Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - September 16 : (EDITORS NOTE: This was shot with a long exposure) A General View of Kuala Lumpur Petronas tower at Sunset on September 16, 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Rustam Azmi/Getty Images)
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Here's how you can make the most out of the upcoming public holidays in Malaysia in 2023

Voted the country that has the most number of public holidays compared to other countries in the region, Malaysians can easily take a week off (with careful scheduling of annual leave) to balik kampung or travel overseas. Now with pandemic restrictions easing up and countries opening up again, it’s time to look at the long weekends in 2023 so you can plan your next getaway.

Read more: 9 New and Refreshed Hotels to Explore in Malaysia

Scroll to the end of the page to find out how to make clever use of your annual leave to maximise your holiday. Happy planning!

1. New Year's Day, January 1

When: Saturday, December 31, followed by Sunday (January 1) and Monday (January 2)

Total days off: 1

*Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu do not get a day off for New Year's Day

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2. Chinese New Year, January 22 to January 24

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KUTA, BALI, INDONESIA - 31 JANUARY: Balinese Chinese men perform lion dance or Barong Sai during a Chinese New Year celebration at Vihara Dharmayana on January 31, 2022 in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia.  Countries around Southeast Asia are set to welcome a lively Chinese New Year, despite implementing strict health protocols as Chinese populations curtail celebrations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first day of the Lunar New Year, on February 1, will usher in the Year of the Tiger. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/Ge
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When: Saturday, January 21, followed by Sunday (January 22), Monday (January 23), and Tuesday (January 24)

Total days off: 2

*Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu do not get Tuesday, January 24 off for Chinese New Year. 

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3. Thaipusam, February 5

When: Saturday, February 4, followed by Sunday (February 5) and Monday (February 6)

Total days off: 1

*Only applicable to Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya, and Selangor.

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4. Hari Raya Aidilfitri, April 23 to 24

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BOGOR, INDONESIA - APRIL 29 2022: Indonesian vendors weave palm leaves used to make traditional rice cakes known as 'Ketupat' in preparation of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia on April 29, 2022.
Above Photo: Getty Images

When: Saturday (April 22), followed by Sunday (April 23) and Monday (April 24)

Total days off: 1

See also: From Crowded Airports to Bag Delays: How to Stay Calm While Travelling in 2022

5. Labour Day, May 1

When: Saturday (April 29), followed by Sunday (April 30) and Monday (May 1)

Total days off: 1

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6. Agong's Birthday, June 5

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - OCTOBER 6: A view of Istana Nation Malaysia as Prime Minister of Malaysia, Ismail Sabri Yaakob hold a meeting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah at the Istana Nation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 6, 2022. The meeting that has been planned is for the Prime Minister to propose and discuss solutions whether the dissolution of parliament and early elections are relevant or
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When: Saturday (June 3), followed by Sunday (June 4) and Monday (June 5)

Total days off: 1

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7. Deepavali, November 12

When: Saturday (November 11), followed by Sunday (November 12) and Monday (November 13)

Total days off: 1

*Deepavali is a national holiday except for Sarawak. Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak, and Terengganu do not get Monday, November 13, off for Deepavali.

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8. Christmas, December 25

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Christmas tree. Milan. Lombardy. Italy. (Photo by: Paolo Reda/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
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When: Saturday (December 23), followed by Sunday (December 24) and Monday (December 25)

Total days off: 1

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Plan your annual leave around these public holidays to score a handful more long weekends.

  • May 4: Wesak Day (Thursday)
  • June 29: Hari Raya Haji (Thursday)
  • July 1: Awal Muharram (Wednesday)
  • August 31: Merdeka Day (Thursday)
  • September 28: Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Thursday)

Not forgetting, there are also state-specific holidays you can benefit from if you reside in said state.

  • Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya: Federal Territory Day, February 1 (Wednesday)
  • Johor: Sultan of Johor's birthday, March 23 (Thursday)
  • Johor, Kedah, and Melaka: Awal Ramadan, March 23 (Thursday)
  • Sabah and Sarawak: Good Friday, April 7 (Friday)
  • Terengganu: Sultan of Terengganu's Birthday, April 26 (Wednesday)
  • Perlis: Raja Perlis' birthday, May 17 (Wednesday)
  • Pahang: Hari Hol Pahang, May 22 (Monday)
  • Labuan and Sabah: Harvest Festival, May 30 and 31 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
  • Sarawak: Hari Gawai, June 1 and 2 (Thursday and Friday)
  • Terengganu: Arafat Day, June 27 (Tuesday)
  • Penang: Georgetown World Heritage City Day, July 7 (Friday)
  • Melaka: Melaka Governor's birthday, August 24 (Thursday)
  • Perak: Sultan of Perak's birthday, November 3 (Friday)
  • Selangor: Sultan of Selangor's birthday, December 11 (Monday)

Happy holidays!

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Happy asian family jumping together on the beach in holiday. Silhouette of the family holding hands enjoying the sunset on the beach.Happy family travel and vacations concept.
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