Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative would provide financial assistance for up to 30 additional days after the existing 98-day maternity leave period.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government will introduce post-maternity leave incentives under the Employment Insurance System Act to support working mothers returning to the workforce.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative would provide financial assistance for up to 30 additional days after the existing 98-day maternity leave period.
He said female labour force participation has slightly declined, particularly among those aged 25 to 39, largely due to family commitments.
“The incentive, estimated at about 80% of monthly wages, is expected to benefit more than 132,000 women workers,” he said at the Labour Day Celebration 2026 here today.
Anwar also highlighted the risks faced by Malaysians working abroad, especially daily commuters to Singapore.
“Our children working overseas wake up at 4am, cross into Singapore and return home late at night. So how should we expand adequate protection for Malaysian citizens working abroad?
“They do not have sufficient protection. On average, one Malaysian life is lost every week.
“Hence, the government will amend the Social Security Act to extend coverage to Malaysians employed overseas, beginning with Malaysia–Singapore commuters, benefiting an estimated 480,000 workers,” he said.
Anwar also stressed the need for stronger upskilling and reskilling initiatives despite wage growth of 29% over the past decade.
Meanwhile, he said the Social Security Organisation (Socso) has allocated RM580 million to support workers who lose their jobs and enhance their employability, while HRD Corp has set aside RM100 million for training and job placement programmes.
Addressing the rise of gig work, Anwar announced that the government would introduce a Gig Economy Bill and establish a Gig Commission to regulate the sector and resolve disputes.
“Gig workers, this is a new phenomenon.
“A total of RM20 million has been allocated to strengthen social protection for gig workers, including those in the e-hailing sector,” he said.
Anwar said small and medium enterprises (SMEs) would also continue to receive support, with RM5 billion in financing facilities recently increased to RM10 billion by Bank Negara Malaysia.
He emphasised that SMEs remain a key driver of employment and economic growth, adding that companies offering industrial training placements would also benefit from incentives through TalentCorp.
Anwar also stressed the urgency of implementation, directing all relevant parties to submit progress reports within two weeks for Cabinet review within three weeks.
“I do not want announcements that take six months or even a year to be implemented,” he said.
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