Digi’s Newly Implemented Six Months Maternity Leave

Recently, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd which is one of Malaysian telecommunications companies was applauded for their new adaptation of six month paid maternity leave. 

The company’s employees comprise of 45% women at senior management and board levels where the board covers 43% female representation which exceeds government’s target of 30% participation in board of companies listed publicly. With this move, it is expected that more female leadership talent will be revealed besides increasing competitiveness of the company. So far, only this company is known to offer the longest paid maternity leave as compared to other companies in Malaysia. IKEA Malaysia provides up to 4 months maternity leave.

Malaysian Law itself states that maternity leave is provided not less than 60 consecutive days. When comparing to other ASEAN countries, recently, Philippines extended maternity leave from 60 to 78 days increased up to 100 days, Vietnam provides 120 to 180 days depending on work nature while Singapore provides 112 days. Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR and Indonesia provides maternity leave up to 90 days.

According to International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 183 (revised in year 2000), all women employees are entitled to maternity leave of not less than 14 weeks if they can provide medical certificate. However, the mandatory paid maternity leave is up to 6 weeks.

ASEAN Services Employees Trade Union Council (ASETUC)’s General Secretary, Mr.Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal mentioned that “Other companies in Malaysia and other ASEAN Member States should follow the path of Digi in implementing 6 months maternity leave so that more female workers will be keen to stay and strive for excellence in workforce. Maternity leave provides female workers more flexibilities so that they can manage both their families and also working life without feeling the need to quit their jobs.”