Deepavali Holiday 2026 in Malaysia: Replacement Holidays, Dates and Employee Rights

Planning your Deepavali break? In 2026, Hari Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November. Many states will observe replacement holiday on Monday, 9 November, but the arrangement depends on the state and your work schedule. Sarawak does not list Deepavali as a state public holiday.

For private-sector employees, another important point is that a gazetted holiday does not always mean every company must give the day off. Your entitlement depends on the applicable employment law and the cuti umum selected by your employer. This guide explains the 2026 dates, possible replacement leave, holiday pay, school holidays and what to ask HR.

When Is The Deepavali Holiday In Malaysia In 2026?

The official date for Hari Deepavali in 2026 is Sunday, 8 November. It is listed as a public holiday in all states except Sarawak. Whether you receive a replacement day depends on the state’s holiday arrangement and, for private-sector employees, whether the holiday is one you are entitled to under your company’s holiday list.

Important: The table is a general guide, not a guarantee that your company will close. Different workplaces may have different operating days, rest days and shift schedules. If you work shifts, confirm the date directly with HR or your supervisor.

Is Deepavali A Paid Public Holiday For Private-Sector Employees?

Not automatically for every employee. Under Section 60D of the Employment Act 1955, eligible employees covered by the Act are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year. Five are compulsory, while the employer selects the other six from the gazetted public holidays and informs employees of the selected dates.

This means Deepavali is a paid holiday for you when it is included in the cuti umum list that applies to your employment. Employers may include Deepavali in their list, but you should check the list shown in your HR system, employee handbook, workplace notice or employment documents.

The Employment Act 1955 applies in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. Sabah and Sarawak have their own Labour Ordinances, so employees there should confirm the applicable rules with their local labour department or HR.

Before making plans: Ask HR whether Deepavali is included in your company’s paid cuti umum list for 2026, whether 9 November is your replacement holiday , and whether your normal rest day affects the arrangement.

What Happens If Deepavali Falls On Your Rest Day?

If Deepavali is a paid public holiday that you are entitled to and it falls on your weekly rest day, the applicable law generally provides for a replacement paid holiday on the next working day. For employees whose rest day is Sunday, that may mean Monday, 9 November 2026.

However, shift workers may have a different rest day from the usual Saturday-Sunday weekend. Do not assume that everyone gets Monday off. Check your roster and the company’s public holiday notice, and ask HR to confirm the replacement date in writing if it is unclear.

An employer and employee may also agree to substitute an eligible public holiday with another day under the applicable rules. Keep a copy of the written agreement or HR confirmation.

How Much Will You Be Paid If You Work On Deepavali?

If Deepavali is one of your paid public holidays and you are covered by the relevant statutory provisions, the Employment Act 1955 sets out additional pay for work on that day:

These additional statutory payment rules generally apply to employees earning RM4,000 a month or less and to certain categories of employees regardless of wages, such as employees doing manual labour. The details depend on coverage and job category. If you are unsure, check with HR or the relevant labour department rather than relying on your basic salary alone.

Keep your work schedule, attendance record and slip gaji. If the payment does not look right, ask HR or payroll for a breakdown and refer to the labour department if the matter remains unresolved.

What About Penjawat Awam?

Penjawat awam should check the rules that apply to their service and department. Under the updated public-service guidance effective from 1 December 2024, Deepavali is included in Cuti Tanpa Rekod Kelompok (CTR Kelompok), replacing the older standalone circular reference.

Eligible Hindu officers may apply for one day of CTR for Deepavali, subject to the specific conditions and approval of the ketua jabatan. In states where Deepavali is a public holiday, the current guidance allows the CTR to be taken either one day before Deepavali or on the second day of the celebration. In Sarawak, where Deepavali is not a state public holiday, eligible officers may apply on Deepavali if it falls on a working day, or on the next working day if it falls on Sunday.

As CTR is subject to the applicable rules, remaining balance and departmental approval, check with your unit sumber manusia before making plans. Do not assume the CTR date is automatically approved.

When Are The School Holidays For Deepavali 2026?

The school holiday schedule is separate from employee cuti umum. According to the Ministry of Education’s 2026 academic calendar, the additional school holiday is arranged as follows:

• Monday, 9 November: Kumpulan A schools in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, and a special arrangement for Sarawak.
• Tuesday, 10 November: Kumpulan B schools, except Sarawak. Kumpulan B includes Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pulau Pinang, Sabah, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

If you have children, check the latest school notice as well as your own work calendar. A child’s cuti sekolah does not automatically mean a parent receives the same day off.

How To Plan A Longer Deepavali Break

If your employer approves annual leave, you may be able to combine cuti umum, replacement holiday and your normal rest days for a longer break. These are examples only and depend on your state, roster and approved leave:

• In states with a replacement holiday on Monday, 9 November, applying for cuti tahunan from 10 to 13 November could create a break from 7 to 15 November if you normally have Saturday and Sunday off.
• In Perak, the 6 November state holiday may provide an earlier start to the break if the holiday arrangement applies to your workplace.
• In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, check the Friday-Saturday weekend before selecting leave dates. Sunday, 8 November is the Deepavali holiday, but Monday is not automatically a replacement day because Deepavali falls on Sunday.
• In Sarawak, ask whether your employer offers special leave for Deepavali or submit a cuti tahunan request as early as possible.

Submit your request early, especially if several team members plan to take leave at the same time. Wait for written approval before booking non-refundable travel.

Message Template: Ask HR About Deepavali Leave

FAQs

What date is Deepavali in Malaysia in 2026?

Hari Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

Is 9 November 2026 a replacement holiday?

It is a replacement holiday in many states where Sunday is the weekly rest day. Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu have a Friday-Saturday weekend, so the arrangement is different. Sarawak does not list Deepavali as a state public holiday.

Do employees get extra pay for working on Deepavali?

Eligible employees covered by the statutory rules may receive additional pay for working on a paid public holiday and for overtime. Coverage depends on wage level, job category and the law that applies to the employee.

Is Deepavali a public holiday in Sarawak?

No. Deepavali is not listed as a state public holiday in Sarawak. Check your employer’s arrangement or apply for cuti tahunan. Eligible Hindu penjawat awam may have access to CTR Deepavali under the applicable JPA rules.

Official References

• Malaysia Government calendar
• KPM Academic Calendar 2026
• JPA: Cuti Tanpa Rekod Kelompok
• Malaysia Government: Labour Law

Holiday calendars, employment coverage and company arrangements can change or differ by location. Confirm the latest details with the relevant authority and your HR team.

Looking For A Job With Better Leave Benefits?

When comparing job offers, ask about cuti umum, annual leave, shift schedules and payment for work on public holidays. These details can affect your work-life balance, especially if you work in retail, F&B, hospitality, logistics or customer service.

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