PETALING JAYA: More than 100,000 expectant mothers nationwide could soon benefit from a proposed maternity leave assistance allowance under the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso).
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said he had instructed his ministry, through Perkeso, to thoroughly review and refine the proposed scheme.
He said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting working women and recognising their vital role in nation-building.
“Women are not just contributors; they are the main drivers of the national economy.
“I have instructed the Human Resources Ministry, through Perkeso, to fine-tune the proposal for a maternity leave assistance allowance under the Perkeso insurance system.
“This initiative is estimated to impact more than 100,000 mothers on maternity leave across the country,” he said when launching a dialogue session between the ministry, workers and employers at a hotel in Ara Damansara on Thursday (April 2).
Effective Jan 1, 2023, female employees are entitled to a minimum of 98 consecutive days of paid maternity leave under the Employment Act 1955.
Ramanan said several other programmes are also in the pipeline, including the Traveller Scheme under Perkeso, which is expected to benefit over 500,000 Malaysians who commute to Singapore daily for work.
“We cannot let them walk alone without protection.
“The ministry is currently in the final phase of introducing the Traveller Scheme to ensure that social security is upheld,” he said.
Ramanan added that his ministry remains committed to striking a balance between economic growth and social justice.
“For us, workers are not just labourers; they are the soul of a country,” he said.
