Minister Nancy Shukri says she will examine shared parental leave proposal

In a parliamentary session on the Supply Bill 2027, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri expressed openness to a proposal that would allow maternity leave to be shared between spouses. The idea was put forward by MP Rodziah Ismail of Harapan-Ampang, who argued that flexible leave could help families manage post-birth challenges, such as a baby’s jaundice. Shukri praised the concept and instructed ministry officials to consider it seriously.

Under current law, female employees in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan receive a minimum of 98 days of maternity leave, while eligible male workers are entitled to only seven consecutive days of paid paternity leave. The proposal aims to create a mechanism for parents to divide the leave period according to their needs. No decision has been made yet, but the ministry will study the suggestion further.