Here’s Why Sabah Is The Only State In Malaysia That Gets Christmas Eve Off

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Most Malaysians know 24 December as a regular workday, but for Sabahans, it's officially a state holiday

For many Sabahans, Christmas Eve feels like the start of the festive break. Roads get congested, shops start closing early, and families begin their celebrations long before the clock strikes midnight.

While the rest of Malaysia is still scrambling for last-minute gifts for secret Santa, Sabah has already started the celebrations.

Christmas Eve is recognised in Sabah because it's gazetted under the state's public holiday list, not the national one

That means it works just like any other state holiday — similar to how Terengganu and Kelantan observe different weekends or how some states get extra days for their rulers' birthdays.

Similiarly, Sarawak doesn't observe Deepavali as a public holiday but recognises Gawai, Good Friday, and Sarawak Day as state holidays for the state.

This also means that private companies in Sabah typically follow the state calendar.

For those working in federal-based organisations, it may depend on internal policies, but most in-state operations treat 24 December as a public holiday.

The reason? Christians make up the majority of people in Sabah and Christmas is one of the state's biggest festive seasons.

Many families travel long distances across the state for gatherings, and a one-day head start helps with preparations and plans to return to their respective home towns.

This state-holiday was reinstated in 2019 by then-Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal after being dropped since the 1970s.

This reinstatement explicitly aimed to give Christians more time for travel and celebrations from rural areas. The holiday has continued annually since, including in 2025.

So, if you're thinking of travelling to Sabah during Christmas, plan around the Christmas Eve period

Shops may close earlier and traffic can build up as people start their preparations. Service counters and smaller businesses might also operate on reduced hours, so keep that in mind.

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