SHAH ALAM, Sept 8 — Father’s Rights Association of Malaysia has welcomed Selangor’s plan to extend paternity leave, saying the current seven-day period barely allows fathers to handle administrative tasks, leaving mothers to shoulder most of the newborn’s care during the critical first weeks.
Its president Malcolm Fernandez described the existing leave as “simply insufficient” for fathers to play an active role in their child’s crucial early days.
“Extending it beyond seven days is not just about fairness, but about recognising the father’s role in supporting both the mother and the newborn.
“Parenting is not a one-person responsibility. A policy shift like this (proposal by Selangor) shows that fathers are a crucial element of the family nucleus and sends a signal that they too matter,” he told Media Selangor.
On August 21, state executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said the Selangor government is looking to extend paternity leave beyond the current seven days.
She said the move aims to encourage fathers to assume a bigger role in caring for newborns and facilitate shared responsibility among parents.
The proposal is outlined under the Selangor Women’s Policy and Action Plan 2024-2026.
Fernandez said longer leave allows fathers to bond with their newborns, provide essential support to mothers in recovery, and help reduce the risks of postpartum depression.
“It is undeniable that the first weeks are critical. Bonding isn’t only between mother and child; fathers also need uninterrupted time to connect with their baby. This builds emotional security for the child and confidence for the father.
“We also need to appreciate that mothers undergo physical recovery and emotional adjustment after delivery,” he said.
Fernandez added that longer paternity leave can help foster healthier families and stronger partnerships, as the current seven-day period is often only sufficient to handle hospital paperwork and the baby’s registration.
As a result, he said many fathers are forced back to work while mothers still in recovery are left to bear the responsibilities on their own.
“Many fathers feel torn between work obligations and their duty at home. The current system unintentionally sidelines fathers during a critical period, reinforcing outdated ideas that caregiving is solely the mother’s role,” he said.
Fernandez said family-friendly policies not only enhance an employer’s reputation and help attract talent but also strengthen the workforce, as healthy and stable families produce more focused employees.
He cited a Pew Research Centre finding, which stated that more than half of fathers are unhappy with the limited time they spend with their families, while research and consulting firm McKinsey reported that all men who took paternity leave valued the experience and 90 per cent said it improved their relationship with their partner.
“It’s time we change the narrative and view paternity leave as an investment rather than a loss. Short-term productivity may dip, but the long-term gains far outweigh it.
“Employees who feel supported as fathers are more loyal, less stressed, and ultimately more productive. In countries with longer paternity leave, companies report higher retention and morale,” he said.
