Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB), Malaysia: Up to 30 Days Additional Leave After 98-Day Maternity Leave

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on May 1, 2026, a new Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB) initiative aimed at providing financial support to working mothers in Malaysia. This initiative, introduced under the Employment Insurance System (EIS) Act, seeks to address the challenges faced by women in balancing career and family responsibilities, particularly after childbirth.

Key Provisions of the EPCB

The EPCB is designed to offer financial assistance for an additional period of leave beyond the standard maternity leave. The core components of this initiative are outlined below:

Rationale and Objectives

The primary objective of the EPCB is to enhance the support system for working mothers, thereby encouraging their continued participation in the workforce. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the female labour force participation rate (LFPR) in Malaysia experiences a significant decline, dropping from 78.9% for women aged 25-29 to 68.6% for those aged 35-39. Maternity commitments are identified as a key factor contributing to this trend.

By providing this allowance, the government aims to:

Reduce the financial pressure on mothers who might otherwise feel compelled to resign from their jobs after maternity leave.
Empower women as crucial contributors to the nation’s economic growth and social well-being.
Improve the overall female labour force participation rate.

Implementation and Future Steps

The introduction of the EPCB will necessitate amendments to the existing Employment Insurance System Act. This initiative follows a review conducted by the Human Resources Ministry in April 2026 concerning maternity leave assistance through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO). Further measures to enhance workers’ welfare are expected to be implemented in stages.

Source:

NST

The Star