Malaysian firms offering longer maternity leave to attract female workers

PETALING JAYA — Most companies in Malaysia give their female employees the standard 60-day paid maternity leave, but there are some that are now moving to offer longer leave benefits to attract female workers.

Telecommunications company Digi, which is part of Norway-based Telenor Group, announced that it has adopted a six-month paid maternity leave.

Coming into effect on Jan 1, 2016, Digi announced that it is offering six months’ paid maternity leave in an effort to become a leading workplace for families.

In a statement, Telenor Group president and CEO Sigve Brekke said the decision is about strengthening the company’s competitiveness by attracting the best talent.

“We know that a diverse workforce drives innovation and better performance,” said Brekke.

He said that by instituting minimum six-month paid maternity leave, he hopes to “attract, retain and develop female leadership talent.”

“We consider it a highly strategic move, both from a societal and a business perspective,” said Brekke.

Celcom Malaysia recently changed its paid maternity leave period to 75 days with the option to choose unpaid leave for up to six months.

Nestlé launched a global Maternity Protection Policy for its employees worldwide, offering female employees a minimum of 14 weeks’ paid maternity leave with the right to extend it to six months.

IBM Malaysia provides 90 days maternity leave.

Petronas offers the third month of maternity leave at half pay, and Shell Malaysia offers half-pay leave for staff who wish to extend their maternity leave beyond 60 days.

RELATED STORY

Senate OKs additional maternity leaves for employees