Maternity and Paternity Leave in Malaysia:
You’ve just learned you’ll become a parent. Congrats!!
But once the excitement fades, practical questions pop up: How much time off can I take? Will I receive my salary? What about my partner?
If you’re a Malaysian employee or an employer trying to stay compliant, this blog will tell you everything about maternity and paternity leave in Malaysia for 2025. We’ll explain it all in simple terms, without any confusing legal jargon.
What’s Changed About Maternity and Paternity Leave in Malaysia in 2025?
The Employment (Amendment) Act 2022 started on January 1, 2023, and it still affects maternity and paternity leave in 2025. Nothing new has happened in 2025 (as of June), but it’s key to understand how this amendment works now.
Here’s what’s set up:
Maternity Leave in Malaysia (2025)
How Long is Maternity Leave in Malaysia?
In 2025, the Employment Act gives female employees it covers 98 days (14 weeks) of paid maternity leave. This an increase from the earlier 60 days has made many working mothers happy.
Do You Get Paid During Maternity Leave?
Yes—employers must pay 100% of your wages during maternity leave if:
- The Employment Act 1955 covers you if you earn less than RM4,000 a month, no matter what job you do, or
- You work in manual labor or as a domestic employee regardless of how much you earn.
Remember: Many private companies use the Act as a starting point and might give you more time off according to their own internal rules.
How to Qualify for Paid Maternity Leave Malaysia, 2025:
To get paid leave under the Employment Act, you need to:
- Have worked for at least 90 days with your current employer in the last 9 months.
- Have a live birth, though some companies might still give you leave for stillbirths.
Can Maternity Leave Be Extended?
The Employment Act establishes 98 days as the legal minimum. Any extra unpaid time off or perks depend on the company’s internal rules or job contract.
Paternity Leave in Malaysia (2025)
How Much Time Off Can a Father Take?
Since January 1, 2023, companies must give paternity leave to private sector employees, and this law stays in place for 2025.
Married male staff who qualify can get:
- 7 days in a row of paid time off for new dads
- For up to 5 kids, no matter who they are employed to
Requirements to be Eligible for Paternity Leave Malaysia, 2025:
- The employee must have a marriage to the child’s mother.
- The employee needs to have employment with the same company for at least 12 months.
- He has to inform his employer about the expected birth date at least 30 days in advance (or as soon as he can).
Important Compliance Reminder for Employers
Malaysia enforces its labour laws. If you don’t follow the rules for maternity or paternity leave, you might face legal consequences and harm to your company’s image.
To make tracking easier, you should switch to digital leave management software like Info-Tech’s HRMS, which.
- Keeps accurate leave records
- Stay compliant with labour law
- Avoid disputes or mismanagement
How Can Software Make Leave Management Better?
Handling Maternity and Paternity Leave in Malaysia isn’t just about counting days—it’s about keeping files staying on top of things, and making sure your team can switch roles without problems. With Info-Tech’s Leave Management Software, HR managers can:
- Create automatic rules based on maternity/paternity laws
- Check eligibility as it happens
- Make compliance reports fast
If you still handle leave requests through Excel or WhatsApp messages, it’s time to step up your game.
Read more: Boost Your Workplace with Leave Management Software
Comparison Table: Maternity vs Paternity Leave in Malaysia (2025)
Conclusion:
Maternity and paternity leave policies in Malaysia are changing to give more support to working parents. The law in 2025 offers increased protection and flexibility with the longer 98-day maternity leave and the new paternity leave.
If you’re about to become a parent or you manage HR, you need to know your rights and duties. With the right digital tools, you can stay compliant.
If you still handle parental leaves manually, you might want to consider an update. See how Info-Tech can make your HR tasks easier and keep your business compliant.
Contact us for a Free Demo!