If you’re already planning your 2026 leave calendar, here’s some good news, a long weekend is coming your way thanks to Wesak Day and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday falling on consecutive days.
Two public holidays announced
According to a media statement by the Ministry of Human Resources, the government has gazetted the following public holidays:
- Wesak Day – 31 May 2026 (Sunday)
- Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday – 1 June 2026 (Monday)
With one falling on a Sunday and the other on a Monday, many Malaysians can look forward to an extended break.
Agong’s Birthday cannot be replaced
The statement clarified that Agong’s Birthday is a compulsory paid public holiday that must be given by employers in the private sector.
This means:
- It cannot be replaced with another day
- Employers are required to observe it as stated under the Employment Act 1955
Wesak Day depends on employer selection
Unlike Agong’s Birthday, Wesak Day is more flexible.
Employers can:
- Choose it as one of the paid public holidays
- Use it to fulfil the required number of public holidays given to employees
What happens since Wesak Day falls on Sunday?
Here’s where it gets interesting.
If:
- Sunday is your rest day, and
- Your employer chooses Wesak Day as a public holiday,
Then:
- Monday (1 June 2026) remains Agong’s Birthday (non-replaceable), and
- Tuesday (2 June 2026) may be given as a replacement public holiday for Wesak Day
However, this arrangement may vary depending on employer decisions and mutual agreements with employees.
Who is entitled to public holiday pay?
The statement also highlighted that:
- Employees earning RM4,000 and below, or those covered under the Employment Act
- Must be paid accordingly if they are required to work on public holidays
This includes rates set under the law for public holiday work.
So yes, whether you’re planning a short getaway or just looking forward to a break, end of May 2026 might just be the perfect time to recharge.
