The legal framework
Antenatal care is provided free or at nominal cost through the network of government maternal and child health clinics, staffed largely by community nurses and midwives, with a well-established home visiting system after birth. Maternity leave in the private sector was extended to ninety-eight days by the 2022 employment law reform, bringing it into line with the public sector.
Malaysia extended maternity leave to ninety-eight days in 2023 for private-sector employees, bringing it into line with international standards, and introduced seven days of paternity leave at the same time. Antenatal care at government clinics is free or nominal for citizens, and the maternal health system — built around midwife-staffed clinics and referral hospitals — has produced some of the best outcomes in the region.
Key points
| Maternity leave | Ninety-eight days, extended from sixty in the 2022 reform |
|---|---|
| Paternity leave | Seven days, introduced by the same reform |
| Antenatal care | Free or nominal at government clinics |
| Home visiting | Established postnatal home visit system by community nurses |
| Delivery | Nominal cost in government hospitals for citizens |
| Private sector | Widely used, with high caesarean rates |
| Coverage | Very high rates of skilled attendance at birth |
In practice
- Register at the nearest government maternal and child health clinic in the first trimester.
- The postnatal home visits are free and worth accepting: they catch problems early.
- Government hospital delivery costs a nominal fee for citizens.
- Ask about the reason for any proposed caesarean, particularly in private care.
Cost and coverage
Public antenatal care and delivery are free or nominal for citizens.
Recent changes
The 2023 amendments to the Employment Act raised maternity leave to ninety-eight days, introduced paternity leave and prohibited dismissal on grounds of pregnancy, bringing Malaysian law closer to international labour standards.
Where to go
- Government maternal and child health clinics.
- District and general hospitals for delivery.
- Community nurses for postnatal home visits.
Worth knowing
The 2022 reform brought private sector maternity leave up to ninety-eight days. Employers who still apply sixty days are applying the old law.
Frequently asked questions
How long is maternity leave in Malaysia?
Ninety-eight days for private-sector employees since the 2023 amendments to the Employment Act, up from sixty. Public-sector employees have their own scheme, which is generally more generous. Paternity leave of seven days was introduced at the same time.
Is antenatal care free?
At government clinics it is free or costs a nominal registration fee for citizens, including scans and delivery in a public hospital. Non-citizens pay foreigner rates, which are substantial, so private insurance matters if you are not a citizen or permanent resident.
Official sources and links
- MyGovernment — official government portal