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Paternity AND Maternity Leaves Increased After Amendments To Employment Act

Paternity AND Maternity Leaves Increased After Amendments To Employment Act

We finally have paternity leaves for expecting fathers!

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After many years of discussion from various parties, some real changes will be seen in the Malaysian workplace for fathers and mothers.

Amendments to the Employment Act yesterday means that now, paternity leave will finally be legally introduced. Prior to this, the private sector was not required to provide paternity leave at all.

The extensions are as follows:

Paternity leave: 0 days → 7 days
Maternity leave: 60 days → 98 days

Additionally, pregnant workers will be protected from being terminated by their workplace. This protection also applies to those who are suffering from preganancy-related illnesses as well.

More protections for everyone, too

The amendments also introduced the option of flexible working arrangements. Hires can apply for flexible working arangements depending on the type of workplace and working hours.

There are also protections for the employees to leave work on time, as the amendment to Section 90B says that any employer who threatens, deceives or forces workers to do any type of work or prevents their workers from leaving their place of work could now be prosecuted.

Employees shouldn’t have to feel bad for leaving work on time.
(Credit: tirachardz/Freepik)

Those found guilty could face a fine of up to RM100,000 or two years imprisonment or both.

However, while the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2021 has been approved by the Dewan Rakyat, it will still need to pass in senate before the government sets the date of enforcement for these new rules.

Still, this is definitely a step in the right direction for workers and their rights.


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