Malaysia operates a diverse two-tiered system for its public holidays, with calendars set both at the Federal (national) and State levels. This complexity often leads to the core question on how many compulsory public holiday in Malaysia are employers legally required to observe?

According to the Employment Act 1955, most private-sector workers are legally entitled to a minimum of 11 paid public holidays every year. While Malaysia has many festivals, your boss only has to give you these 11 days.

However, the employer is not free to choose all 11 days entirely at random. The law mandates that five of those days are fixed, ensuring consistency across the private sector.

The following five days must be included in the employer's minimum list of 11, as stipulated by Section 60D(1)(a) and (b) of the EA 1955:

Once those five are settled, your employer gets to choose 6 more days from the official calendar to reach the total of 11. Most companies pick the big celebrations we all know, such as:

If a compulsory public holiday in Malaysia falls on your rest day (usually a Sunday), don't worry—you don't lose it! The very next working day (usually Monday) automatically becomes your paid holiday. You get your day of rest no matter what.

Maximise your guaranteed rest days by exploring Malaysia's diverse offerings, especially when a holiday creates a long weekend.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced city break, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor serve as the ultimate playground for urban travelers and families. You can spend your days marveling at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers or diving into the cultural vibrant hub of Brickfields, then transition seamlessly into luxury shopping and fine dining. For a slightly more nostalgic vibe, Malacca offers a charming step back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage city is perfect for history buffs and weekend trippers who want to wander through Dutch Square, ride a colorful decorative trishaw, and hunt for local treasures at the Jonker Street night market.

For those who travel primarily for their taste buds, Penang and Ipoh are essential stops. George Town is a sensory delight where you can spend hours hunting for famous street art amidst UNESCO-protected heritage buildings before embarking on a legendary hawker food tour. If you prefer a slower, more relaxed pace, Ipoh offers a serene alternative. It’s famous for its colonial-era architecture and unique cave temples like Sam Poh Tong. No visit here is complete without a quiet morning spent indulging in authentic Ipoh White Coffee and their signature bean sprout chicken.

Hotels in Ipoh

Hotels in Penang

If you’re craving nature and wide-open spaces, Langkawi is the go-to destination for beach lovers and couples. It strikes a perfect balance between relaxation on Pantai Cenang and adventure at the Langkawi Geopark. You can take the SkyCab up to the breathtaking Sky Bridge for panoramic views, or take advantage of the island’s duty-free shopping status.

For the truly adventurous, a longer trip to Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo is a must. This region is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you are tackling the challenging climb up Mount Kinabalu, navigating the massive chambers of the Mulu Caves, or diving into the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan, Borneo provides a world-class rainforest and marine experience that is hard to match anywhere else.

Planning Tip: To make the most of your mandatory time off, use an all-in-one app like Traveloka to seamlessly book flights, hotels, travel activities, and more in one place.

Activities in Langkawi

The legal framework is clear: Malaysia mandates a minimum of 11 compulsory public holiday in Malaysia every year, including five specifically fixed days.

For employees, knowing how many compulsory public holiday in Malaysia are guaranteed ensures they receive their rights. For employers, compliance with the EA 1955 is non-negotiable. Employers must ensure they notify all employees of their chosen list of 11 public holidays at the beginning of each year.