Many have made their views about the recent maternity leave issue heard.
The government is encouraging the 90 day maternity leave period in hopes that it will be equally beneficial to both employees and employers.
Prof Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah Syed Hasan Shahabudin, Majlis Kebangsaan Pertubuhan Wanita Malaysia (NCWO) president suggested the government provide incentives to employers who gave maternity leaves to their workers.
She also said that in the private sector, things are business based, so the government has to think of some sort of incentive in the employers’ favour, because employers may be affected by certain effects or risks in the absence of their workers.
The government can also consider making use of the Human Resources Development Fund to handle this issue. When employees are the only ones gaining benefits from this move, there is bound to be discrimination against women, she added.
Previously, the Malaysian Employers Federation reported that employers risked facing an increase of up to RM 2.7 billion in operation costs when the 90 day maternity leave period is enforced.
MEF Executive Director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan explained that those running small business faced higher risks than bigger companies. He suggested that the government assisted employers by means of the Employment Insurance Scheme.
There is still a lot to be ironed out in the process of things, but we certainly hope the issue gets sorted out soon! In the meantime, check out this quiz to see how Budget 2020 affects you.
By: Celestine Foo
