12 National Holidays in Malaysia - What Are Malaysia Public Holidays and Special Occasions?

By CN Pong
Other than Thailand, the national holidays in Malaysia is probably more than any other country in Southeast Asia, totaling 13 days. And from time to time, due to special occasions and events new ones are added on to the list. There are also a couple of other public holidays that are only celebrated in certain states such as the birthdays of rulers. In this article, we will look at these national holidays in Malaysia.

1 - New Year's Day
As with any other country, New Year's Day is celebrated on the first day of the year. The main celebrations are held on the eve, at around midnight especially at the night clubs.

2 - Chinese New Year
In 2012, Chinese New Year will be celebrated on the 23rd January. This festival is celebrated with loud firecrackers, Lion Dances and Mandarin oranges.

3 - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
This will be celebrated on the 5th February 2012, and is a solemn celebration which is mainly prayers at the mosques.

4 - Labor Day
Celebrated on the 1st May every year as a day of appreciation for workers. No prominent celebration.

5 - Wesak Day
This will be celebrated on 5th May 2012 by Buddhist throughout the country. Celebrations will be held with prayers held at the Buddhist temples and vegetarian food is usually served.

6 - Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the Malaysian King and in 2012, his birthday will be celebrated on 2nd June. The King honors honorary titles to members of the public who have perform outstanding achievements at his Palace.

7 - Hari Raya Aidilfitri
This celebration marks the end of the month long fast which Muslims undertake and is celebration in grandeur with Open Houses throughout the country and some of the best Malay cuisine. In 2012, it will be celebrated on 19th August.

8 - Independence Day
Held on 31st August each year, it celebrates the country's Independence from the British colonist in 1957. A grand parade is held each year, usually in the capital city.

9 - Hari Raya Haji
This celebrates the pilgrimage that Muslims are supposed to perform in Mecca at least once in their lifetime. In 2012, it will be celebrated on 26th October.

10 - Deepavali
Celebrated by the Indian community throughout the country, it celebrates the triumph of Light over Dark and is an excellent time to sample great Indian cuisine. This will be held on 13th November 2012.

11 - Awal Muharram
This celebration marks the time when Prophet Muhammad migrated to Madinah and is celebrated with a solemn parade. In 2012, it will be held on 15 November

12 - Christmas
You can know that Christmas is coming when the shopping malls start their decorations about a month before the day. Like everywhere else in the world, Christmas is celebrated on 25th December each year.

Holidays in Malaysia can be confusing at times some National holidays only applied in certain states and also, the dates of each holiday is not fixed. It might be vary.

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