KUALA LUMPUR: Thaipusam and Federal Territories Day have been confirmed as public holidays for 2026, with both celebrations taking place on 1 February next year, the Federal Government announced.
The Department of Labour of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) explained that private sector employers in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan are obligated to grant a paid holiday for Federal Territories Day as it is classified as a compulsory public holiday.
Since the date falls on a Sunday, employers who treat Sunday as the official weekly rest day must provide a replacement holiday on Monday. Additionally, employers opting to observe Thaipusam as part of their selected public holidays are required to provide an additional replacement holiday on Tuesday.
Alternatively, employers may choose another paid off day, provided it is mutually agreed upon with employees, in line with the Employment Act.
JTKSM also reminded that employees instructed to work on the declared holiday are entitled to public holiday wage rates stipulated under labour law.
The decision clarifies implementation procedures for employers while protecting employee entitlements.
