Malaysia Public Holiday 2023: How to maximise your leave days

Malaysia Public Holiday 2023
Reading Time: 9 minutes

You can enjoy longer breaks in 2023! Planning your leave early is a great way to gauge how much work you need to clear before each break. This article Malaysia Public Holiday 2023: How to maximise your leave days provides the complete list of Public Holidays in Malaysia, and how you can plan your time-off in advance. It also comes with suggestions on the best places to holiday in for each month!

1) Take note of the date and off-in-lieu for each Malaysia Public Holiday 2023

If you’re not sure where to begin, fret not! We’ve got just the cheat sheet for you. Simply bookmark this article and start taking notes. Be quick about it, as you may want to beat your colleagues in reserving Annual Leave as soon as possible!

DateDayHolidayStates
1 JanSunNew Year’s DayNational except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis
& Terengganu
2 JanMonNew Year Holiday
(off-in-lieu)
National except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan &
Terengganu
14 JanSatYDPB Negeri Sembilan’s BirthdayNegeri Sembilan
22 JanSunChinese New YearNational
23 JanMonChinese New Year HolidayNational
24 JanTueChinese New Year HolidayNational except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan &
Terengganu
1 FebWedFederal Territory DayKuala Lumpur, Labuan
& Putrajaya
5 FebSunThaipusamJohor, Kuala Lumpur,
Negeri Sembilan, Penang,
Perak, Putrajaya &
Selangor
6 FebMonThaipusam HolidayKuala Lumpur, Negeri
Sembilan, Penang, Perak,
Putrajaya & Selangor
18 FebSatIsrak and MikrajKedah, Negeri Sembilan,
Perlis & Terengganu
19 FebSunIsrak and Mikraj HolidayTerengganu
4 MarSatInstallation of Sultan TerengganuTerengganu
5 MarSunInstallation of Sultan Terengganu HolidayTerengganu
23 MarThuAwal RamadanJohor, Kedah &
Melaka
23 MarThuSultan of Johor’s BirthdayJohor
7 AprFriGood FridaySabah & Sarawak
8 AprSatNuzul Al-QuranNational except Johor,
Kedah, Melaka, Negeri
Sembilan, Sabah &
Sarawak
9 AprSunNuzul Al-Quran HolidayKelantan & Terengganu
15 AprSatDeclaration of Melaka as a Historical CityMelaka
22 AprSatHari Raya AidilfitriNational
23 AprSunHari Raya Aidilfitri HolidayNational
24 AprMonHari Raya Aidilfitri HolidayNational except Johor
& Kedah
26 AprWedSultan of Terengganu’s BirthdayTerengganu
1 MayMonLabour DayNational
4 MayThuWesak/Vesak DayNational
17 MayWedRaja Perlis’ BirthdayPerlis
22 MayMonHari Hol PahangPahang
30 MayTueHarvest FestivalLabuan & Sabah
31 MayWedHarvest Festival HolidayLabuan & Sabah
1 JunThuHari GawaiSarawak
2 JunFriHari Gawai HolidaySarawak
5 JunMonAgong’s BirthdayNational
18 JunSunSultan of Kedah’s BirthdayKedah
28 JunWedArafat DayKedah & Terengganu
29 JunThuHari Raya HajiNational
30 JunFriHari Raya Haji HolidayKedah, Kelantan, Perlis
& Terengganu
7 JulFriGeorgetown World Heritage City DayPenang
8 JulSatPenang Governor’s BirthdayPenang
19 JulWedAwal MuharramNational
22 JulSatSarawak DaySarawak
30 JulSunSultan of Pahang’s BirthdayPahang
31 JulMonSultan of Pahang’s Birthday HolidayPahang
23 AugWedHari Hol Almarhum Sultan IskandarJohor
24 AugThuMelaka Governor’s BirthdayMelaka
31 AugThuMerdeka DayNational
16 SepSatMalaysia DayNational
17 SepSunMalaysia Day Holiday
(off-in-lieu)
Kelantan & Terengganu
28 SepThuProphet Muhammad’s BirthdayNational
7 OctSatSabah Governor’s BirthdaySabah
14 OctSatSarawak Governor’s BirthdaySarawak
3 NovFriSultan of Perak’s BirthdayPerak
11 NovSatSultan of Kelantan’s BirthdayKelantan
12 NovSunDeepavaliNational except Sarawak
12 NovSunSultan of Kelantan’s Birthday HolidayKelantan
13 NovMonDeepavali HolidayNational except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak
& Terengganu
13 NovMonSultan of Kelantan’s Birthday HolidayKelantan
11 DecMonSultan of Selangor’s BirthdaySelangor
24 DecSunChristmas EveSabah
25 DecMonChristmas DayNational
26 DecTueChristmas Holiday
(off-in-lieu)
Sabah

2) Maximise your rest days with annual leave, public holidays and weekends

P.S. For the sake of brevity, this article will advise on off-in-lieu and leave days maximisation based off of national Public Holidays that are not state-specific.

DateDayHolidayStates
1 JanSunNew Year’s DayNational except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis
& Terengganu
2 JanMonNew Year Holiday
(off-in-lieu)
National except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan &
Terengganu
22 JanSunChinese New YearNational
23 JanMonChinese New Year HolidayNational
24 JanTueChinese New Year HolidayNational except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan &
Terengganu
22 AprSatHari Raya AidilfitriNational
23 AprSunHari Raya Aidilfitri HolidayNational
24 AprMonHari Raya Aidilfitri HolidayNational except Johor
& Kedah
1 MayMonLabour DayNational
4 MayThuWesak/Vesak DayNational
5 JunMonAgong’s BirthdayNational
29 JunThuHari Raya HajiNational
19 JulWedAwal MuharramNational
31 AugThuMerdeka DayNational
16 SepSatMalaysia DayNational
28 SepThuProphet Muhammad’s BirthdayNational
12 NovSunDeepavaliNational except Sarawak
13 NovMonDeepavali HolidayNational except Johor,
Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak
& Terengganu
25 DecMonChristmas DayNational

PSA: The Talenox HRMS software comes built-in with Malaysia’s national and state-specific holidays, as well as statutory leave entitlements – so you don’t have to key them in yourself. Talenox takes care of it all with preset leave entitlements that adhere to Malaysia’s Employment Act, laws and regulations.

Jan 2023: 3-day long weekend with New Year’s Day, and 9-day vacation with Chinese New Year

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Sunday, 1 Jan 2023 (New Year)*
  • Monday, 2 Jan 2023 (New Year off-in-lieu)**
  • Sunday, 22 Jan 2023 (Chinese New Year)
  • Monday, 23 Jan 2023 (Chinese New Year)
  • Tuesday, 24 Jan 2023 (Chinese New Year off-in-lieu)**

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Wednesday, 25 Jan 2023
  • Thursday, 26 Jan 2023
  • Friday, 27 Jan 2023

Enjoy a 9-day long holiday break from 21st to 29th January, when you include the weekends and take Wednesday to Friday off.

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
30 Dec1 Jan (PH)*
2 Jan (OIL)**
21 Jan22 Jan (PH)
23 Jan (PH)24 Jan (OIL)**25 Jan (AL)26 Jan (AL)27 Jan (AL)28 Jan29 Jan
*except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu
** Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu

Best places to visit in January

But where can you go from 22nd to 27th January that’s unaffected by Chinese New Year? If you ask me, the best place to visit is snowy Norway!

Aside from dreamy sunrises and sunsets, you’ll have a high chance of seeing the Norwegian Northern Lights – a neon phenomenon at its most crystal clear against dark, clear winter night skies.

However, if you prefer a sunny holiday, Maldives would be at beginning of the dry, sunny season (26°C and 31°C), which is the best time to go weather-wise. This can definitely be a romantic vacation for couples.

After a tropical rainy season spanning from May to November, January would be the best time to soak up the sun and enjoy the clearest skies!


Apr to May 2023: A 16-day holiday break with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Labour Day and Wesak Day

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Saturday, 22 Apr 2023 (Hari Raya Aidilfitri)
  • Sunday, 24 Apr 2023 (Hari Raya Aidilfitri off-in-lieu)*
  • Monday, 1 May 2023 (Labour Day)
  • Thursday, 4 May 2023 (Wesak Day)

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Tuesday, 25 Apr 2023
  • Wednesday, 26 Apr 2023
  • Thursday, 27 Apr 2023
  • Friday, 28 Apr 2023
  • Monday, 2 May 2023
  • Tuesday, 3 May 2023
  • Friday, 5 May 2023
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
22 Apr (PH)23 Apr
24 Apr (OIL)*25 Apr (AL)26 Apr (AL)27 Apr (AL)28 Apr (AL)29 Apr30 Apr
1 May (PH)2 May (AL)3 May (AL)4 May (PH)5 May (AL)6 May7 May
*except Johor & Kedah

Best places to visit in April and May

From 22nd April to 7th May, you can spend part of the break enjoying gondola rides and feasting on authentic pasta al fresco. April and May are a great period to visit the historic Italian city of Venice.

The weather is comfortable, with spring temperatures starting to emerge and less humidity than in the summer months.

The tourist crowds only filters in from May onwards; so, enjoy fewer crowds as you explore St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica. Why not arrange a self-guided audio tour using handy apps like Urbs?

With 16 days to spare, you definitely have to consider trips out to other parts of Italy like Florence, Rome and more!

If you’re just looking for a 3-day weekend trip (22nd to 24th April; and 29th April to 1st May) to neighbouring countries, Bali is an option.

April marks the start of Bali’s dry season, which usually lasts through October, so it is a great time to experience the beaches and outdoor activities that the island is known for. 

However, do note that April and May are a popular time for tourists heading to Bali. You will find yourself paying a premium for accommodations and airfare.

To combat this, you may want to apply for leave and book your flight tickets & accommodation far in advance. 


June 2023: A 3-day long weekend with Agong’s Birthday and a 9-day vacation with 9-day holiday break with Hari Raya Haji

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Monday, 5 Jun 2023 (Agong’s Birthday)
  • Thursday, 29 Jun 2023 (Hari Raya Haji)

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Tuesday, 6 Jun 2023
  • Wednesday, 7 Jun 2023
  • Thursday, 8 Jun 2023
  • Friday, 9 Jun 2023
  • Friday, 30 Jun 2023

Best places to visit in June

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
3 Jun4 Jun
5 Jun (PH)6 Jun (AL)7 Jun (AL)8 Jun (AL)9 Jun (AL)10 Jun11 Jun
29 Jun (PH)30 Jun (AL)31 Jun1 Aug

Best places to visit in June

Enjoy a 9-day adventure in Turkey from 3rd to 11th June!

One part of Turkey you can consider exploring is Cappadocia. Cappadocia in June is the best summer time for dramatic sunrises and hot air balloons in the morning.

You can even consider a pitstop in Istanbul on the way from Malaysia to Cappadocia. That is where you can visit iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

And why not throw in a visit to Pamukkale to view it’s breathtaking “cotton castle”?

29th June to 1st August could be your long weekend getaway to the beautiful island of Bintan! You can kayak, jet ski, snorkel and relax at a resort at the end of each day.

June is one of the months in the best season to visit Bintan because of its nice and dry weather conditions (around 26 °C).

However, hotels are usually booked up during this season, which is why it is important to apply for your leave, book your ferry ticket(s) and accommodation well in advance!


Tired of the laggy HR software that makes your leave application process cumbersome? With the Talenox HRMS, you can:

  • Simply log in to your own account to apply for time-off in one click
  • Plan and approve time-off applications from anywhere and at anytime (as an HR administrator)

Watch how Talenox makes company leave policy set-up and employee time-off management so easy!


July 2023: A 5-day long weekend with Awal Muharram

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Wednesday, 19 July 2023 (Awal Muharram)

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Thursday, 20 July 2023
  • Friday, 21 July 2023
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
19 Jul (PH)20 Jul (AL)21 Jul (AL)22 Jul23 Jul

Singapore is a food lover’s paradise. To enjoy the island city’s multicultural cuisine at its best, you’ll want to visit in July during the Singapore Food Festival.

Aside from a street food extravaganza, you can bougie it up with the festivals’ cooking masterclasses and fine dining events.


August to September 2023: A 4-day long weekend with Merdeka Day and a 9-day holiday with Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Thursday, 31 Aug 2023 (Merdeka Day)
  • Thursday, 28 Sep 2023 (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Friday, 1 Sep 2023
  • Monday, 25 Sep 2023
  • Tuesday, 26 Sep 2023
  • Wednesday, 27 Sep 2023
  • Friday, 29 Sep 2023
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
31 Aug (PH)1 Sep (AL)2 Sep3 Sep
23 Sep24 Sep
25 Sep (AL)26 Sep (AL)27 Sep (AL)28 Sep (PH)29 Sep (AL)30 Sep1 Oct

Best places to visit in August

After enduring sunny Malaysia for too long, you might enjoy a destination that offers some chill from 23rd September to 1st October. One such destination in September would be British Columbia, Canada.

Aside from hikes in Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park, glacier kayaking is a beautiful adventure to consider. You get to kayak through the ice-blue waters that meander across monstrous snow-white Canadian glaciers!

Alternatively, a typical Italian summer at the Amalfi Coast is a great time to enjoy in September! Summer crowds are on their way out and temperatures stay hot during the day. 

Get to booking your flight tickets and accommodation in advance for good deals! You and your friends will want to relax on beautiful beaches, escape the crowd on private boats and kayak the stark blue waters.


November 2023: 9-day vacation with Deepavali

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Sunday, 12 Nov 2023 (Deepavali)
  • Monday, 13 Nov 2023 (Deepavali off-in-lieu)

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Tuesday, 14 Nov 2023
  • Wednesday, 15 Nov 2023
  • Thursday, 16 Nov 2023
  • Friday, 17 Nov 2023
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
11 Nov12 Nov (PH)
13 Nov (OIL)14 Nov (AL)15 Nov (AL)16 Nov (AL)17 Nov (AL)18 Nov19 Nov

Best places to visit in November

November is one of the best months to be in India, as the summer heat slowly gives way to the winter chill. From 11th to 19th November, why not see the one of the 7 Wonders – the majestic Taj Mahal in Agra!

You can even take a train ride to Jaipur for iconic landmarks like the Amer Fort and the pretty pink Hawa Mahal; then head further down to Udaipur – the Venice of Rajasthan.


Dec 2023: 9-day holiday break with Christmas

Malaysia Public Holiday Date(s):

  • Monday, 25 Dec 2023 (Christmas)

Annual Leave Date(s):

  • Tuesday, 26 Dec 2023
  • Wednesday, 27 Dec 2023
  • Thursday, 28 Dec 2023
  • Friday, 29 Dec 2023

Enjoy a 9-day holiday break, including weekends.

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
23 Dec24 Dec
25 Dec (PH)26 Dec (AL)27 Dec (AL)28 Dec (AL)29 Dec (AL)30 Dec31 Dec

Best places to visit in December

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Hokkaido, Japan for a snowy Christmas, it’s December! Spend 23rd to 31st December skiing and snowboarding in Furano and Sapporo, with Hokkaido as your base. It will get as cold as 3°C, so heading to the onsen at the end of an active day would be perfect. Don’t forget to feast on the freshest seafood that Hokkaido is known for!

Bangkok, Thailand is also a great place to visit as the rainy season wraps up in November.

Aside from great Thai food, try visiting one of Bangkok’s multiple floating markets to be in the bustling atmosphere and enjoy a unique souvenir shopping experience!


We’ve built-in location-specific holidays into the Talenox system. Now, Talenox users can:

  • Find out at a glance who’s on vacation and who’s at work
  • Submit and approve time-off in a few clicks
  • Sync the team’s leave calendar to a Google Calendar
  • Create custom holidays

Watch how Talenox makes company leave policy set-up and employee time-off management so easy!

2 Comments

  1. Hey think of hotel room so cheap or consider a vacation rental thats advertised to cheap.

    1. Avatar photo

      Indeed, the affordability of hotel rates and vacation home rental rates is a big deciding factor for a vacation! Thankfully, there are websites and apps dedicated to presenting such options that you can explore and research at. Perhaps we will even share some recommended hotel options in updated versions of this article. In the mean time, we hope that you get to plan vacations that you truly enjoy!

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