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PRIVATE sector employees in Malaysia will enjoy a rare double public holiday on 1 February 2026, coinciding with Thaipusam and Federal Territory Day, following an official announcement from the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM).
The department confirmed that the Federal Government has officially gazetted both days as public holidays next year.
“The Federal Government has gazetted the public holidays for 2026, namely Thaipusam and Federal Territory Day on 1 February 2026,” Bernama cited the the statement saying.
It was clarified that Federal Territory Day is a mandatory holiday for private sector employees located in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan under Section 60D(1)(a)(iii) of the Employment Act 1955 [Act 265], and cannot be substituted with another day.
“Since Federal Territory Day falls on a Sunday, employers who designate Sunday as the weekly rest day must grant a replacement holiday on the following working day, which is Monday,” the statement added.
The announcement also addressed the overlap with Thaipusam, which private sector employers may designate as one of the six selected annual public holidays under Subsection 60D(1)(a) of the Act.
In this case, a replacement holiday must be given on the next working day, Tuesday.
“Employers may also provide employees with an alternative paid leave day with mutual consent, as stipulated under Section 60D(1A),” the statement said.
Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to receive the statutory holiday pay rate in accordance with Section 60D(3) of the Employment Act. - December 31, 2025
