Sarawak Day 2026: Date, History & How Malaysia Celebrates July 22
Sarawak Day 2026: Date, History & How Malaysia Celebrates July 22
Sarawak Day (Hari Sarawak) falls on 22 July 2026 (Wednesday) and is a gazetted state public holiday observed throughout Sarawak. The day commemorates Sarawak's independence from British rule in 1963 and is one of the most culturally significant dates on the Sarawak calendar.
If you're living in Sarawak, planning a visit, or wondering whether your business operations will be affected, here's everything you need to know.
Is Sarawak Day a Public Holiday?
Yes. Sarawak Day is a state-level public holiday gazetted under the Sarawak Public Holidays Ordinance. This means:
If you're based in Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah, July 22 is a normal working day unless your company has a specific Sarawak operations policy.
The History Behind Sarawak Day
Sarawak Day marks a pivotal moment in the state's history. On 22 July 1963, Sarawak gained self-government from the British Crown, ending nearly 120 years of rule under the White Rajahs (the Brooke family) and the subsequent British Crown Colony period.
This was a brief but meaningful period of independence — just over two months later, on 16 September 1963, Sarawak joined Malaya, Sabah, and Singapore to form the Federation of Malaysia.
Key milestones:
The holiday was officially gazetted in 2017, giving Sarawakians a dedicated day to reflect on their unique identity and history.
What's Open and Closed on Sarawak Day 2026?
Since Sarawak Day falls on a Wednesday in 2026, there is no long weekend. Here's what to expect:
| Category | Status |
|----------|--------|
| Government offices | Closed |
| Schools (Sarawak) | Closed |
| Banks & post offices | Closed |
| Shopping malls | Generally open (reduced hours possible) |
| Supermarkets & convenience stores | Open |
| Tourist attractions | Open — expect special Sarawak Day programmes |
| Public transport | Operating on weekend/holiday schedules |
| Restaurants & eateries | Most open; some may have special promotions |
If you're visiting Kuching, Miri, or Sibu, most tourist attractions will remain open and may host special exhibitions or cultural performances.
How Sarawak Celebrates Sarawak Day
Sarawak Day is marked by a mix of official ceremonies and grassroots celebrations across the state:
Official events
Community celebrations
Where to join the celebrations
Kuching, as the state capital, hosts the largest events. The Kuching Waterfront and Padang Merdeka are focal points for public celebrations. Sibu and Miri also organise their own community events.
Does Sarawak Day Affect Long Weekends in 2026?
In 2026, Sarawak Day falls on Wednesday, 22 July — right in the middle of the week. Unfortunately, this means no long weekend for the holiday itself.
However, if you're willing to take annual leave on Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July, you can enjoy a 5-day break (Wednesday to Sunday). This is a popular option for Sarawakians planning trips to neighbouring Sabah, Brunei, or even Peninsular Malaysia.
Other Sarawak Public Holidays in 2026
Sarawak observes several state-specific holidays throughout the year alongside national ones:
Check our [complete Malaysia public holiday calendar](https://www.malaysiapublicholiday.my) for the full list of Sarawak and national holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sarawak Day a nationwide public holiday?
No. Sarawak Day is a state-level holiday observed only in Sarawak. Other Malaysian states do not observe this holiday.
Do shops and malls close on Sarawak Day?
Most shopping malls and supermarkets remain open, though some may operate on reduced hours. Government offices, banks, and schools are closed.
Is Sarawak Day the same as Malaysia Day?
No. Sarawak Day (22 July) commemorates Sarawak's self-government in 1963. Malaysia Day (16 September) marks the formation of the Federation of Malaysia. They are separate occasions about two months apart.
Who gets a day off on Sarawak Day?
Employees working in Sarawak — both in the public and most private sectors — are entitled to the day off. Workers in other states are not affected.
Will there be replacement holidays if Sarawak Day falls on a weekend?
In 2026, Sarawak Day falls on a Wednesday, so no replacement holiday is needed. When it falls on a weekend, a replacement day is typically gazetted.