In 2023, there are many public holidays falling on Saturdays that cannot be taken as compensatory time off. However, there are also many public holidays that fall on Sundays, so they can be taken on Mondays.
According to the 2023 public holiday schedule released by the Cabinet, there will be 12 national public holidays in 2023 and 32 state-specific public holidays in 2023.
Many major holidays in 2023 fall on Saturdays and Sundays, such as New Year’s Day on January 1 on a Sunday, the first day of Lunar New Year on January 22 on a Sunday, and Dabbosun Day on February 5 on a Sunday.
In addition, the first day of Eid al-Fitr on April 22 falls on Saturday, the second day of Eid al-Fitr on April 23 falls on Sunday, and the sun sets on Saturday in Malaysia on September 16.
The birthday of the Head of Negeri Sembilan, the migration day of Muhammad, the enthronement day of the Sultan of Terengganu, the day of the descent of the Koran, the day of the historic city of Melaka, the birth of the Head of Penang, Sarawak Day, the birth of the Head of Sabah, the birth of the Head of Sarawak and the birth of the Sultan of Kelantan all fall on Saturday.
According to the Malaysian Holidays Act, a public holiday falling on a Saturday is not eligible for a compensatory holiday, but a public holiday falling on a Sunday is eligible for a compensatory holiday on Monday.
There will be 7 long weekends in 2023. When a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday, plus two weekends and two Sundays, this will result in three consecutive days of leave. When a public holiday falls on a Sunday, then a day of compensatory time off will be granted on Monday, which will also create a 3-day holiday streak.
Long weekend holidays in 2023
January 1 (Sunday): New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 22: First day of Lunar New Year
April 23 (Sunday): the second day of Eid al-Fitr
May 1 (Monday): Labor Day
June 5 (Monday): Head of State’s Birthday
November 12 (Sunday): Tu B’Shevat
December 25 (Monday): Christmas Day
