Labour Day in Malaysia
Malaysia observes Labour Day, or Hari Pekerja, on 1 May as a federal public holiday. It recognizes workers’ contributions and links the country’s own holiday to a wider labour movement that advocated fair working conditions.[1][2]
A national public holiday
The Holidays Act 1951 lists Labour Day as a public holiday, with its addition taking effect in October 1972. The federal holiday schedule lists Hari Pekerja on 1 May across the country.[1][3]
Under section 60D of the Employment Act 1955, Workers’ Day is one of five specified holidays among the paid public holidays provided to employees covered by that Act. The Act also allows an employer to require an employee to work on a paid holiday, subject to the statutory pay rules.[2]
How the date became significant
Malaysia’s Ministry of Human Resources says Labour Day was recognized as a public holiday in 1972. The ministry connects the observance to the international labour movement of the nineteenth century, which pressed for fair working hours, workers’ welfare and social protection.[4]
In Malaysia, the day’s public meaning centres on acknowledging workers’ role in the country’s development and drawing attention to employment rights and well-being. These themes are reflected in the ministry’s description of Hari Pekerja as both an occasion of appreciation and a platform for awareness of workers’ rights.[4]
Work, substitutes and the day off
The date is fixed at 1 May. Under the Employment Act, if an applicable public holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the following working day is a paid holiday in substitution. Employers may also agree with employees to substitute another day for certain other gazetted holidays.[2]
A public holiday does not mean that every employee or service stops work. The Employment Act provides for work on a paid holiday and specifies additional pay in that case. The Act’s entitlement rules apply to employees within its scope, so individual coverage and arrangements matter.[2]
Practical plans
Opening hours for banks, shops, attractions and transport operators can vary, so check directly with the office, business or service you plan to use before travelling.[3]
Labour Day recognises workers and the labour movement in Malaysia.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Do employees get a paid day off?
Workers’ Day is among the specified holidays covered by the paid-holiday entitlement in section 60D of the Employment Act 1955. The entitlement depends on the Act applying to the employee; employers can require work on a paid holiday under the conditions set out in the law.[2]
Is a substitute day automatically listed when 1 May falls on a rest day?
Under section 60D, when an applicable public holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the following working day is a paid holiday in substitution.[2]
Are offices, shops and public transport open?
The holiday schedule does not specify opening hours or transport timetables. Check with the relevant office, business or operator for its Labour Day arrangements.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Labour Day in Malaysia:
- Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369)- Bahagian Kabinet, Perlembagaan dan Perhubungan Antara Kerajaan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri
- Laws of Malaysia Act 265: Employment Act 1955- Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia, Ministry of Human Resources
- Jadual Hari Kelepasan Am Persekutuan dan Negeri 2024- Bahagian Kabinet, Perlembagaan dan Perhubungan Antara Kerajaan, Jabatan Perdana Menteri
- Hari Pekerja 2026 | Pekerja MADANI KESUMA Bangsa- Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia