Merdeka Day 2025, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

The date of Merdeka Day 2025, the celebration of Merdeka Day or Merdeka or National Day, school holidays and public holidays, reminds us that Malaysia celebrates Merdeka Day (National Day), commemorating Malaysia's independence from British colonialism in 1957.

Merdeka Day is an important celebration and is celebrated on a large scale with official ceremonies, colorful parades, singing, stage performances, competitions and various other activities held at designated places every year.

Merdeka Day Date 2025

Announcement of Official Dates for Merdeka Day Holidays 2025

If you refer to the 2025 federal and state public holiday schedule by kabinet.gov.my, National Day will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

• August 31, 2025 (Sunday) – Merdeka Day (All States)

August 2025

School Holidays in Conjunction with National Day Public Holiday 2025

All students in Malaysia will enjoy the National Day holiday or Independence Day based on their school group in 2025. These dates will help students, parents and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

• 31 August 2025 (Sunday) – School holiday in all states

Group B

(Mellaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, WP Labuan and WP Putrajaya)

• 31 August 2025 (Sunday) – School holiday in all states

If you plan ahead, keep in mind that the school will follow the government's public holiday schedule without additional holidays.

The Ministry of Education has not announced any special/additional arrangements for the 2025 National Day celebration. You can check the official MOE portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

National Day Celebration in Malaysia

Malaysia's Independence Day, also known as National Day or Merdeka Day, is celebrated throughout Malaysia on 31 August every year to mark the country's freedom from colonial rule in 1957.

On 31 August 1957, Tunku Abdul Rahman declared “Merdeka!” (Freedom!) seven times at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur after raising the Malayan flag, marking the end of British rule over the Federation of Malaya.

This moment is immortalized in the nation's memory and reinforced through the celebration of Merdeka Day every year.

The celebration of National Day commemorates the services of the country's fighters, as well as instilling a spirit of patriotism and strengthening racial unity.

National Day / National Day Celebrated :

• A massive parade and rally will take place at Dataran Merdeka / Dataran Putrajaya on August 31. It will be a platform for the people to express their pride and gratitude for the independence they have enjoyed so far.

• All states and federal territories also organize parades and flag-raising ceremonies, often with local dignitaries and cultural performances.

• Streets, buildings and houses are decorated with the Malaysian flag, the national color.

• Cultural exhibitions, fireworks, concerts, and Merdeka parties enliven the celebrations.

National Day Dates by Year

2025 August 31 Sunday
2026 August 31 Monday
2027 August 31 Tuesday

Join the National Day Celebration:

• Watch or Attend the National Parade – Join the celebrations at Dataran Merdeka, Putrajaya, or your local state capital.

• Participate in Community Events – official ceremonies and cultural exhibitions

• Show Your Patriotism – Fly the Malaysian flag

Main Place

• Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), Kuala Lumpur – The historic site of the original 1957 proclamation and the location of the current parade.

• Merdeka Stadium – Built for the first Independence Day celebration; still used for sporting and cultural events.

• National Capitals & Civic Spaces – Throughout Malaysia, you will find local parades, flag-raising activities and patriotic decorations.

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