Chinese New Year 2025 in Malaysia

Chinese New Year is celebrated all around the world, but each country or community usually adds its unique customs to the traditions practiced globally. This holiday is also observed in Malaysia, where a quarter of the total population is of Chinese ethnicity. From peculiar celebrations and temple visits to vibrant lion dances, Malaysia has a lost to offer in terms of Lunar New Year festivities.

Chinese New Year Dates

Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days, which falls on different dates every year, depending on the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year's Eve, the first and the last days of the two-week celebration, are the most important. The festivities usually fall between January 20th and February 20th.

Lunar New Year Customs in Malaysia

The first day is a national holiday in Malaysia, and the concept of the open house is widely practiced. Not only do private homes open their doors to friends, but the country's leaders also hold open house parties where every local person or tourist can spend some time. The city of Malacca on the coast of Malaysia hosted an open-house event on its famous tourist landmark, Jonker Walk. If you're staying in Kuala Lumpur, Wisma MCA conference center is known for hosting open houses, attended by high-level officials.

Common Chinese New Year traditions include decorating streets and houses with duilian (a pair of scrolls with poetry), giving away red packets with money, visiting families, and, of course, watching fireworks and lion dances. Just like in other countries that celebrate the Lunar New Year, Malaysians prepare by cleaning their homes, wearing red clothes, and preparing delicious food. Some of the meals include Yusheng, a salad with raw fish, pineapple tarts, and braised abalone.

Chap Goh Mei

On the last day of the celebration, an old custom of Chap Goh Mei is followed by some modern variations. Single women throw tangerines into the sea with their cell phone numbers or names written on them. Some even add their social media handles to improve their chances of meeting their dream partner. In the past, single men on boats tried to catch or fish out these fruits in order to meet their destiny.

Lunar New Year in Kuala Lumpur (January 29-30, 2025)

When staying in Malaysia, the best places to celebrate Chinese New Year are Chinatown or around Old Klang Road and Petaling Street in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. Many Chinese temples are located there, including Thean Hou Temple and Chan See Shu Yuen Temple. They are festively decorated and welcome worshippers to pray for blessings and burn some incense for fortune in the New Year.

Lion dances and fireworks are common throughout Chinatown, particularly on the 8th and 9th days of the Lunar New Year. These days hold special significance as they mark the Eve of Pai Ti Kong and the celebration of Pai Ti Kong itself.

Lunar New Year on Penang Island

Georgetown on Penang Island boasts many beautiful temples, which are lit by thousands of colorful lights during the New Year period. In particular, it's worth visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, transformed by millions of colorful lanterns during the whole Lunar New Year festive period. Penang Snake Temple annually hosts a fire-watching ceremony, which typically lasts from 8 pm until midnight and features various performers, like stilt walkers, dragon dancers, and many others.