Key facts for Malaysia
Christmas is a public holiday; business gifting is spread across several religious festivals.
How companies in Malaysia give year-end gifts
Malaysia's corporate gifting follows its multi-faith calendar. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the largest occasion for many companies, marked by open houses and halal hampers to clients and partners. Chinese New Year is equally important in Chinese-owned businesses, with gift boxes and red packets, and Deepavali is marked by Indian communities. Christmas is a public holiday and is used for year-end gifts by international firms and in Sabah and Sarawak, where Christian communities are larger. Because many recipients are Muslim, halal certification is important for food gifts, and alcohol and pork-derived ingredients should be excluded. English and Malay are both acceptable on cards. The MACC Act includes corporate liability for bribery, so many companies maintain gift policies; modest branded items are the safe choice.
Gift occasions in Malaysia
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr)
major season: open houses and halal hampers
Lunar New Year
major gifting season among Chinese communities and businesses
Deepavali / Diwali
gifting occasion among Indian communities
Christmas
public holiday; year-end gifts, mainly in international and Christian contexts
Good practice
- Use halal-certified food and check ingredients for gelatin or alcohol.
- Match the occasion to the recipient: Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Christmas.
- Use 'Season's Greetings' for mixed audiences.
- English or Malay cards are fine.
Avoid
- Do not include alcohol or pork products for Muslim recipients.
- Avoid clocks and sets of four for Chinese recipients.
Design and wording
'Season's Greetings' or festival-specific designs are safest; Christmas themes suit Christian or international recipients.
Gift policies
The MACC Act 2009 (section 17A) makes companies liable for bribery by associated persons, so gift policies are common.
Delivery to Malaysia
Ships from Poland by courier; import duties and sales tax may apply and are quoted in advance. Food imports may require documentation, and halal certification matters for Muslim recipients.
Planning dates for Malaysia
| Order personalized stock advent calendars by | 6 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Order Christmas hampers by | 13 Nov 2026 |
| Fully custom calendars for 2027 — order between | 01.2027 – 08.2027 |
Indicative planning dates; exact dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Recommended formats for Malaysia
Christmas hampers
Corporate Christmas hampers with your logo on the box, ribbon or card, composed to your budget band and delivered to one office or to individual home…
Tea & coffee calendars
A tea or coffee advent calendar with your logo is a measured, practical gift for clients and colleagues who prefer to avoid sweets.
Chocolate advent calendars
Twenty-four chocolates and your brand on the front from 1 to 24 December.
Empty calendar boxes
For companies that already have the filling: custom printed advent calendar boxes in bulk, designed around your products and delivered flat or…
Christmas plush
Plush is made in our own workshop in Biała Podlaska, Poland: ready Christmas teddies with your embroidered logo, and custom plush mascots based on…
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in Malaysia?
Yes, 25 December is a public holiday. Hari Raya and Chinese New Year are larger gifting seasons.
Can we send chocolate to Malaysia?
Yes, but choose halal-certified chocolate for Muslim recipients and avoid alcohol-filled pralines.
What greeting should we use?
'Season's Greetings' suits mixed audiences.