Why is Malaysian civil servant maternity leave shorter than private sector?

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Civil Servant Maternity Leave Falls Short of Private Sector Standards Due to Policy Discrepancy

The duration of maternity leave for Malaysian civil servants, currently set at 60 to 90 days, is shorter than the 98 days mandated for private sector employees. This disparity stems from differing policy frameworks governing the public and private employment sectors, leading to concerns about a "double standard" and potential adverse effects on the health and well-being of new mothers and their infants.
Discrepancy in Leave Entitlements

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has highlighted a significant gap in maternity leave entitlements, noting that government employees may receive up to 38 fewer days of leave compared to their counterparts in the private sector. This difference is a direct result of the amended Employment Act 1955, which established a 98-day maternity leave for private sector workers, while civil servant policies have not undergone a similar adjustment.
Impact on Maternal and Infant Health

MMA president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz has voiced concerns that the shorter leave period for civil servants could negatively impact the recovery of new mothers, hinder breastfeeding efforts, and affect the crucial bonding period between mother and child. She further indicated that this situation could place additional stress on medical officers who may be compelled to return to work prematurely, potentially compromising the quality of care they can provide.
Recent Controversy and Intervention

A recent incident involving the Hulu Langat health office, which initially approved only 60 days of maternity leave for seven medical officers, brought this issue to the forefront. Although the Public Service Department (JPA) initially stated adherence to regulations, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad intervened to ensure the officers received the full 90 days, underscoring the ongoing debate and the need for policy review.
Broader Concerns on Human Resource Management

Beyond the specific leave duration, MMA has also criticised the human resource management practices within government departments, identifying them as a contributing factor to various challenges in the public healthcare system. The association advocates for the implementation of a digital system to better manage and distribute healthcare personnel nationwide, aiming to address systemic inefficiencies.

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Why is Malaysian civil servant maternity leave shorter than private sector?

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