Is Easter a Public Holiday in Malaysia? + Greetings & Wishes for 2025

As an employer in Malaysia, you might be wondering if Easter is a public holiday here.

With Easter Sunday falling on April 20, 2025, will your employees get a day off? Does it depend on the state?

And what if Easter falls on the weekend—what happens to replacement holidays?

We’ll break down everything you need to know, including state-specific rules, replacement days, and send thoughtful Easter greetings.

Let's dive in.

Is Easter a Public Holiday in Malaysia?

Easter is a key celebration for Christians around the world, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Malaysia, with its diverse Christian community, Easter is widely celebrated, especially in states like Sabah and Sarawak, where Christianity is more common.

But is it a public holiday? It depends on the state.

In Malaysia, public holidays are either federal (nationwide) or state-specific.

Easter Sunday (April 20, 2025) is an important religious occasion, but it’s not a federal holiday.

However, some states, especially those with large Christian populations, observe Good Friday (April 18, 2025) as a public holiday.

While Easter is not a national holiday, Good Friday is a holiday in Sabah and Sarawak.

Employees in these states typically get the day off. In other areas like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Penang, it’s a normal working day.

For businesses in states without Easter or Good Friday as a public holiday, you can still join in the celebration.

A simple greeting or a small team gathering can boost morale and create a sense of inclusivity.

What If Good Friday Falls on a Weekend?

A common question from employers is what happens when a public holiday, like Good Friday, falls on a weekend.

In Malaysia, replacement holidays depend on the state's weekend structure and labour laws.

Malaysia's weekend days vary by state:

Most states and federal territories (e.g., Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor): Saturday–Sunday weekend
Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu: Friday–Saturday weekend

In 2025, Good Friday (18 April) falls on a Friday, and Easter Sunday (20 April) is on a Sunday. Here’s how replacement holidays work for Good Friday in Sabah and Sarawak:

Sabah and Sarawak (Saturday–Sunday Weekend)

Good Friday (18 April): It’s a public holiday, so employees get a paid day off. No replacement needed since it’s on a Friday.
Easter Sunday (20 April): Not a public holiday, so no replacement applies.

Other States

Good Friday is not a public holiday in Peninsular Malaysia or other territories, so no replacement holiday is given, no matter which day it falls on.

So, what to do next?

Sabah and Sarawak: Make sure employees get a paid day off on 18 April or the proper compensation if they work (e.g., double pay).
Peninsular Malaysia: No replacement holidays are needed, but stay alert for any last-minute holiday announcements by the state or federal government (known as cuti peristiwa or occasional holidays).

30 Easter Greetings & Wishes for Employees in 2025

Sending the right Easter public holiday wishes to your employees can make a big difference.

A short message that shows appreciation, thoughtfulness, or even just a touch of cheer can brighten someone’s day, especially if they’re working during the Easter weekend.

This is your chance to thank your team for their contributions and remind them that they are valued.

Whether you prefer a formal email or a casual WhatsApp message, what matters most is the sincerity behind your words.

Here are 30 greetings and wishes that you can use or customise to suit your company’s tone:

Wishing you a joyful Easter filled with peace and rest. Thank you for being such an important part of the team.
Happy Easter! Your hard work and dedication are never unnoticed. Hope you have a relaxing and meaningful weekend with your loved ones.
Thank you for everything you’ve done this quarter. Have a lovely Easter and take this time to recharge.
Best wishes to you and your loved ones this festive Easter season. May it bring you peace, joy, and much laughter in the company of those you love. We appreciate all your contributions to the organization.
As the season changes, may Easter bring you fresh inspiration and calm moments. Have a good break.
Happy Easter! May this long weekend bring you rest and renewed energy for the months ahead.
Team members keep complimenting your collaborative attitude. Thank you for always lifting others. May this Easter bring you and your family as many smiles as you bring others.
Wishing you a peaceful Easter and a well-deserved break. Thank you for all your great work.
Happy Easter! Take this time to relax and spend quality time with your family.
Wishing you happiness, health, and quiet moments this Easter season. Thank you for being part of the team.
May this Easter bring hope and a gentle pause from the hustle. Enjoy the time with your loved ones.
This Easter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your hard work and dedication. Thank you for everything. May you enjoy this long weekend and feel renewed for years to come.
Happy Easter! Hope the season brings new ideas, energy, and plenty of rest.
Great work so far this quarter. Wishing you a smooth, restful Easter weekend ahead.
Happy Easter! Your efforts have made a real difference. Take this time to recharge.
Thank you for helping us reach our goals. Have a wonderful Easter break with your family.
Every project we complete is stronger because of your commitment. Wishing you a calm Easter season.
You’ve given your best. Now, it’s time to pause. Happy Easter, and thank you for your dedication.
Wishing the entire team a joyful Easter. Your teamwork is what makes our culture strong.
To the team that keeps things moving, thank you. May this Easter bring you well-earned rest.
Happy Easter to a team that always supports each other. We’re lucky to have you.
Thank you for showing up with care and purpose each day. Wishing you a meaningful Easter.
Hope this festive weekend gives you a chance to reflect, rest, and reconnect.
Wishing you a beautiful Easter filled with calm and good moments.
Happy Easter! May the season bring you joy, rest, and time with loved ones.
May this Easter season give you time to reflect and recharge. Thank you for all your effort.
A gentle reminder to take time for yourself. Happy Easter, and thank you for your great work.
Easter is a season of renewal. Wishing you the same energy for the weeks ahead.
Happy Easter, team. It’s been a joy working with all of you. May the season fill your hearts with renewed hope and strength. The future looks promising, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
I’d like to wish all of you a happy and prosperous Easter. Thank you for going the extra mile to ensure we achieve our goals.

Email Greetings & Wishes Template for Easter (For Employers)

Subject: Easter Wishes from [Company Name]

Body:

Hi [Name or Team],

As Easter approaches, we’d like to take a moment to appreciate all that you do. Thank you for your commitment, your collaboration, and your resilience throughout the first quarter of the year.

Whether you’re celebrating or just enjoying the long weekend, we hope it brings you rest and positivity.

Happy Easter from all of us at [Company Name].

Warm regards,
[Your Name / Department]

Subject: Wishing You a Peaceful Easter Weekend

Dear [Employee Name/Team],

Easter is just around the corner, and I’d like to take this chance to wish you and your family a wonderful weekend ahead.

No matter how you plan to spend it — relaxing at home, spending time with loved ones, or just catching your breath — I hope you enjoy every bit of it. You’ve worked hard, contributed greatly, and helped us move forward together.

Thank you for your energy, ideas, and consistency. Here's to a peaceful and fulfilling Easter, and to coming back refreshed for what’s next.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]

Subject: Easter Wishes and Thank You for Your Commitment

Dear [Employee Name],

With Easter approaching, I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for the passion and dedication you've shown over the past few months.

This season reminds us of new beginnings and fresh energy, something we all can appreciate after the challenges and hard work we've tackled together. I hope this long weekend gives you time to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the things that matter most.

Wishing you a joyful Easter and a peaceful break. Looking forward to the great things we'll continue to build as a team.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]

WhatsApp Easter Greetings & Wishes (Friendly & Informal)

Hey [Team/Name]! Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Easter. Thanks for all your effort lately, you’ve been amazing. Hope you get some time to rest and enjoy the weekend with family or friends.
Hey everyone! Just wanted to drop a quick note before we all head off for the long weekend. Wishing you a peaceful and refreshing Easter break. Thanks for being such a solid team. I appreciate all the effort. Take the time to relax, enjoy the break, and come back recharged. Cheers!
Team, thanks for powering through the quarter with so much heart. Take this Easter weekend to slow down, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy the little things. You’ve earned it. Happy Easter!

How to Celebrate Easter in the Office

Even though Easter isn’t a public holiday across all Malaysian states, many companies still find small, meaningful ways to mark the occasion.

If your team is working during Easter, or if you're based in states like Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, or Penang, where it's not a public holiday, you can still bring some festive spirit into the office.

Small Ideas That Go a Long Way

You don’t need a big budget or grand plan to celebrate Easter at work.

Simple gestures like giving out chocolate eggs, setting up an Easter-themed snack table, or organising a light-hearted game (like an egg hunt in the pantry) can go a long way in boosting team spirit.

These types of activities are fun, non-religious, and easy for everyone to enjoy, regardless of background.

For example, a short break in the day to decorate a common area with pastel colours or spring-themed items can bring smiles to your team.

Be Mindful and Respectful

Not everyone in the office celebrates Easter, and that’s perfectly okay. As an employer or HR lead, it’s important to create a welcoming space for everyone.

That means focusing more on the theme of spring, rest, and appreciation, rather than religious symbolism.

Avoid messages or decorations that are too specific to a religious tradition, unless your workplace culture or team makeup makes it appropriate.

A good rule of thumb is: if in doubt, keep it cheerful but neutral.

Do’s and Don’ts When Sending Easter Wishes

In a multicultural country like Malaysia, workplaces often have team members from different religious and cultural backgrounds. So, how you communicate matters.

Here are some useful reminders for employers and HR teams:

Keep it Inclusive

Not everyone celebrates Easter in a religious sense, but many enjoy the spirit of the season to rest, renewal, and spending time with loved ones.

So when crafting your message, use words that focus on general well-being, positivity, and rest, instead of leaning too heavily on religious phrases.

A message like “Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Easter weekend” works well across the board. It feels warm without being too specific.

Avoid Overly Religious Language (Unless You’re Sure)

Unless your team or client base is fully comfortable with religious references, it’s better to keep your messages neutral.

Avoid phrases like “He is risen” or deeply Christian expressions unless you’re confident they are welcome.

Instead, try sentiments like:

Happy Easter! May the long weekend bring you rest and good times with your family.
Sending warm thoughts your way this Easter season. Thank you for being a valuable part of the team.

Personalise When Possible

A small touch of personalisation always feels more sincere. Mention a team member’s name or refer to their recent work.

Even something like, “Hope you enjoy some well-deserved rest after wrapping up that big project!” makes the message feel thoughtful.

Don't Overlook Quiet Observers

Some employees may not mention it, but they’ll quietly appreciate being included.

Whether or not they celebrate Easter, a short and friendly message can go a long way in showing that the company sees them as individuals and not just names in a system.

FAQ

Is Easter a national holiday in Malaysia?

No, Easter is not a national public holiday in Malaysia. However, Good Friday is officially recognised in Sabah and Sarawak. For other states, businesses may still celebrate Easter internally through small team gestures or greetings, even if it’s not a day off.

How to address religious holidays in a multicultural office?

Always lead with respect and inclusivity. Focus on the universal themes of a holiday like hope, rest, or family time rather than religious specifics. A simple, warm message works best, especially when it highlights appreciation and team spirit. You don’t have to ignore holidays altogether. Just be mindful of tone and context.

Should we organize Easter office events?

If your team is open to it, yes, and just keep it non-religious and inclusive. Activities like a chocolate egg hunt, a themed potluck, or a spring-themed decoration corner can bring energy into the office. Let employees opt in, and frame it as a light-hearted break to recharge rather than a celebration of a specific belief.

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