Published On: 27/06/2025By

Public Holidays 101: Muthu Confused, Why Got So Many Holidays in June?

Scenario: Muthu, who just joined a small IT company, asks HR, “Eh boss, June got Agong’s Birthday lah! So many holidays, but why my friend’s company choose different days to observe ah?” Boss also a bit blur, start to check the rule for public holidays.

Understanding Public Holidays in Malaysia (As Per Employment Act 1955)

Public holidays are like bonus breaks for us all, but sometimes confusing, especially in months with special events. Under the Employment Act 1955 (which as of 1 Jan 2023 applies to ALL employees in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan), employers must provide at least 11 paid public holidays yearly.

  • 5 compulsory holidays (you cannot change):
    • National Day (Hari Merdeka)
    • Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (usually in June!)
    • Malaysia Day (16 Sept)
    • Labour Day (1 May)
    • Ruler/Governor/FT Day (state-level)
  • 6 more holidays (employer chooses)

Each company can decide the extra 6 holidays based on what’s popular in the company — some pick Christmas, Deepavali, or even Thaipusam depending on their staff background!

If Work During Public Holiday?

Under Section 60D, if Muthu or anyone is required to work on a public holiday, company must pay extra (basic rate of pay x2) OR give replacement leave. No such thing as work “free-free” on public holidays!

Checklist: Boss/HR, What You Need To Do

  • Communicate public holiday list early — must fix before start of calendar year (if possible), so no confusion like Muthu!
  • Stick to the 5 compulsory holidays, don’t skip or exchange them.
  • Choose the other 6 holidays based on your team’s need and culture mix.
  • If you swap replacement holiday (say your office open during Agong’s Birthday), announce the replacement date clearly and pay what’s due.
  • Record-keeping — make sure your HR system tracks who works on public holidays (for pay or leave calculation later).

Modern Twist: Gen Z & Flexible Public Holidays?

Some companies (especially startups) even allow staff to swap selected holidays — example, a Gen Z team member may request Deepavali off even if it’s not in official list. Still okay as long as your total paid public holiday is minimum 11 days, and 5 must be compulsory. Write this flexibility down in your handbook!

Summary Table: June Example (2024)

  • Compulsory: Agong’s Birthday (June)
  • Extra: If your company picks Hari Raya Haji as one of the 6, staff will get both!

HR Pro Tips

  • Share a clear holiday calendar (PDF or shared doc) with all staff.
  • Don’t quietly change holiday dates — must inform everyone ASAP.
  • Pay correctly for public holiday work, or staff can report to labour office.
  • Use digital system to track leave & attendance for accuracy (no more manual headache!)

Tired of confused staff asking “got holiday or not?” every month? Try Pandahrms — public holiday calendar auto-update, attendance & OT calculation in one place!