Ministry Will Study Proposals To Up Maternity Leave, Says Shahrizat

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will study suggestions from non-governmental organisations to increase the maternity leave in Malaysia from 60 days to 12 weeks or 84 days in stages, Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said Thursday.
She said her ministry received many requests from NGOs to help the women workforce by recommending a longer maternity leave.
The suggestions need thorough study and if they were found to be feasible, they would be forwarded to the cabinet for consideration, she said.
"While the maternity benefits are clearly spelt out, one of the options of better coverage for employees is a gradual extension of the maternity leave to 12 weeks or 84 days from the current 60 days.
"This should be deliberated upon carefully as there are cost implications to both employers and employees," she told reporters after opening the dialogue on "Improved Maternity Benefits for Malaysian Women: Supporting Their Multiple Roles in Society" jointly organised by her ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).