Hari Raya Haji Aidiladha 2025: Date, Public Holiday, & Cuti in Malaysia

Every year, many employees look forward to Hari Raya Haji. Not just for the religious rituals, but also for the chance to be with family and take a break.

While your team prepares for the celebration, HR departments must also prepare behind the scenes.

Knowing the right dates, holiday rules, and how to handle leave during this time helps maintain fairness, trust, and smooth business flow.

What is Hari Raya Haji (Aidiladha)?

Hari Raya Haji is one of the most significant Islamic celebrations in Malaysia.

It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command.

As a result, Muslims around the world perform the Qurban ritual, which involves the sacrifice of livestock and distributing the meat to the less fortunate.

This holiday also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, an obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it once in their lifetime.

In Malaysia, while Hari Raya Haji is typically quieter than Hari Raya Aidilfitri, it is still observed with great reverence.

Across certain states, such as Kedah and Kelantan, the celebration is more prominent, often extending over two days.

When is Hari Raya Haji in Malaysia?

Based on the Islamic calendar, Hari Raya Haji falls on the 10th of Zulhijjah.

For 2025, the celebration is expected to take place on Saturday, 7 June 2025. This date was confirmed by the Malaysian Islamic authorities (JAKIM), following the moon sighting process (rukyah) and calendar calculation (hisab).

Employers should note that the final announcement of the official public holiday will be made by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal closer to the date.

Is Hari Raya Haji a Public Holiday in Malaysia?

Yes, Hari Raya Haji is recognised as a public holiday in all states across Malaysia.

However, there are slight variations depending on where your business is located:

The first day (7 June 2025) is a public holiday in every state.
The second day (8 June 2025, Sunday) is a public holiday only in Kedah and Perlis.

So if your business operates in Kedah or Perlis, you’ll need to treat both days as gazetted holidays.

In terms of classification, Hari Raya Haji is considered a compulsory public holiday under the Holidays Act 1951, which means eligible employees are entitled to benefits or replacement leave if they are required to work.

Employer Obligations During Hari Raya Haji

Under the Employment Act 1955, employers must provide paid leave to employees on public holidays.

If an employee is required to work on Hari Raya Haji, the law requires extra compensation.

This includes:

Double pay for the day’s work, or
Replacement leave if mutually agreed.

Part-time, contract, and full-time staff all have their rights protected under the law. Companies must also keep records of public holiday payments and leave taken.

For businesses that operate 24/7 (such as in retail, logistics, or healthcare), it’s crucial to communicate clearly with staff in advance if they are scheduled to work during the holiday.

Managing Leave Requests During Hari Raya Haji

For many Muslim employees, Hari Raya Haji is a time to return home, perform religious rituals, and spend time with family. This can lead to a surge in leave requests before and after the holiday.

Here’s what you can do to prepare:

Speak to employees early and request that they submit leave applications in advance.
Use digital leave tracking systems to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Identify peak demand periods and create shift rotations fairly.
Consider backup staffing for departments with critical functions.

This level of planning helps maintain business continuity while respecting your employees' time for spiritual and family commitments.

Impact of Hari Raya Haji on Business Operations

During this time, you may see a temporary dip in productivity due to leave-taking and slower customer traffic (especially in office-based sectors).

On the other hand, businesses in retail, F&B, or transportation may experience a spike in demand.

Employers need to plan:

Reallocate tasks or assign temporary support staff where needed.
Communicate with clients or customers if service hours will change.
Delay non-urgent internal meetings or deadlines until after the holiday.

What if Employees Work on Hari Raya Haji?

If your employee is required to work on a public holiday (e.g., customer service agents or delivery staff), employers are legally required to compensate them accordingly.

This means:

Double pay for the day, or
One day of paid leave as a replacement, depending on the agreement.

Not following this requirement can lead to disputes or legal action.

It’s best to have written agreements in place and to be transparent about compensation well in advance.

Sample Message to Employees

Here’s a sample template that employers can use to notify employees about the Hari Raya Haji holiday:

Subject: Hari Raya Aidiladha Holiday Announcement (7 June 2025)

Dear Team,

In celebration of Hari Raya Aidiladha, our office will be closed on Saturday, 7 June 2025. Operations will resume on Monday, 9 June 2025.

We extend our warmest wishes to all Muslim colleagues observing this sacred occasion. May this celebration be filled with peace, reflection, and blessings for you and your loved ones.

For any team members scheduled to work during this period, your respective managers will coordinate arrangements for compensation or replacement leave.

Thank you and Selamat Hari Raya Aidiladha.

Best regards,
[Your Company Name]
[HR Department or Management]

FAQ

Is Hari Raya Haji a mandatory public holiday in Malaysia?

Yes. It is a gazetted public holiday in all states. Some states like Kedah and Perlis also observe the second day.

What happens if Hari Raya Haji falls on a weekend?

If the public holiday falls on a Saturday, there’s no automatic replacement. However, for states where Saturday is not a working day, employers may offer a replacement holiday on Monday, depending on company policy.

Can I ask employees to work during Hari Raya Haji?

Yes, but you must provide extra pay or replacement leave as stated under the Employment Act 1955.

How do I calculate public holiday pay?

Employees working on a public holiday are entitled to twice their daily wage. You can refer to the Employment Act for detailed formulas.

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