The MADANI government in Malaysia agreed in principle to introduce a Post-Maternity Leave Allowance under the Employment Insurance System. The allowance provides financial assistance equal to 80% of a female insured worker’s assumed monthly wage as a one-off benefit for additional leave of up to 30 days taken after the statutory 98-day maternity leave period, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during his National Labour Day 2026 address at the Unifi Arena, Bukit Jalil, on May 1, 2026 [1].
More than 132,000 female workers across Malaysia are expected to benefit from the new allowance. "This allowance is financial assistance for additional leave of up to 30 days (one month) taken after the completion of the 98-day maternity leave period," said Anwar [1]. The policy will require amendments to the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 to be implemented [1].
The government also announced plans to amend the Self-Employment Social Security Act to extend protection to Malaysians working abroad. The initial focus is on daily cross-border commuters between Malaysia and Singapore. Anwar noted, "The government will strengthen the existing legal framework, including amending the Self-Employment Social Security Act, to enable protection to be extended to Malaysians working overseas, starting with Malaysia-Singapore cross-border workers" [1].
Over 480,000 Malaysian workers are expected to benefit from this expansion of social security coverage beyond national borders [1]. The reform responds to concerns over safety, as Anwar highlighted: "On average, one Malaysian life is lost every week, or 54 deaths a year, among these cross-border workers" [1].
In his speech, Anwar acknowledged the challenges faced by working parents, saying, "I understand the challenges of raising children… I have six children myself" [1].
The government will begin the legal process to amend relevant acts, including the Employment Insurance System Act 2017 and the Self-Employment Social Security Act, to operationalize these benefits [1].
