Malaysia New Year’s Day Holiday
New Year’s Day is considered a public holiday in Malaysia. The first day of the new calendar year begins 1 January annually. If you have a business in Malaysia, it’s important to note the national public holiday dates.
| Date | Day | Public Holiday | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year's Day 2020 | All except JHR, KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG |
| 1 Jan | Friday | New Year's Day 2021 | All except JHR, KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG |
| 1 Jan | Saturday | New Year's Day 2022 | All except JHR, KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG |
| 1 Jan | Sunday* | New Year's Day 2023 | All except KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG, JHR |
| 2 Jan | Monday | New Year's Day 2023 | All except KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG, JHR |
| 1 Jan | Monday | New Year's Day 2024 | All except KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG, JHR |
| 1 Jan | Wednesday | New Year's Day 2025 | All except KDH, KTN, PLS, TRG, JHR |
Note: Any holidays that fall on a Sunday will be replaced the following Monday.
What is New Year’s Day in Malaysia All About?
New Year’s Day in Malaysia is usually with a lot of excitement. It is when people usher in the new year full of hope, excitement and plenty of celebration. It is a time when resolutions are eagerly made as we look forward to what’s in store for the coming year.
People in Malaysia generally celebrate New Year’s Day by getting together with friends or family to ring in the festivities. Despite being a Muslim country, New Year’s Day in Malaysia is still a celebration as per the Gregorian Calendar.
Since New Year’s Day is an official public holiday in Malaysia, you can expect that most companies are also on holiday off.
How Do They Celebrate It?
It has become a celebratory tradition, and you will find plenty of New Year’s Day themed events held throughout the country. In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Merdeka Square is often a sight for firework displays, singing, food and plenty of cultural events to ring in the new year.
The whole country is in good spirits, continuing from Christmas and all the way to New Year’s Day. Everywhere you go there’s a sense of positivity and a generally festive mood in the air. Decorations adorn the shopping malls and the streets of the cities. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll find thousands of people out. They are eagerly waiting to begin the countdown and ring in the new year with their loved ones.
What to Do on New Year’s Day in Malaysia?
Since most offices, shops and schools are on holidays during New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve, you’re probably wondering where you can go to celebrate this special event. Don’t worry though, there’s no shortage of venues to consider.
For a spectacular view of the firework display taking place at midnight on New Year’s Day, head on over to KLCC Park, a family-friendly and peaceful locale where you can witness the magnificent firework display against the backdrop of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Merdeka Square offers an equally impressive view if that’s more convenient.
If you’re looking to party and dance the night away, start your New Year’s Day with the upbeat music. Changkat Bukit Bintang is one of the city’s most exciting nocturnal joints with several pubs, restaurants and unique dining experiences.
Malaysia’s shopping malls are always open 24/7, if you prefer to get a little last-minute New Year’s Day shopping in.
