KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysians look forward to ushering in the New Year tomorrow, not all states in the country observe Jan 1 as a public holiday.
The states—Johor, Kedah, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perlis—do not declare it a holiday, leaving government offices and departments operating as usual.
This decision is deeply rooted in the traditions and cultural practices of these states, which have shaped their unique public holiday schedules.
For instance, Kelantan and Terengganu do not officially celebrate the New Year, and their weekends fall on Friday and Saturday to ensure that Friday prayers can be performed without disruptions.
The same applies to Kedah, Johor, and Perlis, as these states focus more on religious events and Malay customs than on universal celebrations like the New Year.
Even so, modest New Year's celebrations can still be found in some smaller towns as a way to join in the spirit of the occasion
For those uncertain about whether Jan 1 is a public holiday in their state, it is advisable to confirm with their employer to avoid any confusion.