Is 1 Muharram a Public Holiday in Malaysia? What HR Needs to Know

In the first half of 2025, there have already been quite a few holidays, and many of them are close to the weekend. And on 27 June, there’s another one coming: 1 Muharram.

But what exactly is 1 Muharram? Is it a public holiday across the whole of Malaysia? And how should companies manage work arrangements between different states for this date? Find all the answers in this article.

When is 1 Muharram 2025

Based on Malaysia’s official federal holiday calendar, 1 Muharram 1447H falls on Friday, 27 June 2025. It is also referred to as Awal Muharram or Maal Hijrah, and marks the beginning of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

Is 1 Muharram a Public Holiday in Malaysia?

Yes, in 2025, 1 Muharram is gazetted as a public holiday in all states across Malaysia. This is a notable update, as in previous years, only certain states like Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah treated it as a holiday.

As listed in the official government-issued Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Persekutuan 2025, all 14 Malaysian states and federal territories will observe this date as a public holiday. That includes Selangor, Johor, Sabah, and others.

This means employers across every state must prepare their workforce planning accordingly, including for operations, payroll, and leave policies.

What is 1 Muharram

1 Muharram is the Islamic New Year. It commemorates the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad SAW from Makkah to Madinah. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is considered a time for spiritual renewal, reflection, and setting new intentions.

Many Muslims use the day to attend religious gatherings, reflect on the past year, and plan for personal and spiritual improvement.

Because 1 Muharram is considered an important religious event, you need to respect the significance of this date and understand why some employees may wish to experience it more deeply.

Employer Obligations If 1 Muharram is a Public Holiday in Your State

Because 1 Muharram is officially recognised in all Malaysian states in 2025, employers must treat this like any other gazetted public holiday. This includes:

Paying employees their usual daily wage even if they don’t work on that day.
Calculating overtime correctly for employees who are required to work.
Providing replacement leave or additional pay as per the Employment Act and employment contracts.

If employees are required to work on this public holiday, their compensation must reflect the terms stated in their contract or company handbook. Remember that missteps in handling public holiday payments can lead to non-compliance issues, so HR teams should review payroll settings in advance.

How to Communicate the 1 Muharram Holiday to Employees

Clear communication helps avoid confusion. Employers can:

Send an internal email or memo notifying staff that Friday, 27 June 2025, is a public holiday for 1 Muharram.
Update HR systems or shared calendars to reflect this date as a day off.
Mention any shifts in work schedules or who is required to remain on duty, especially in customer service, manufacturing, or essential services.

Make sure your messaging is consistent across departments, especially if your company operates in multiple locations.

How to Handle Differences in State vs National Holidays

In previous years, planning for 1 Muharram could be tricky for employers, especially those with teams across different states. Some states observed it as a public holiday, while others didn’t, which often led to confusion in leave schedules and operational planning.

But for 2025, 1 Muharram has been declared a public holiday across all Malaysian states. So, planning can be easier, especially for HR teams managing staff in multiple locations. Some tips for you below:

Update your company-wide leave calendar early
Notify employees clearly across all branches
Avoid scheduling major tasks or deadlines on this date
Use this moment to check other state-based holidays

FAQs

Is 1 Muharram a compulsory holiday in all Malaysian states?

Yes. In 2025, the federal holiday list confirms that 1 Muharram is observed in every state and federal territory.

Do employees get paid if they don’t work on 1 Muharram?

Yes. Employees who are not required to work on 1 Muharram must still be paid their normal wages, as it is a gazetted public holiday.

Can I replace this public holiday with another in my company calendar?

No. Since 1 Muharram is part of the federal list of 11 compulsory public holidays, it must be observed. Replacement is only possible for non-mandatory holidays if agreed upon in writing.

What if my company is located in a state that didn’t previously observe 1 Muharram, but does in 2025?

In 2025, all states will observe it. Employers must treat it as a paid holiday across locations.

Where to check the official holiday calendar in Malaysia?

Refer to the Bahagian Kabinet, Perlembagaan dan Perhubungan Antara Kerajaan under the Prime Minister’s Department, or visit official state-level portals.

Looking to Hire the Best Candidates?

Let AJobThing help you find the right people who will grow with your company.

Post your job ads and connect with top talent across platforms like Maukerja, Ricebowl, and Epicareer today.