Islamic New Year in Malaysia
Islamic New Year, known in Malaysia as Awal Muharam or Maal Hijrah, begins on 1 Muharram. Malaysia’s official holiday schedule lists it as a federal public holiday across the states and federal territories.[1]
Meaning and calendar origin
The Hijri calendar counts years from the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina. Malaysia’s Institute of Islamic Understanding explains that the migration year was chosen as the calendar’s starting point because it marked a significant change for the Muslim community. Muharram became the first month even though the migration itself did not take place in Muharram.[2]
Maal Hijrah is therefore both the start of a calendar year and an occasion to reflect on the meaning of hijrah. A Malaysian government account describes the national celebration as an annual event focused on lessons from the Prophet’s migration, including self-reflection and personal improvement.[3]
Public holiday and time off
Malaysia’s federal and state holiday schedule identifies Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah) as a federal public holiday and marks it across the states and federal territories.[1] The Employment Act 1955 provides paid holidays for employees covered by its provisions, but it does not mean every worker has the same day off: employers select some of the gazetted holidays covered by the Act.[4]
For covered employees, the Act also provides a paid substitute holiday when a qualifying public holiday falls on a rest day or another public holiday. The weekday arrangement depends on the employee’s rest day and applicable employment rules, so check with your employer if the date falls on your usual day off.[4]
How it is observed
The national Maal Hijrah celebration is a formal public event. Malaysian government reporting describes a yearly ceremony that reflects on the migration and presents national and international Maal Hijrah awards.[3] The schedule and venue can differ between editions, so check current announcements for event details.
The national Maal Hijrah celebration includes the presentation of national and international Maal Hijrah awards.[3]
Planning around the holiday
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check with shops and transport services before making a visit or journey.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is Islamic New Year a public holiday in Malaysia?
Yes. Malaysia’s official holiday schedule lists Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah) as a federal public holiday across the states and federal territories.[1]
When does it fall?
Does everyone get a day off, and is there a substitute day?
The Employment Act 1955 sets paid-holiday entitlements for employees covered by it, including rules for substitute days when a qualifying holiday falls on a rest day or another public holiday. Check your employer’s holiday notice for your individual arrangement.[4]
Are offices, banks, shops, and public transport open?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go. Check with shops and transport operators before you go.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Islamic New Year in Malaysia:
- JADUAL HARI KELEPASAN AM PERSEKUTUAN DAN NEGERI 2024- Bahagian Kabinet, Perlembagaan dan Perhubungan Antara Kerajaan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri
- Why Islamic Calendar Begins with the Month of Muharram?- Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia
- HEAD OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES SECTION LEADS CONSTITUENCY TO NATIONAL MAAL HIJRAH CELEBRATION 1448H/2026M AT MASJID PUTRA, PUTRAJAYA- Ministry of Defence, Malaysia
- Laws of Malaysia ACT 265: Employment Act 1955- Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia, Ministry of Human Resources