Is Monday a public holiday in Malaysia?
Malaysia, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant traditions, has a unique public holiday calendar that caters to its diverse population. One question that often arises is whether Monday is considered a public holiday in Malaysia. Let’s delve into this topic and find out the answer.
In Malaysia, public holidays are determined by the federal government and are meant to celebrate various religious, cultural, and historical events. These holidays are meant to give workers a break from their regular routines and allow them to spend quality time with their families and friends.
The standard working week in Malaysia is from Tuesday to Sunday, with Monday being the weekend. Therefore, in most cases, Monday is not a public holiday. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and certain Mondays may be declared as public holidays.
One such exception is the Hari Raya Puasa, which marks the end of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan. In 2021, for instance, the first day of Hari Raya Puasa fell on May 13, which meant that the following Monday (May 17) was declared a public holiday. This is because the holiday is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar.
Another exception is the Deepavali festival, which is celebrated by the Hindu community in Malaysia. In 2021, Deepavali fell on November 4, and the following Monday (November 8) was declared a public holiday to allow workers to celebrate the festival.
Additionally, some Mondays may be declared as public holidays due to special occasions, such as the birthday of the Sultan of Pahang or the Sultan of Johor. These holidays are often known as “Sultan’s birthday” or “Sultan’s birthday public holiday.”
In conclusion, while Monday is not typically a public holiday in Malaysia, there are exceptions based on religious and cultural events. It is essential for individuals to stay updated with the federal government’s announcements regarding public holidays to plan their schedules accordingly.
