New Year’s Day in Brunei
New Year’s Day falls on January 1 and is listed in Brunei’s Employment Act as a public holiday. The date also has a place in the country’s history: Brunei achieved independence on January 1, 1984, while its National Day is a separate holiday in February.[1][2]
A paid holiday under Brunei law
Schedule 3 of the Employment Act names January 1 as New Year’s Day. Section 70 says employees are entitled to a paid holiday at their gross rate of pay for a public holiday that falls during their employment. The law therefore gives the day a defined workplace status, alongside Brunei’s other public holidays.[1]
The Act also sets out how the entitlement works in different situations. An employer and employee may agree to substitute another day. If a public holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the next working day is a paid holiday; if the employee is not required to work that day, the employer may pay for it or give a substitute day. An employee may also be required to work on a holiday, in which case the Act provides for extra pay.[1]
New Year and Brunei’s independence
January 1 has a national historical connection as well as its place in the calendar. In a National Day message, the Sultan identified January 1, 1984, as the date Brunei achieved independence. The Employment Act lists National Day separately on February 23, so the two dates have distinct places in the country’s public-holiday calendar.[1][2]
Official observance
A royal New Year message is one documented form of official observance. In a message marking the start of the Gregorian year, the Sultan greeted Brunei’s citizens and residents and invited them to reflect on the country’s progress and direction. This records an official national greeting; it does not establish that everyone celebrates in the same way.[3]
For details of local New Year events, check announcements from Brunei’s authorities.
What to expect for services
The paid-holiday entitlement does not mean every workplace or business must close. The Act allows employees to be required to work on a public holiday and specifies additional pay in that case. It does not set a universal opening schedule for banks, shops, restaurants, or transport operators, so visitors should check directly with the service they plan to use.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Day a public holiday in Brunei?
Yes. January 1 is named as New Year’s Day in Schedule 3 of the Employment Act, which provides paid public-holiday entitlement for employees.[1]
When is New Year’s Day observed?
It falls on January 1 each year. Brunei’s Employment Act lists January 1 as New Year’s Day.[1]
Is there always a substitute day?
The Act allows employer and employee to agree on a substitute day. It also provides a paid day on the next working day if the public holiday falls on an employee’s rest day; the applicable arrangement depends on the employee’s work schedule.[1]
Are banks, shops, and transport services open?
There is no uniform opening schedule established by the Employment Act for these services. Check with the bank, business, or transport provider directly for its holiday hours.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Brunei:
- Employment Act, Chapter 278 (Revised Edition 2026)- Attorney General’s Chambers, Brunei Darussalam
- Titah Perutusan KDYMM Bersempena Ulang tahun Hari Kebangsaan Negara Brunei Darussalam Kali Ke-41 bagi Tahun 1446H / 2025M- Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam
- Titah KDYMM Sempena Awal Tahun Masihi 2026- Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam