Top 20 Countries which has the most public holidays
by Hong Yuan
May 1, 2024
at 1:54 PM
Believe it or not, Malaysia isn't even in the Top 10! While Malaysia is known for its generous number of public holidays, many people might be surprised to learn that there are actually many countries around the world that offer even more breaks throughout the year. So, if you've been dreaming of a place with even more opportunities to celebrate and recharge, then buckle up as we explore the top 20 countries with the most public holidays!
The Top 20 Countries with Public Holidays: Where Does Malaysia Rank?
So, where does Malaysia stand? The exact number can vary slightly depending on the year, but Malaysia typically enjoys around 15-20 public holidays. This positions it comfortably in the upper ranks globally.
These holidays celebrate a beautiful blend of Malaysia's multicultural identity. From festive occasions like Hari Raya Aidilfitri (marking the end of Ramadan) and Chinese New Year to Deepavali (the Festival of Lights) and Malaysia Day, there's always something to celebrate.
Here's a glimpse at the top 20 countries with the most public holidays:
Nepal (35 holidays)
Cambodia (approx. 29 holidays)
Sri Lanka (approx. 26 holidays)
India (approx. 21 holidays)
Myanmar (varies depending on the source)
Bangladesh (approx. 16 holidays)
Iran (varies depending on the source)
Thailand (approx. 16 holidays)
Malaysia (approx. 15-20 holidays)
China (varies depending on the source)
Hong Kong (approx. 17 holidays)
Pakistan (approx. 16 holidays)
Turkey (approx. 14 holidays)
Vietnam (approx. 10 holidays)
Indonesia (approx. 16 holidays)
Philippines (approx. 14 holidays)
Brazil (approx. 10 holidays)
Argentina (approx. 10 holidays)
Japan (approx. 16 holidays)
United States (10 federal holidays)
How many gazetted holidays are there in Malaysia?
Every employee in Malaysia is entitled to the 11 gazetted public holidays in Malaysia and any day specified as a public holiday under Section 8 of the Holidays Act under Section 60D of the Employment Act.
State-level holidays are not mandatory for employers to acknowledge these holidays. If businesses choose not to declare certain state-level holidays as paid holidays, employees must continue working as usual.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, Federal Territory Day must be observed in the federal territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan). Similarly, the Ruler's Birthday or the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's Birthday must be observed in other states.
What are the 5 compulsory Public Holidays in Malaysia?
Under Section 60D, employers are mandated to provide a list of 11 gazetted public holidays to employees before the start of each calendar year.
Among these 11 holidays, there are 5 Compulsory Public Holidays in Malaysia:
National Day: Celebrated on August 31st each year, this day marks Malaysia's independence from British colonial rule in 1957.
Malaysia Day: Observed on September 16th annually, this day commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
The Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King's Birthday): This holiday is celebrated on the first Saturday of June each year.
Labour Day: Celebrated on May 1st every year, this day honors all workers and employees across the country.
Birthday of the ruler or governor of the state (e.g., Federal Territory Day in the federal territories): This holiday varies depending on the specific state and its ruler or governor.
The list above shows the 5 compulsory public holidays in Malaysia. Employers can choose the remaining 6 holidays to make up the 11 holidays. This means employers can ask employees to work on days like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, or Deepavali.
As mentioned earlier, employers are required to provide a list of 11 gazetted public holidays at the start of each calendar year. As an employee in Malaysia, you need to know your rights for public holidays in Malaysia.
Benefits and Considerations
Public holidays offer a welcome respite from work and a chance to recharge. They allow Malaysians to connect with family and friends, participate in cultural traditions, and explore the country's diverse offerings. This can boost morale, strengthen social bonds, and contribute to a healthy work-life balance.
However, a higher number of holidays can also impact productivity. Businesses might need to factor in these breaks when planning schedules and deadlines.
Conclusion
Public holidays are a time to celebrate, relax, and appreciate Malaysia's rich cultural heritage. While the number might not be the highest globally, it offers a healthy balance between work and leisure for Malaysians. So, the next time a public holiday rolls around, embrace the opportunity to unwind, reconnect, and experience the wonders Malaysia has to offer!
