SHAH ALAM, Aug 21 — The Selangor government is looking to extend paternity leave beyond the current seven days, said state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari, as reported by Sinar Harian.
She said the move aims to encourage fathers to assume a bigger role in caring for newborns and facilitate shared responsibility among parents.
“Fathers only get seven days compared with 98 days for mothers, and some ask why men need longer leave when they are not the ones giving birth.
“We believe both men and women share equal responsibility in raising a child. This is crucial to ensure both parents can provide love and support to the baby, to build a happier family,” she said at the launch of the Women’s Empowerment Carnival 2025 in Putrajaya earlier today.
The proposal is outlined under the Selangor Women’s Policy and Action Plan 2024-2026.
Anfaal added that shared parental leave could help reduce workplace discrimination against women.
“When both parents take leave, the burden is no longer on women alone. Employers would also feel more assured when hiring newlywed or expectant women,” she said.
Citing the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, she said Malaysia still ranks at the bottom in Southeast Asia, especially in women’s political empowerment and economic participation.
“In Selangor, less than 20 per cent of elected representatives are women, only 20.1 per cent of small and medium enterprises are owned by women, and 56 per cent of women have experienced workplace discrimination.
“We introduced initiatives such as the Women’s Leadership Academy, Selangor Women’s Assembly (Siwanis), Career Comeback Programme, and Usahanita Digital to strengthen women’s role in society,” Anfaal said.
