Kuala Lumpur Public Holidays 2025: Key Dates and HR Tips for Employers

Public holidays are part of Malaysia’s legal framework for employee rights. Learning the official public holiday calendar for 2025 is important for planning work schedules, managing payroll, and keeping operations compliant with the Employment Act 1955.

We will share with you the official Kuala Lumpur public holidays for 2025, why they matter to employers, and how to manage them effectively.

What Are Kuala Lumpur Public Holidays 2025?

Public holidays in Kuala Lumpur include national celebrations, religious festivals, and state-specific observances such as Federal Territory Day. These dates are officially gazetted and must be observed according to labour law. Some holidays are fixed annually, while others change based on the lunar calendar.

Why Are Public Holidays Important for Employers?

From an HR and business perspective, public holidays are directly linked to compliance and employee satisfaction. Under the Employment Act 1955, employees are entitled to a minimum number of paid public holidays each year. Failing to grant or compensate public holiday work correctly can lead to labour disputes, legal penalties, and a decline in staff morale.

When managed well, public holidays can also improve employee engagement. Workers often plan family events, religious observances, or travel around these dates. Planning ahead can help employers to balance business needs with employee well-being.

Key Public Holidays in Kuala Lumpur 2025

Here’s the full list of Kuala Lumpur public holidays for 2025:

Date	Day	Holiday
1 Jan	Wed	New Year’s Day
29 Jan	Wed	Chinese New Year
30 Jan	Thu	Chinese New Year Holiday
1 Feb	Sat	Federal Territory Day
11 Feb	Tue	Thaipusam
18 Mar	Tue	Nuzul Al-Quran
31 Mar	Mon	Hari Raya Aidilfitri
1 Apr	Tue	Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday
1 May	Thu	Labour Day
12 May	Mon	Wesak Day
2 Jun	Mon	Agong’s Birthday
7 Jun	Sat	Hari Raya Haji
27 Jun	Fri	Awal Muharram
31 Aug	Sun	Merdeka Day
1 Sep	Mon	Merdeka Day Holiday
5 Sep	Fri	Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
15 Sep	Mon	Malaysia Day Holiday
16 Sep	Tue	Malaysia Day
20 Oct	Mon	Deepavali
25 Dec	Thu	Christmas Day

How Should Employers Manage Public Holidays?

Good holiday management starts with clear communication and accurate planning. Employers should:

Review the official gazetted list early in the year and update the company calendar.
Decide work requirements in advance for departments that need to operate during public holidays (e.g., essential services, retail, hospitality).
Calculate public holiday pay accurately. Employees required to work must be compensated according to the law or their employment contract.
Offer time off in lieu where applicable, making sure it is agreed upon with the employee.
Integrate holiday schedules into workforce planning so that projects, deadlines, and shifts are not disrupted.

Tips for HR and Employers

In addition to manage public holidays, you can apply these tips also:

Include public holiday dates in onboarding materials so employees know their entitlements from the start.
Plan overtime budgets for departments that operate during these dates.
Use public holidays strategically for maintenance, team-building activities, or rotational rest schedules.
Stay updated on last-minute changes. Sometimes the government may add or shift holidays.

FAQs

Are Kuala Lumpur public holidays the same as federal holidays?

Not always. While most are national holidays, Kuala Lumpur also observes Federal Territory Day, which is specific to the territory.

What are employer obligations if employees work on a public holiday?

They must be paid according to the Employment Act or the terms in their contract, typically extra pay or a replacement day off.

How to calculate holiday pay for part-time employees?

Payment is based on their agreed daily rate and the terms stated in their employment contract.

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