysia, you are in for a treat.
This is because this Asian country has a lot of vibrant celebrations and festivities planned in 2025.
So, let’s start with the public holidays that the Malaysian calendar will have in 2025.
Holidays and Festivities in 2025 in Malaysia
1 January (Wednesday) : New Year’s Day
Let’s start with the first event of the year that marks the beginning of year 2025. It is celebrated nationwide, except in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu.
14 January (Tuesday) : YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday
Malaysians celebrate this holiday in Negeri Sembilan, to honour the ruler of the state.
27 January (Monday) : Israk and Mikraj
It is considered a holiday only in Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis, and Terengganu and is hosted to commemorate the holy journey of the Prophet Muhammad.
29 January (Wednesday) : Chinese New Year
This is a big nationwide celebration (except in Kelantan) that marks the lunar new year and is filled with parades, family gatherings and cultural traditions.
1 February (Saturday) : Federal Territory Day
Moving on to the next month, we have this holiday that is celebrated in Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya to honour the federal territories.
11 February (Tuesday) : Thaipusam
We have a Hindu festival on our list. It is celebrated in a grand manner in Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, and Selangor.
20 February (Thursday) : Independence Declaration Day
Celebrated in Melaka, to commemorate the independence of the state.
2 March (Sunday) : Awal Ramadan
Celebrated only in Johor and Kedah, to mark the start of Ramadan.
4 March (Tuesday) : Installation of Sultan Terengganu
Celebrated in Terengganu, honoring the ruler.
18 March (Tuesday) : Nuzul Al-Quran
This holiday is celebrated nationwide (except Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak) to commemorate the revelation of Quran.
23 March (Sunday) : Sultan of Johor’s Birthday
Only celebrated in Johor, to honour the ruler of the state.
31 March (Monday) – 1 April (Tuesday) : Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday
On this holiday, Muslims in Malaysia spend time with their family and is celebrated in Melaka, to mark the end of Ramadan.
18 April (Friday) : Good Friday
This auspicious day is observed with church services and quiet reflection. It is celebrated to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and you get some of the best cultural experiences in Sabah and Sarawak.
26 April (Saturday) : Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday
This is the actual day to honor the ruler of Terengganu who is also the head of state.
27 April (Sunday) : Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated only in Terengganu, this is an additional day to honour the Sultan. It is celebrated to show respect and loyalty to the leader.
1 May (Thursday) : Labour Day
This is a special occasion which is celebrated throughout Malaysia to honour the workers’ rights and to promote fair labor practices.
12 May (Monday) : Wesak Day
This is a nationwide event to celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and death, of Gautam Buddha significant to the Buddhist tradition.
17 May (Saturday) : Raja Perlis’ Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Perlis, marking the special day with celebrations.
22 May (Thursday) : Hari Hol Pahang
Celebrated in Pahang to honor the ruler, while showcasing loyalty and respect.
30 May (Friday) : Harvest Festival
Exclusively observed in Labuan and Sabah, to celebrate the gratitude of harvest season.
31 May (Saturday) : Harvest Festival Holiday
Well this is an additional day which is treated as a holiday in Labuan and Sabah to spend more time with family and tradition.
1 June (Sunday) : Hari Gawai
Celebrated in Sarawak, honoring the indigenous culture and harvest festival.
2 June (Monday) : Hari Gawai Holiday
Celebrated in Sarawak, an additional day to observe the harvest festival.
2 June (Monday) : Agong’s Birthday
Celebrated nationwide, honoring the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia’s head of state.
7 June (Saturday) : Hari Raya Haji
Celebrated nationwide, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage.
7 June (Saturday) : Georgetown World Heritage City Day
Commemorated in Penang, celebrating the city’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
11 June (Wednesday) : Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Kedah, marking the special day with celebrations.
12 June (Thursday) : Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Kedah, an additional day to honor the Sultan.
22 June (Saturday) : Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday
Celebrated in Selangor, honoring the state’s ruler.
29 June (Saturday) : Awal Muharram
Celebrated nationwide, marking the Islamic New Year.
30 June (Sunday) : Awal Muharram Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, an additional day to observe the Islamic New Year.
1 July (Monday) : Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday
Celebrated in Kelantan, marking the end of Ramadan. This holiday allows Muslims to spend time with family and friends.
5 July (Friday) : Sultan of Perak’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Perak, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Perak.
7 July (Sunday) : Georgetown World Heritage City Day Holiday
Solely celebrated in Penang, to remember the UNESCO World Heritage Status of the city. This holiday highlights the cultural significance of Penang.
17 July (Wednesday) : Raja Perlis’ Birthday Holiday
Residents of Perlis celebrate this holiday to honour the ruler of the state. It shows the respect and loyalty to the Raja.
23 July (Tuesday) : Sarawak Independence Day
Commemorated in Sarawak, marking the state’s independence from British colonial rule. Sarawak gained self-governance on this day.
26 July (Friday) : Hari Raya Qurban
Celebrated nationwide, marking the end of the Hajj pilgrimage. Muslims honor Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
27 July (Saturday) : Hari Raya Qurban Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, an additional day to observe Eid al-Adha. This holiday allows for more time with family.
30 July (Tuesday) : Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Pahang, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Pahang.
31 July (Wednesday) : Hari Raya Qurban Holiday
Celebrated in Kelantan and Perlis, an extended celebration of Eid al-Adha. This holiday allows for more time with family.
2 August (Sunday) : Merdeka Day Holiday
Commemorated nationwide, celebrating Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule. Malaysians reflect on the country’s struggle for freedom.
3 August (Monday) : Merdeka Day Eve
Observed nationwide, on the eve of Malaysia’s Independence Day. Prepares for the celebrations.
31 August (Monday) : Merdeka Day
Celebrated nationwide, marking Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule. Malaysians celebrate with parades and patriotic events.
31 August (Monday) : National Day
Honoring Malaysia’s independence and sovereignty. National Day promotes unity and national pride.
12 August (Wednesday) : Sultan of Johor’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Johor, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Johor.
19 August (Tuesday) : Awal Muharram Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, marking the Islamic New Year. Muslims reflect on the past year.
22 August (Friday) : Hari Hol Pahang
Celebrated in Pahang, honoring the state’s ruler. This holiday shows respect and loyalty.
26 August (Tuesday) : Hari Raya Haji Holiday
Celebrated in Kelantan and Perlis, an additional day to observe Eid al-Adha.
1 September (Monday) : Awal Muharram
Celebrated nationwide, marking the Islamic New Year. Muslims reflect on the past year.
5 September (Friday) : Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Kelantan, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Kelantan.
9 September (Tuesday) : Agong’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, honoring the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia’s head of state. This holiday allows for more time with family.
16 September (Tuesday) : Malaysia Day
Commemorated nationwide, celebrating the formation of Malaysia. Malaysians reflect on the country’s unity.
23 September (Tuesday) : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
Celebrated nationwide, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims honor the Prophet’s teachings.
25 September (Thursday) : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Johor, Kedah, Melaka, and Perlis, an additional day to observe the Prophet’s birthday.
30 September (Tuesday) : Sultan of Sabah’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Sabah, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Sabah.
1 October (Wednesday) : Sultan of Sabah’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Sabah, honoring the state’s ruler. This holiday allows for more time with family.
2 October (Thursday) : Sultan of Sarawak’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Sarawak, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Sarawak.
3 October (Friday) : Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday
Celebrated in Kelantan, an additional day to observe Eid al-Fitr.
9 October (Thursday) : Deepavali
Celebrated nationwide, marking the Hindu festival of lights. Hindus celebrate with family gatherings and festivities.
10 October (Friday) : Deepavali Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, an additional day to observe the Hindu festival of lights.
14 October (Tuesday) : Sultan of Perak’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Perak, honoring the state’s ruler.
24 October (Friday) : Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Pahang, honoring the state’s ruler.
31 October (Friday) : Halloween
Observed nationwide, marking a western celebration.
1 November (Saturday) : All Saints’ Day
Observed nationwide, honoring Christian saints and martyrs. Christians attend special church services.
4 November (Tuesday) : Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Terengganu, marking the special day with celebrations. The Sultan is the head of state for Terengganu.
11 November (Tuesday) : Armistice Day
Observed nationwide, commemorating the end of World War I. Malaysians reflect on the importance of peace.
12 November (Wednesday) : Deepavali Holiday
Celebrated in Negeri Sembilan, an additional day to observe the Hindu festival of lights.
14 November (Friday) : Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Kelantan, honoring the state’s ruler.
17 November (Monday) : Sultan of Johor’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Johor, honoring the state’s ruler.
22 November (Saturday) : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Perlis, an additional day to observe the Prophet’s birthday.
27 November (Thursday) : Awal Muharram Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, marking the Islamic New Year.
1 December (Monday) : Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday Holiday
Celebrated in Selangor, honoring the state’s ruler.
5 December (Friday) : Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Kedah, marking the special day with celebrations.
11 December (Thursday) : Sultan of Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday
Honoring the ruler of Negeri Sembilan, marking the special day with celebrations.
24 December (Wednesday) : Christmas Eve
Observed nationwide, marking the day before Christmas.
25 December (Thursday) : Christmas Day
Celebrated nationwide, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians attend church services during Christmas in Malaysia.
26 December (Friday) : Christmas Holiday
Celebrated nationwide, an additional day to observe Christmas.
31 December (Wednesday) : New Year’s Eve
Observed nationwide, marking the last day of the year.
Conclusion
From the quiet contemplation of Awal Muharram to the joyous din of Christmas carols, 2025’s public holidays offer a window into the soul of Malaysia. These celebrations are more than just days off; they are threads woven into the fabric of our national identity, reminding us of our rich heritage and shared values.
Let these holidays be a bridge between communities, a symphony of cultural expression, and a testament to the vibrant tapestry that is Malaysia. Remember, every celebration is an invitation to connect, to share, and to celebrate the beauty of our diverse and dynamic nation.