I’ve been asked this question quite a bit recently, so to relieve the rakyat’s anxiety, I’m posting this now so everyone has time to plan ahead for the super long weekend.
In 2026, Federal Territory Day falls on 1 February 2026, which is a Sunday.
Thaipusam also falls on a 1 February 2026, the same day.
So the big question is:
Do we go back to work on Tuesday or Wednesday?
Let’s take a look at Employment Act 1955, Section 60(D)(1)(b):
If a public holiday falls on a rest day or any other public holiday, the working day following immediately the rest day or the other public holiday shall be a paid holiday in substitution of the first mentioned public holiday.
The operative phrase here is “working day following immediately.”
This will be your situation if ALL the following conditions are met:
1. You work in Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, or Putrajaya.
2. Sunday is your Rest Day (the 7th day of your work week).
3. Thaipusam is a gazetted public holiday in your company.
So your days will look like this:
🗓️ 1 Feb 2026 (Sun) – Rest Day
🗓️ 2 Feb 2026 (Mon) – Federal Territory Day Replacement
🗓️ 3 Feb 2026 (Tue) – Thaipusam Replacement (next available working day)
🗓️ 4 Feb 2026 (Wed) – Back to work
If your salary is below RM4K or you are a manual worker, and you are scheduled or compelled to work:
⏺️ 1 Feb 2026 (Sun) – Rest Day Rates
⏺️ 2 Feb 2026 (Mon) – Public Holiday Rates
⏺️ 3 Feb 2026 (Tue) – Public Holiday Rates
Hope this clarifies.
xoxoxo, AuntyHR
