Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025: Public Holidays, Overtime, & Employer Guide in Malaysia

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time for celebration in Malaysia, but it also means businesses need to plan ahead.

Employers must manage employee leave, follow labor laws, and handle overtime during this festive season.

By understanding how holiday pay works, how to manage leave requests, and how to keep things running smoothly, you can make sure your business stays productive and your employees stay happy.

This guide will give you the tips you need to prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 and keep everything on track.

When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025?

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 is expected to fall on Monday, 31 March 2025, subject to official moon sighting confirmation.

Since Hari Raya lasts for two days, 31 March (Monday) and 1 April (Tuesday) 2025 are designated as public holidays in Malaysia.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is Public Holiday Entitlement for Employees

Under the Employment Act 1955, employers are required to grant paid leave on Hari Raya Aidilfitri as it is a public holiday.

If an employee is required to work on this day, they are entitled to additional pay as per Malaysian labor laws.

Employees working on Hari Raya Aidilfitri must be paid double their daily wage.
If the employee works overtime on a public holiday, they are entitled to triple pay (3x hourly rate) for overtime hours.
Employers should ensure compliance with Malaysia’s Labour Law to avoid penalties.

Overtime Pay Calculation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025

Employees working on a public holiday like Hari Raya are entitled to extra pay. Below is an example to illustrate how to calculate overtime pay:

Example:

Employee’s daily wage: RM100
Normal working hours: 8 hours
Overtime rate on a public holiday: Triple pay (3x the normal rate)
Overtime hours worked: 4 hours

Calculation:

Regular pay for the public holiday: RM100 × 2 = RM200
Overtime pay:
- Hourly rate: RM100 ÷ 8 = RM12.50 per hour
- Overtime pay: RM12.50 × 3 (triple rate) × 4 hours = RM150

Total Earnings for the Day:

RM200 (regular pay) + RM150 (overtime) = RM350

Bonus for Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Is It Mandatory?

While there is no legal requirement for employers to provide a Hari Raya bonus, many companies offer it as a token of appreciation.

Some ways employers can provide incentives include:

One-month salary bonus (common in larger companies).
Fixed cash allowance (e.g., RM300–RM1,000 as “duit Raya”).
Gift hampers or shopping vouchers as a token of appreciation.

Providing bonuses can help boost employee morale and retention, especially during festive periods.

How to Manage Leave Requests Effectively during Hari Raya Aidilfitri

During Hari Raya, many employees apply for extended leave to return to their hometowns. To ensure smooth operations, employers should:

Encourage early leave applications – Set a deadline for leave requests at least 1 month or 3 weeks before Hari Raya.
Use a rotational leave system – If the company cannot afford to have all employees on leave at the same time, implement a fair rotation policy.
Offer work-from-home (WFH) options – For non-essential roles, consider allowing remote work after the Raya holidays to ease the transition back to work.
Plan workload distribution – Assign responsibilities strategically so that work is not disrupted during the festive season.

Flexible Working Hours After Hari Raya: Should Employers Consider It?

Many employees struggle to return to work immediately after the celebrations due to travel fatigue and family commitments.

Some employers adopt flexible working hours or a gradual return-to-work policy to boost employee morale and productivity.

Consider implementing:

Flexi-hours (e.g., start work an hour later for the first few days after Raya).
Work-from-home options (if applicable to your industry).
Reduced workloads for the first working day after the holiday.

As Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2025 gets closer, a little preparation goes a long way in making sure things run smoothly at work.

By sorting out leave requests, rules around holiday pay, and managing overtime, you can keep your business on track while everyone enjoys the festive season.

With these tips, you’ll be all set to celebrate and enjoy a stress-free Hari Raya with your team!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Employers

Is Hari Raya Aidilfitri a compulsory public holiday for all employees?

Yes, under Malaysian law, employers must grant paid leave for the official Hari Raya holidays.

Do employers need to pay overtime for employees working on Hari Raya?

Yes, employees working on public holidays must receive double their daily wage or more, depending on the contract.

Are employers required to give a Hari Raya bonus?

No, but offering bonuses is a great way to appreciate employees and boost retention.

How can employers manage high leave requests during Raya?

Encourage early leave applications, use a rotation system, and consider remote work options.

Should employers allow flexible work hours after Hari Raya?

It’s not mandatory, but flexible hours can help employees adjust and improve productivity.

Looking to Hire Top Talents in Malaysia after Hari Raya Aidilfitri?

If you're seeking skilled talents from any industry for your business, hire with AJobThing to post jobs on Maukerja and Ricebowl Malaysia to hire with the right candidates today!

Read More on AJobThing: