Federal Territories Day 2026, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

Federal Territories Day 2026 dates, Federal Territories Day celebrations, school holidays and public holidays, remind us that Federal Territories Day is a public holiday celebrated annually on 1 February in the three Federal Territories of Malaysia, namely the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya. This date marks the anniversary of the declaration of Kuala Lumpur as the first Federal Territory in 1974. It commemorates the formation and identity of the federal territory of Malaysia.

The first Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur, was established on 1 February 1974, when it was transferred from Selangor to the federal government. Later, Labuan was declared a Federal Territory in 1984, and Putrajaya in 2001. Federal Territory Day celebrates the uniqueness and administrative status of these three territories, which are directly governed by the federal government rather than individual states.

Federal Territories Day Date 2026

Announcement of Official Dates for Federal Territories Day Holidays 2026

If you refer to the 2026 federal and state public holiday schedule by kabinet.gov.my, Federal Territories Day will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

February 1, 2026 (Sunday) – Federal Territories Day (WP Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya)

February 2026

School Holidays in Conjunction with Federal Territories Day Public Holiday 2026

All students in Malaysia will enjoy Federal Territories Day holidays based on their school group in 2026. These dates will help students, parents, and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

1 February 2026 (Sunday) – Regular school day on that day. No additional holidays.

Group B

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

1 February 2026 (Sunday) – Normal school holiday on that day. Additional holiday for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, on Monday.

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 2026 Federal Territories Day celebration. You can check the official MOE portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

Federal Territories Day Celebration in Malaysia

Federal Territories Day is a public holiday celebrated annually on 1 February in the three Federal Territories of Malaysia, namely the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya. This date marks the anniversary of the declaration of Kuala Lumpur as the first Federal Territory in 1974. It commemorates the formation and identity of the federal territories of Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur: It is the capital of Malaysia and the largest city.
Labuan: Known as the International Business and Finance Centre (IBFC).
Putrajaya: Functions as the administrative center of the Federation and the administrative capital of Malaysia.

Difference between Federal Territory and State:

The Federal Territories are directly administered by the Federal government, while the other states are ruled by their respective state governments.
The Federal Territory does not have sovereign status like the states in the federation.

Important Dates:

February 1, 1974: Kuala Lumpur was declared the first Federal Territory.
April 16, 1984: Labuan was declared as the second Federal Territory.
February 1, 2001: Putrajaya declared as the third Federal Territory

Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

The Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur was declared a Federal Territory on 1 February 1974.
It is directly administered by the Federal Government.
Kuala Lumpur is the center of government and administration of Malaysia, housing the Parliament building and various federal government offices.
Commercial Center – Kuala Lumpur is the economic and business center of Malaysia, with many shopping malls, office buildings, and financial institutions.
Kuala Lumpur is famous for its tourist attractions such as the KLCC Tower, Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Malaysian Islamic Arts Museum and so on.
February 1 is celebrated as Federal Territory Day to commemorate the declaration of Kuala Lumpur as a Federal Territory.
Kuala Lumpur continues to develop as a modern and cosmopolitan city, with various infrastructure and commercial development projects.
Kuala Lumpur is located in the heart of the Klang Valley and is surrounded by the Titiwangsa Range to the east.

Federal Territory of Labuan

The Federal Territory of Labuan is the second Federal Territory of Malaysia
Labuan was declared as the second Federal Territory on 16 April 1984.
Labuan is known as the International Business and Financial Centre (IBFC)
Labuan encompasses the entire island of Labuan which has an area of 91.64 km²
Labuan Island is located about 10 km off the coast of Sabah, a 2 1/2 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur.
Labuan Island was declared an offshore financial centre in 1990 and a duty-free port since 1956.
Labuan has a deep and large harbor, which is the origin of its name, port or “Labuhan”. The capital of the Federal Territory of Labuan is Victoria Town.
Labuan Island also has clear waters and sandy beaches along the coastline, making it a good tourist destination. Labuan Island also has good waters for diving activities and has four scuba diving destinations.

Federal Territory Putrajaya

Putrajaya serves as the federal administrative center and the administrative capital of Malaysia.
1 February 2001 Putrajaya was declared the third Federal Territory
The Federal Territory of Putrajaya is the administrative center for the capital of Malaysia.
Putrajaya covers an area of 49 square kilometers.
Most of the residents of Putrajaya are civil servants who work in government offices located in the capital.
Putrajaya is located in the southern part of the state of Selangor, 25 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur.
The administrative centre of the Malaysian government was moved from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya starting in 1999 due to serious congestion and overcrowding problems in Kuala Lumpur. However, Kuala Lumpur still remains the constitutional capital of Malaysia, and remains the country's legal, financial and commercial centre.
The establishment of Putrajaya was the result of the planning of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, with its development beginning in August 1995. The development of this city is also estimated to cost US$1.4T8.1 billion.
Today, the city is home to Perdana Putra, the main administrative complex of the Federal government, ministry complexes, the official residences of the Prime Minister and his Deputy, and housing areas for government employees.

The purpose of celebrating Federal Territories Day is to commemorate the declaration of the Federal Territories.

Activities to celebrate Federal Territories Day usually involve various programmes and events organised by the government and related agencies, including wellbeing and welfare programmes, as well as community events.

The themes of the Federal Territories Day celebration emphasize the aspiration to make the federal territory an inclusive place that reflects unity, understanding, and belonging of the entire community.

This celebration symbolizes community pride, unity and progress in this special jurisdiction, which plays an important role in the governance, tourism and development of Malaysia.

Federal Territories Day fosters a shared sense of community among residents while showcasing achievements in infrastructure, governance and social initiatives.

Federal Territory Day Dates by Year

2025 February 1 Saturday
2026 February 1 Sunday
2027 February 1 Monday

The Federal Territories Day holiday is set on 1 February each year, ensuring consistent recognition and planning across the three Federal Territories.

Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan serve as landmarks of Malaysia's political, administrative and economic development.

The holiday helps to foster awareness among residents about the Federal Territory. Residents can use this holiday to explore the KL Tower, Perdana Botanical Gardens, Putrajaya Bridge, Labuan War Memorial and so on.

Like most Malaysian public holidays, many locals use the day for short getaways or local exploration.

Main Location

Merdeka Square (Kuala Lumpur) – Often hosts major parades and flag raising ceremonies
Putrajaya Square (Putra Square) – Site of cultural performances and government-organized programs
Labuan International Marine Sports Complex – Hosts community celebrations and recreational activities for residents and visitors.

Territories Day reaffirms the distinct administrative roles of Malaysia's three federal territories and unites residents in shared celebration.

It brings together a multi-racial community through public programs, fostering a spirit of togetherness and national pride.