Malaysia is a nation with a unique blend of diverse cultures, rapid economic growth, and natural beauty. It continues to evolve, addressing its challenges while leveraging its strengths in cultural diversity and strategic location.
List of National and Public Holidays for Malaysia in the Year 2024
January & Februar
- New Year’s Day: Monday, 1 January 2024 (National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu)
- YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday: Sunday, 14 January 2024 (Negeri Sembilan)
- YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday Holiday: Monday, 15 January 2024 (Negeri Sembilan)
- Thaipusam: Thursday, 25 January 2024 (Johor, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor)
- Federal Territory Day: Thursday, 1 February 2024 (Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya)
- Israk and Mikraj: Thursday, 8 February 2024 (Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis & Terengganu)
- Chinese New Year: Saturday, 10 February 2024 (National)
- 2. Chinese New Year Holiday: Sunday, 11 February 2024 (National)
- 3. Chinese New Year Holiday: Monday, 12 February 2024 (National except Johor & Kedah)
- Independence Declaration Day: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 (Melaka)
March and April
- Installation of Sultan Terengganu: Monday, 4 March 2024 (Terengganu)
- Awal Ramadan: Tuesday, 12 March 2024 (Johor, Kedah & Melaka)
- Sultan of Johor’s Birthday: Saturday, 23 March 2024 (Johor)
- Nuzul Al-Quran: Thursday, 28 March 2024 (National except Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah & Sarawak)
- Good Friday: Friday, 29 March 2024 (Sabah & Sarawak)
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Wednesday, 10 April 2024 (National)
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday: Thursday, 11 April 2024 (National)
- Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday: Friday, 26 April 2024 (Terengganu)
May
- Labour Day: Wednesday, 1 May 2024 (National)
- Raja Perlis’ Birthday: Friday, 17 May 2024 (Perlis)
- Hari Hol Pahang: Wednesday, 22 May 2024 (Pahang)
- Wesak Day: Wednesday, 22 May 2024 (National)
- Hari Hol Pahang Holiday: Thursday, 23 May 2024 (Pahang)
- Harvest Festival: Thursday, 30 May 2024 (Labuan & Sabah)
- Harvest Festival Holiday: Friday, 31 May 2024 (Labuan & Sabah)
June
- Hari Gawai: Saturday, 1 June 2024 (Sarawak)
- Hari Gawai Holiday: Sunday, 2 June 2024 (Sarawak)
- Agong’s Birthday: Monday, 3 June 2024 (National)
- Hari Gawai Holiday: Tuesday, 4 June 2024 (Sarawak)
- Arafat Day: Sunday, 16 June 2024 (Kelantan & Terengganu)
- Hari Raya Haji: Monday, 17 June 2024 (National)
- Hari Raya Haji Holiday: Tuesday, 18 June 2024 (Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu)
- Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday: Sunday, 30 June 2024 (Kedah)
July and August
- Georgetown World Heritage City Day: Sunday, 7 July 2024 (Penang)
- Awal Muharram: Sunday, 7 July 2024 (National)
- Awal Muharram Holiday: Monday, 8 July 2024 (National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu)
- Georgetown World Heritage City Holiday: Tuesday, 9 July 2024 (Penang)
- Penang Governor’s Birthday: Saturday, 13 July 2024 (Penang)
- Sarawak Day: Monday, 22 July 2024 (Sarawak)
- Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday: Tuesday, 30 July 2024 (Pahang)
- Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar: Sunday, 11 August 2024 (Johor)
- Melaka Governor’s Birthday: Saturday, 24 August 2024 (Melaka)
- Merdeka Day: Saturday, 31 August 2024 (National)
September
- Merdeka Day Holiday: Sunday, 1 September 2024 (Kelantan & Terengganu)
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: Monday, 16 September 2024 (National)
- Malaysia Day: Monday, 16 September 2024 (National)
- Malaysia Day Holiday: Tuesday, 17 September 2024 (National)
- Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday: Sunday, 29 September 2024 (Kelantan)
- Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday: Monday, 30 September 2024 (Kelantan)
Oktober till December
- Sabah Governor’s Birthday: Saturday, 5 October 2024 (Sabah)
- Sarawak Governor’s Birthday: Saturday, 12 October 2024 (Sarawak)
- Deepavali: Thursday, 31 October 2024 (National except Sarawak)
- Sultan of Perak’s Birthday: Friday, 1 November 2024 (Perak)
- Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday: Wednesday, 11 December 2024 (Selangor)
- Christmas Eve: Tuesday, 24 December 2024 (Sabah)
- Christmas Day: Wednesday, 25 December 2024 (National)
History
- Early History: Inhabited for thousands of years, with a history of trade and diverse influences from its position along strategic trade routes.
- Colonial Era: Fell under British rule in the 18th century, bringing together various Malay sultanates and states under one colonial administration.
- Independence and Formation: Gained independence in 1957. Formed Malaysia in 1963, incorporating Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and initially Singapore (which later became independent).
- Recent Developments: Post-independence, Malaysia has experienced rapid economic growth and development, along with political shifts and challenges.
Geography
- Location: Located in Southeast Asia, divided by the South China Sea into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (on Borneo island).
- Terrain: Features coastal plains rising to hills and mountains, with dense rainforests. Notable geographic features include Mount Kinabalu, the Cameron Highlands, and numerous islands.
- Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and two monsoon seasons.
Culture
- Ethnic and Cultural Diversity: A multicultural society with ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups. Each community contributes to Malaysia’s cultural tapestry.
- Religion: Islam is the official religion, but religious freedom is practiced, with significant Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and traditional indigenous beliefs.
- Cuisine: Reflects its ethnic diversity, known for dishes like nasi lemak, satay, and laksa. A rich street food culture.
Economy
- Rapid Development: Transitioned from a predominantly agricultural economy to one based on manufacturing, services, and tourism.
- Key Sectors: Major industries include electronics, palm oil, petroleum, and natural gas production.
- Economic Challenges: Focused on economic diversification, addressing income inequality, and sustainable growth.
Society
- Demographics: A diverse population with a mix of ethnicities, languages, and cultures.
- Education and Healthcare: Significant progress in education and healthcare, with ongoing efforts to improve quality and accessibility.
- Urbanization and Quality of Life: Rapid urbanization with modern cities like Kuala Lumpur. High quality of life with a focus on continued improvement.
Environmental Focus
- Biodiversity: Rich in biodiversity with extensive natural resources. Conservation of rainforests and wildlife is a priority.
- Environmental Challenges: Issues include deforestation, pollution, and balancing development with environmental sustainability.
Government and Politics
- Political System: A federal constitutional elective monarchy and parliamentary democracy. The King (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) is elected from the Malay sultans for a five-year term.
- Recent Political Landscape: Has seen significant political shifts and reforms, with a focus on governance, transparency, and social issues.
Tourism
- Diverse Attractions: Offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions. Highlights include the Petronas Twin Towers, UNESCO World Heritage sites like George Town and Melaka, tropical islands like Langkawi, and national parks.
- Cultural Tourism and Ecotourism: Opportunities to experience diverse cultures and explore unique ecosystems.
Challenges and Future Outlook
- Economic Growth and Innovation: Aiming for sustainable economic growth through innovation, technology, and diversifying industries.
- Social Harmony and Inclusion: Addressing ethnic and religious harmony, and fostering an inclusive society.
- Regional and Global Role: Active in ASEAN and international affairs, balancing regional development and global economic integration.
In summary,
