KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The government will introduce a Post-Maternity Leave Allowance as a progressive measure to support women’s participation in the workforce and reduce the pressure faced by mothers after childbirth.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative follows findings showing a slight decline in labour force participation among women, particularly those aged between 25 and 39, partly due to maternity commitments.
He said the allowance will be introduced through amendments to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 and aims to provide additional financial support for mothers who require more time after their maternity leave period.
“The rationale is that we do not want, as has happened in the past, mothers feeling compelled to resign and leave the workforce,” he said when delivering his address at the National Labour Day 2026 celebration here today.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, said the allowance benefit would be set at 80 per cent of the monthly assumed salary for insured female workers, and would be paid in one lump sum (one-off).
"This allowance is financial assistance for additional leave of up to 30 days per month taken after the end of the 98-day maternity leave period," he said, adding that the government is always committed to empowering women as the main driver of the country's economic growth and social well-being.
Anwar said the initiative is expected to benefit more than 132,000 female workers nationwide.
According to the Employment Act 1955, every female worker in this country is entitled to enjoy 98 continuous days of maternity leave including rest days and public holidays.
Female workers are also eligible for maternity allowance if they work for at least 90 days in the nine months before giving birth, work for at least one day in the four months before giving birth and have fewer than five surviving children.
