Malaysia Public Holidays July to September 2026: Complete Guide
Malaysia Public Holidays July to September 2026: What You Need to Know
Planning your months ahead? July through September 2026 brings several important public holidays in Malaysia, including Merdeka Day (31 August), Malaysia Day (16 September), and Maulidur Rasul (25 August) — along with state-specific holidays and school holidays that could affect your travel plans.
Here's your complete guide to every public holiday in Malaysia for July, August, and September 2026.
July 2026 Public Holidays
July is a quieter month for national public holidays, but several state-level holidays and school holidays fall in this period.
State Holidays in July 2026
| Date | Holiday | State |
|------|---------|-------|
| 7 July (Tue) | Georgetown World Heritage City Day | Penang |
| 11 July (Sat) | Penang Governor's Birthday | Penang |
| 21 July (Tue) | Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar | Johor |
| 22 July (Wed) | Sarawak Day | Sarawak |
| 31 July (Fri) | Sultan of Pahang's Birthday | Pahang |
School Holidays in July 2026
> Travel tip: The late-July school holidays overlap across all states, making it one of the busiest domestic travel periods of the summer. Book accommodations and transport early.
August 2026 Public Holidays
August is when things heat up with two major national holidays within one week.
National Holidays in August 2026
Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday) — Tuesday, 25 August 2026
Celebrated nationwide, Maulidur Rasul commemorates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. Mosques and Islamic centres hold special prayers and processions. All states observe this as a public holiday.
Merdeka Day (National Day) — Monday, 31 August 2026
Malaysia's most important national holiday marks independence from British rule in 1957. Expect fireworks, parades (especially at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur), cultural performances, and a sea of Jalur Gemilang flags across the country.
State Holidays in August 2026
| Date | Holiday | State |
|------|---------|-------|
| 24 August (Mon) | Melaka Governor's Birthday | Melaka |
Long Weekend Opportunity: 25–31 August
With Maulidur Rasul on Tuesday 25 August and Merdeka Day on Monday 31 August, savvy workers can take leave on 26–28 August (Wed–Fri) to enjoy a full week off. Even without taking leave, many will get two long weekends:
September 2026 Public Holidays
National Holidays in September 2026
Malaysia Day — Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Malaysia Day commemorates the formation of the Malaysian federation in 1963, when Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore joined together. (Singapore later separated in 1965.) It's been a national public holiday since 2010.
Unlike Merdeka Day, which is more celebratory, Malaysia Day tends to have a more reflective tone — with cultural events, community activities, and discussions about Malaysian identity and unity.
State Holidays in September 2026
| Date | Holiday | State |
|------|---------|-------|
| 29–30 September (Tue–Wed) | Sultan of Kelantan's Birthday | Kelantan |
How Many Public Holidays Are Left in 2026?
After September, the major remaining holidays are:
Plus various state-specific holidays depending on where you live.
Planning Tips for July–September 2026
1. Book early for the August long weekends — Maulidur Rasul and Merdeka Day create peak demand for hotels, flights, and domestic travel.
2. Check your state's holidays — Many holidays are state-specific. A holiday in Penang or Sarawak may not apply in Selangor or Johor.
3. School holidays matter — Even if you don't have school-age children, school holidays mean heavier traffic, fuller restaurants, and higher prices.
4. Use annual leave strategically — The gap between Maulidur Rasul (25 Aug) and Merdeka Day (31 Aug) is a perfect opportunity to take a few days of leave for an extended break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 31 August 2026 a public holiday in Malaysia?
Yes. Merdeka Day on 31 August is a national public holiday observed in all states.
Is Malaysia Day a public holiday?
Yes. Malaysia Day on 16 September has been a national public holiday since 2010, observed in all states.
What is the next public holiday after Merdeka Day 2026?
The next nationwide public holiday after Merdeka Day (31 August) is Maulidur Rasul... wait — Maulidur Rasul actually falls on 25 August, which is *before* Merdeka Day. After both August holidays, the next national holiday is Malaysia Day on 16 September.
Are shops open on Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day?
Most shops, malls, and restaurants remain open on both holidays, though some may operate on reduced hours. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed.
Which states have holidays in July 2026?
Penang (7 July and 11 July), Johor (21 July), Sarawak (22 July), and Pahang (31 July) each have state-specific holidays in July 2026.