Hari Keputeraan Agong Is a Compulsory Paid Public Holiday, Employers Reminded

Private sector employers in Peninsular Malaysia are reminded that Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong on June 1 is a compulsory paid public holiday under the Employment Act 1955.

This means employers must provide the holiday to employees and cannot replace it with another date.

According to the Peninsular Malaysia Labour Department, the Federal Government has gazetted two public holidays during the period:

Wesak Day — Sunday, May 31
Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong — Monday, June 1

For employers, understanding how replacement leave and public holiday pay work is important to avoid payroll mistakes, employee disputes, and non-compliance issues.

What Is a Paid Public Holiday?

A paid public holiday means employees are allowed to take leave on the public holiday while still receiving their normal salary.

Under Section 60D of the Employment Act 1955, Malaysian employers must provide:

5 compulsory paid public holidays
6 additional public holidays chosen by the company

Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong is one of the compulsory public holidays, which means companies cannot swap or replace it with another day.

What Employers Should Know About June 1 & June 2

The Labour Department also explained that if a public holiday falls on a weekly rest day, the next working day must become a replacement paid holiday.

For example:

If Sunday is the company’s weekly rest day
And the company selects Wesak Day as one of its paid public holidays
Then Monday, June 1 must still be observed as the compulsory public holiday for Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Tuesday, June 2 will become the replacement paid holiday for Wesak Day

However, employers and employees may agree to replace the replacement leave with another day through mutual agreement under Section 60D(1A).

Employees Working on a Public Holiday

Employers should also remember that employees earning RM4,000 and below, as well as employees covered under the First Schedule of the Employment Act 1955, are entitled to public holiday pay rates if they work during the holiday.

This means employees may be entitled to extra pay based on Employment Act requirements.

Companies are encouraged to review payroll calculations carefully during cuti umum periods to avoid underpayment issues.

Why Early Planning Matters for Employers

Public holiday planning is important for HR teams, managers, and business owners, especially during long weekends and festive periods.

Poor planning may lead to:

Payroll errors
Staff shortages
Miscommunication about replacement leave
Employee dissatisfaction
Labour law compliance issues

To avoid problems, employers should:

Review Malaysia’s public holiday calendar early
Plan staff schedules in advance
Double-check holiday pay calculations
Inform employees clearly about replacement leave arrangements

Proper planning can help businesses run smoothly while staying compliant with Malaysian labour laws.

FAQs

Is Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong a compulsory public holiday?

Yes. It is one of the compulsory paid public holidays under the Employment Act 1955.

Can employers replace Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong with another holiday?

No. Employers cannot replace or swap this holiday with another date.

What happens if the public holiday falls on a Sunday?

The next working day will become a replacement paid holiday.

Do employees get extra pay if they work on Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong?

Yes. Eligible employees must receive public holiday pay rates if they work on that day.

How many paid public holidays must companies provide?

Companies must provide at least 11 paid public holidays every year under the Employment Act 1955.

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