Christmas Day in Malaysia
Christmas Day is observed on 25 December and is listed as a public holiday throughout Malaysia. Its legal basis differs between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, while the day’s public celebrations often extend beyond Christian communities.[1][2][3][5]
Meaning and local history
For Christians, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus. In Malaysia, it is both a Christian religious observance and a public holiday in a country where festive events can also draw people of other faiths.[6][5]
Christianity has a long history in parts of East Malaysia. A Sarawak Museum Journal article records Anglican mission work in Sarawak beginning in 1848 and describes its interaction with Iban communities. That is one part of the region’s history, rather than a single origin story for Christmas in Malaysia.[7]
A nationwide holiday with different legal foundations
The Holidays Act 1951 lists Christmas Day as a public holiday and applies in Peninsular Malaysia, including the federal territories. Sabah’s Holidays Ordinance and Sarawak’s Public Holidays Ordinance also list Christmas Day, providing the legal basis in those states.[1][2][3]
The rules for a replacement day depend on the applicable law and circumstances. The Holidays Act provides for a following-day holiday when a listed holiday falls on a weekly holiday, defined there as Sunday or, in some states, Friday. Sarawak’s ordinance says the Monday after a listed holiday is a public holiday when that holiday falls on Sunday.[1][3]
How people observe the day
Church services are part of the religious observance. Away from church, Tourism Malaysia has described open-house visits between friends and families, seasonal displays and events at shopping malls, and carolling in some malls. These are examples of ways the season is shared; customs and activities vary between households and places.[5]
Christmas celebrations include open-house visits, seasonal mall events and carolling in some malls.[5]
Work, closures and planning
A public holiday does not mean every employee is automatically entitled to Christmas Day off. Under the Employment Act 1955, covered employees receive paid leave on 11 gazetted public holidays each year; five are specified by law, while employers select the remaining six from gazetted holidays. Employees should check which days their employer has designated.[4]
Public offices may generally close, subject to legal exceptions. Shops and malls may hold events or promotions, but opening hours are set by individual businesses. Check with the specific provider before travelling or making plans.[1][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas Day in Malaysia?
Is Christmas Day a public holiday throughout Malaysia?
Does everyone get the day off work?
Not automatically. For employees covered by the Employment Act 1955, employers designate six of the 11 annual paid public holidays from the gazetted list; check whether Christmas is included in your workplace’s designated holidays.[4]
Are shops and public transport open?
Some malls hold seasonal events, but opening hours vary by business. Check with individual shops and transport operators before setting out.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Malaysia:
- Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369)- Bahagian Kabinet, Perlembagaan dan Perhubungan Antara Kerajaan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri
- Holidays Ordinance (Sabah Cap. 56)- Bahagian Kabinet, Perlembagaan dan Perhubungan Antara Kerajaan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri
- Public Holidays Ordinance, Chapter 8- State Attorney-General’s Chambers, Sarawak
- Employment Act 1955 (Act 265)- Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia, Ministry of Human Resources
- CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE (MRTM)- Tourism Malaysia
- General Audience of 21 December 2011- The Holy See
- Sebayan: Iban Belief about the Afterlife and the Anglican Mission in Sarawak 1848-1968- Sarawak Museum Department