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Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia without a Deepavali public holiday
If you're in Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah, you'll likely be enjoying a day off for Deepavali this month. But over in Sarawak, it's just another working day.
Turns out, it's not about ignoring the celebration.
Sarawak follows a different set of labour laws compared to the rest of Malaysia
When Malaysia was formed, Sarawak retained its own labour system through the Sarawak Labour Ordinance. This law gives Sarawak more control over its public holidays, limiting the total to 17 days a year after accounting for mandatory national holidays.
Because of that, the state government has to decide which days are most meaningful to Sarawakians as a whole.
The Indian population in Sarawak is significantly smaller than in other states, making up only about 0.3% of the total population, with most residing in Kuching. Instead of Deepavali, the state gives priority to celebrations that reflect Sarawak's diverse cultural mix.
Sarawakians get three special holidays the rest of Malaysia doesn't. Here's what's on their calendar instead:
- Hari Gawai: A major celebration for the Dayak people, marking the end of the harvest season
- Good Friday: Observed due to the large Christian population in the state
- Sarawak Day: Celebrating the state's self-governance and its role in forming Malaysia
So do Indians in Sarawak get to celebrate Deepavali? Absolutely!
Even though it's not a state holiday, Indian employees are allowed to take one day of unrecorded leave to celebrate Deepavali.
Communities still host gatherings, temple prayers, and open houses to mark the occasion. The festive lights and spirit are very much alive, just without the full state-wide day off.
