Hari Wesak 2026: Which Negeri Get Holiday & Replacement Leave?

Hari Wesak 2026 is coming soon, and many employees and employers may be wondering which negeri get holiday, whether there is replacement leave, and if employees will get extra pay for working during the public holiday.

Many employers may also be preparing for OT calculation, attendance planning, and long weekend arrangements.

If you are looking for these answers, this guide explains everything.

What Is Hari Wesak?

Vesak (Hari Wesak) is the most important celebration for Buddhists.

This day remembers 3 important events in the life of Siddharta Gautama:

Birth
Enlightenment
Passing away (Parinirvana)

In Malaysia, Hari Wesak celebrations usually include:

Buddha bathing ceremony
Candlelight procession
Charity activities
Blood donation
Vegetarian meals

Many Buddhists also visit famous temples such as:

Buddhist Maha Vihara
Wat Chetawan

Official Hari Wesak 2026 Date

Hari Wesak 2026 falls on: 31 May 2026 (Sunday)

Meanwhile, Hari Keputeraan Rasmi Yang di-Pertuan Agong falls on: 1 June 2026 (Monday)

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), replacement leave on 2 June 2026 depends on company holiday selection and employee rest day arrangement.

Negeri That Get Hari Wesak Holiday 2026

Negeri Kumpulan A (Sunday Working Day)

For these negeri, Sunday is an official working day. So, Hari Wesak holiday will be taken directly on: 31 May 2026 (Sunday)

Negeri involved:

Kedah
Kelantan
Terengganu

These negeri usually will not receive replacement leave on Tuesday.

Negeri Kumpulan B (Sunday Rest Day)

For Negeri Kumpulan B, Sunday is usually the weekly rest day.

Because:

31 May = Hari Wesak
1 June = Hari Keputeraan Agong

Eligible employees may receive replacement leave on: 2 June 2026 (Tuesday)

If:

Hari Wesak is recognised as an official company public holiday, and
Sunday is the employee’s rest day.

Negeri commonly involved:

Selangor
Kuala Lumpur
Putrajaya
Pulau Pinang
Perak
Pahang
Melaka
Negeri Sembilan
Perlis
Sabah
Labuan

Some companies may follow different weekly rest days depending on company policy and negeri practice.

Sarawak (Special Holiday Arrangement)

Sarawak has a special holiday arrangement because Hari Wesak overlaps with:

Hari Keputeraan Agong
Pesta Gawai

This creates a longer holiday period for many employees in Sarawak.

In Sarawak, replacement leave may continue until:

3 June 2026
4 June 2026

Depending on the holiday overlap arrangement.

Does Sektor Swasta Get Hari Wesak Holiday?

This depends on company policy.

Under the Employment Act 1955, private companies only need to choose 11 paid public holidays each year.

Hari Keputeraan Agong is a compulsory paid public holiday that cannot be replaced. However, Hari Wesak is considered an optional public holiday for private companies.

If your company selects Hari Wesak as an official company holiday, employees may be entitled to several rights below.

Employee Rights During Hari Wesak 2026

Replacement Leave

If Hari Wesak falls on the employee’s weekly rest day, employers may need to provide replacement leave based on the Employment Act 1955.

For many Negeri Kumpulan B employees, the replacement leave may fall on: 2 June 2026 (Tuesday)

Extra Pay If Working During Public Holiday

Eligible employees covered under the Employment Act 1955 are entitled to additional payment if asked to work during public holidays.

OT (Overtime) During Public Holiday

If employees work overtime during the holiday, OT payment must also follow the legal rate under Malaysian labour law.

Contract Employees Are Also Eligible

Contract employees may still enjoy the same public holiday rights if covered under the Employment Act 1955.

What Employers Should Know About Hari Wesak 2026

Employers and HR teams are encouraged to review early:

Public holiday policy
Replacement leave arrangement
Attendance planning
OT calculation
Shift scheduling
Payroll preparation

This helps avoid confusion during the long weekend.

Employers are also encouraged to inform employees earlier so they can better plan their leave and travel.

Tips to Plan Your Hari Wesak 2026 Holiday

For many negeri, eligible employees may enjoy a long holiday from:

Saturday (30 May)
Sunday (31 May)
Monday (1 June)
Tuesday (2 June)

This depends on company holiday arrangements and replacement leave eligibility.

This is suitable for:

Short getaway
Balik kampung
Family trip
Mental break

Popular local destinations include:

Pulau Pinang
Langkawi
Cameron Highlands

Government & Official Sources

You can refer to these official sources for more information:

FAQs

When is Hari Wesak 2026?

Hari Wesak 2026 falls on: 31 May 2026 (Sunday)

Which negeri may get replacement leave for Hari Wesak 2026?

Many Negeri Kumpulan B negeri such as Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, and several others may receive replacement leave on: 2 June 2026 (Tuesday) depending on company holiday arrangements and employee rest days.

Is Hari Wesak compulsory holiday for sektor swasta?

No. Hari Wesak is considered an optional public holiday for private companies under the Employment Act 1955.

If employees work during Hari Wesak, do they get extra pay?

Yes. Eligible employees covered under the Employment Act 1955 are entitled to extra payment if required to work during public holidays.

Are contract employees eligible for Hari Wesak holiday?

Yes. Contract employees may also be entitled to public holiday benefits if covered under the Employment Act 1955.

Where can check Malaysia official public holiday list?

You can check through:

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