Parents in Malaysia can expect more paid leave to care for their newborn

Fathers in Malaysia can expect to have seven days of paternity leave (up from three days), while mothers can expect 98 days of maternity leave (up from 60).

Fathers in Malaysia can expect to have seven days of paternity leave, an increase from the previous three days, after an amendment to the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) was tabled, and approved at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on 21 March 2022 (Monday).

According to Bernama, the amendment was approved "with a majority voice vote".

Further in the report, Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Awang Hashim said while tabling the amendment for second reading that the increase in paternity leave was "to allow more space for male workers to manage family affairs after welcoming their newborn".

Minister Awang also noted that this eligibility will be limited to "only five births, regardless of the number of wives", and will take effect on the day of the birth.

Beyond that, the Minister also shared that mothers can also expect to have an increase in maternity leave from 60 days to 98 days, which is in line with the International Labour Organisation Convention.

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Image / Parliamen Malaysia's Facebook

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