Pahang State Holiday

Pahang State Holiday is a holiday that’s observed annually in the Malaysian state of Pahang on the 7th of May each year. Also known as the Sultan of Pahang Holiday, this holiday commemorates the fourth Sultan of Pahang who ruled from 1932 until his death in 1974.

Pahang is currently the largest state in size in Malaysia and one of several states that have chosen to keep their own Sultan. As such, this holiday is extremely important and is a day off for the general population. On this day, government offices, schools, and most businesses are closed.

The History of Pahang State Holiday

Sultan Abu Bakar was born in 1904, and he succeeded his father to become the fourth Sultan of Pahang in 1932. On May 28, 1933, he was crowned as Sultan Abu Bakar Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mu’adzam Shah. He was only 29 years old at the time, which made him the youngest Sultan in the history of rulers in Malaysia at that time.

Although he served as Sultan for decades in Pahang, he was always passed over for the role of King of Malaysia. However, during his reign as Sultan, he oversaw numerous economic, political, and social changes in modern-day Pahang, which has prompted many people to consider him the father of Pahang. On May 7, 1974, he died and was succeeded by his son Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Observing Pahang State Holiday

This holiday is observed all across Pahang, Malaysia, on May 7th. It’s observed with festivals, parades, and special events that pay homage to the life of the Sultan. People also use this holiday as a general day off. Since this is a state holiday, schools, businesses, and government offices are closed on this day as well. On social media, the hashtag #PahangStateHoliday is used to spread the word about it.

Where is it celebrated?
Malaysia (Common local holiday)
When is it?
This year (2024)
May 7 Tuesday
Next year (2025)
May 7 Wednesday
Last year (2023)
May 7 Sunday