Staff Working on Hari Raya Aidilfitri: How to Calculate Salary in Malaysia

Many employers in Malaysia get Raya salary calculation wrong, and only realise it when employees question their pay.

During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, businesses like F&B, retail, and services often continue operating. If employees are required to work, employers must follow the correct public holiday pay rules in Malaysia.

This guide explains everything in a simple way so you can calculate salary correctly and avoid mistakes.

Quick Summary (Easy Answer)

Not working → 1 day salary
Working → 3 days salary
Overtime → 3 times hourly rate

Legal Basis for Public Holiday Pay

The rules come from the Employment Act 1955 under Section 60D.

Under this law:

Employees are entitled to paid public holidays
If employees work on a public holiday, they must receive additional pay

This is why working on Hari Raya results in higher salary compared to a normal day.

If Employee Does Not Work on Hari Raya

If the employee is not scheduled to work:

They still receive 1 day normal salary
No deduction is allowed

This is a paid public holiday.

If Employee Works on Hari Raya

If the employee works during the public holiday:

They receive 1 day salary for the holiday
Plus 2 days salary for working

Total:

3 days salary for that day

Simple Example

Monthly salary = RM1,800

Daily rate = RM1,800 ÷ 26 = RM69.23

If employee works:

Holiday pay = RM69.23
Work pay = RM138.46

Total = RM207.69

Overtime on Public Holiday

If the employee works beyond normal hours:

Overtime must be paid at 3 times the hourly rate

Example:

Hourly rate = RM69.23 ÷ 8 = RM8.65

Overtime rate = RM8.65 × 3 = RM25.95

If employee works 2 extra hours:

Total overtime = RM51.90

Important Point to Understand

Some employers think public holiday pay is only double.

This is incorrect.

The correct breakdown is:

1 day holiday pay
- 2 days pay for working

Total = 3 days pay

Example for Business Owners

If you run a restaurant during Raya:

Monthly salary = RM2,000

Daily rate = RM76.92

If employee works:

Total pay = RM76.92 × 3 = RM230.76

If employee works extra 3 hours:

Additional overtime = RM86.58

Who This Applies To

Under the Employment Act 1955:

Employees earning up to RM4,000 per month
Manual workers regardless of salary

Many employers apply this rule to all staff for consistency.

Common Mistakes Employers Make

Paying only 2 days instead of 3 days
Not paying overtime correctly
Confusing public holiday with rest day
Not informing employees early

Hari Raya is a busy period for many businesses. Getting the salary calculation right is important to avoid disputes and stay compliant.

Clear communication and proper payroll calculation will help you manage your team better during festive periods.

FAQs

How much should I pay if staff work on Hari Raya?

Total payment is equal to 3 days salary.

Can I give replacement leave instead of extra pay?

Yes, but only if both employer and employee agree.

How to calculate daily salary in Malaysia?

Monthly salary divided by 26 working days.

What is the overtime rate on public holiday?

3 times the hourly rate.

Need Staff During Raya?

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