Did you know that not all Malaysian states have the same weekend? Three states have different configurations, and this can significantly affect your long weekend planning.
At a Glance
- Friday-Saturday weekend: Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu
- Saturday-Sunday weekend: All other states
- Impact: Different long weekend calculations
- Reason: To facilitate Friday prayers
Weekend Configuration by State
Friday-Saturday Weekend
| State | Rest Day | Working Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kedah | Friday | Sunday - Thursday |
| Kelantan | Friday | Sunday - Thursday |
| Terengganu | Friday | Sunday - Thursday |
Saturday-Sunday Weekend
| State | Rest Day | Working Days |
|---|---|---|
| Selangor | Sunday | Monday - Friday |
| Johor* | Sunday | Monday - Friday |
| All other states | Sunday | Monday - Friday |
Note: Johor returned to Saturday-Sunday weekend from 1 January 2025, after using Friday-Saturday from 2014-2024.
Why Does This Difference Exist?
States with high Muslim majority populations — Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu — chose Friday as the main rest day to facilitate Friday prayers. This is a long-standing tradition.
How Does This Affect Long Weekends?
Example 1: Holiday Falls on Thursday (Deepavali 2027)
Scenario: Deepavali — Thursday, 28 October 2027
| State | Weekend | Holiday Days | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selangor | Sat-Sun | Thursday only | 1 day (need to take Friday for 4 days) |
| Kelantan | Fri-Sat | Thursday + Friday + Saturday | 3 days without taking leave |
Kelantan advantage: Get 3 days off without using annual leave!
Example 2: Holiday Falls on Thursday (Malaysia Day 2027)
Scenario: Malaysia Day — Thursday, 16 September 2027
| State | Result | Need to Take Leave? |
|---|---|---|
| Selangor | 4 days (Thu-Sun) | Yes, 1 day (Friday) |
| Kelantan | 3 days (Thu-Sat) | No |
Example 3: Holiday Falls on Sunday
Scenario: Awal Muharram 2027 — Sunday, 6 June
| State | Result | Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Selangor | 3 days (Sat-Mon) | Yes, Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is already Agong) |
| Kelantan | 3 days (Sun-Mon) | Not needed (Sunday is normal working day) |
Both states benefit because Monday is Agong’s Birthday.
Holidays Act 1951: Replacement Holidays
According to Section 3 of the Holidays Act 1951, if a public holiday falls on a weekly rest day, the following working day becomes a replacement holiday.
| State | Rest Day | If Holiday Falls on Rest Day |
|---|---|---|
| Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu | Friday | Replacement on Sunday (working day) |
| Other states | Sunday | Replacement on Monday |
2027 Long Weekend Comparison
| Opportunity | Selangor (Sat-Sun) | Kelantan (Fri-Sat) |
|---|---|---|
| CNY (Sat-Sun 6-7 Feb) | 3 days + 1 leave = 4 | 3 days + 1 leave = 4 |
| Hari Raya (Wed-Thu 10-11 Mar) | 2 days + 2 leave = 6 | 2 days + 2 leave = 5* |
| Malaysia Day (Thu 16 Sep) | 1 day + 1 leave = 4 | 3 days (no leave) |
| Deepavali (Thu 28 Oct) | 1 day + 1 leave = 4 | 3 days (no leave) |
*Kelantan: Hari Raya connects to Friday-Saturday weekend differently
Planning Tips
For Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu Residents
- Capitalize on Thursday holidays — Get 3 days without taking leave (Thu-Fri-Sat)
- Watch for Wednesday holidays — Take Thursday for 4 days
- Check state-specific calendars — Use our leave planner
For Other State Residents
- If visiting Kelantan/Terengganu — Shops may close on Friday
- Book activities wisely — Tourism is busier on Saturday
- Night markets — May be on different days
Download State Calendars
Download the public holiday calendar specific to your state in ICS format:
Book Your Vacation
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Conclusion
Understanding weekend differences between states is crucial for maximizing your long weekends. Residents of Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu have an advantage when holidays fall on Thursday — getting 3 days without taking any leave.
Use our leave planner to calculate the best opportunities based on your state!
Useful links: