Malaysia Travel Guide - Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year's Day. 
10 Jan Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
7 Feb Chinese New Year.
20 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
19 May Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
7 Jun King's Birthday.
31 Aug National Day.
1-2 Oct Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
28 Oct** Deepvali. 
8-9 Dec Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas. 
29 Dec Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day. 
20 Jan Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
26 Jan Chinese New Year.
9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
2 May*** Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
7 Jun*** King's Birthday.
31 Aug National Day.
20-21 Sep Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
18 Oct** Deepvali. 
27-28 Nov Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas. 

*Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only.
**Except Labuan and Sarawak.
***Date to be confirmed.

(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself and Hari Raja Haji may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. (b) Buddhist festivals are also timed according to phases of the moon and variations may occur.