Chinese New Year 2025
Date: January 30, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Malaysia Public Holidays
Description
Chinese New Year in Malaysia is a major holiday that marks the start of the lunar calendar year. It is a time people think about new beginnings, luck, and good health for the year ahead.
The date changes each year because it follows the moon. It usually falls between late January and mid February. The holiday lasts several days and is a public holiday for many people in Malaysia.
For Malaysian Chinese, it is especially important as a time to honor family ties and show respect for older generations. The celebration also reinforces cultural identity for Chinese Malaysians across the country.
Beyond one community, Chinese New Year has meaning for all Malaysians. It brings people together, strengthens community bonds, and has an uplifting effect on society and the economy during the holiday period.
Traditions
Families clean and decorate homes with red lanterns, couplets, and kumquat trees. People wear new clothes in bright colors. Houses are opened to visitors for greetings and giving red packets called ang pow to children and unmarried adults.
At reunion dinners, families share dishes like fish, dumplings, and pineapple tarts. Many Malaysians toss yee sang salad together for good luck. Street performances include lion and dragon dances with drums and cymbals that bring energy and drive away bad spirits.
People visit temples to burn incense and offer food to ancestors. Firecrackers are set off where allowed to welcome the new year. Neighbors exchange sweets and fruits such as oranges to wish each other prosperity.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks, and government offices close or have short hours during Chinese New Year. Public transport can be crowded, especially before and after the main days. Book trains, buses, and flights early and expect traffic near temples and city centers.
Join public events like lion dances and night markets to enjoy the atmosphere safely. Stay with groups, keep valuables secure, and follow local crowd control signs. Respect private homes and redoubled security at tourist spots, and check opening times online before you go.