February 1, 2026 will be a unique date on Malaysia’s calendar, as Thaipusam Day and Federal Territory Day fall on the same day, with the Federal Government officially gazetting it as a dual public holiday.
In a statement, the Peninsular Malaysia Department of Labour clarified that Federal Territory Day is a mandatory, non-substitutable public holiday for private-sector employers in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan, as provided under Section 60D (1) (a)(iii) of the Employment Act 1955.
As the date falls on a Saturday, employers whose weekly rest day is Sunday are required to grant a replacement holiday on Monday. However, for employers who have chosen Thaipusam Day as one of their six optional public holidays under the Act, an additional provision applies. Since both holidays coincide, a replacement holiday must be given on Tuesday.
The department also reminded employers that employees required to work on either public holiday are entitled to holiday pay at the rate stipulated under Section 60D (3) of the Employment Act. Alternatively, with the consent of the employee, employers may grant a different day as a paid holiday in lieu, in accordance with Subsection 60D.
The rare overlap of two significant holidays highlights both Malaysia’s cultural diversity and the importance of clear employment guidelines to ensure fair treatment of workers across the Federal Territories.
Sources: MalayMail
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