“7 days are not enough!” — Malaysian Man Calls on Government to Provide Longer Paternity Leave for New Fathers

Welcoming a newborn into the family is one of life’s happiest milestones, but it’s also something no instruction manual could ever prepare you for, especially for first-time parents. During this exhausting time, having both parents present can make a world of difference.

Recently, one Malaysian father urged the government to consider increasing the country’s statutory paternity leave.

In his post on Threads, the father said the current seven days of paternity leave are simply not enough to care for a newborn and support a recovering wife.

“The government should have provided a minimum of one month of paternity leave for dads in Malaysia. Seven days are simply not enough, especially when your child is born on a Friday, as the two weekends would not be counted.”

The father also pointed out that some newborns may experience jaundice during their first few weeks after birth.

He claimed that the condition can sometimes take about two weeks to resolve, leaving many mothers to manage on their own when their husbands have to return to work.

For illustration purpose only
Image Credit: Justice At Work

The father also criticised companies that provide only three days of paternity leave to employees who have worked there for less than a year.

For context, under the Employment (Amendment) Act 1955, Malaysian fathers are entitled to seven consecutive days of paid paternity leave. However, this only applies to employees who have been employed by the same company for at least 12 months before taking leave. They are also required to inform their employer at least 30 days before the expected confinement date or as soon as possible after the birth.

Malaysians agree

The post has since garnered attention from many Malaysians. Many also shared their experiences of caring for their newborns alone after their husbands returned to work.

“I agree! Seven days are simply not enough. My child was born premature and had to go to the NICU. I had to travel back and forth to the hospital to send milk and visit my child. I haven’t even completed my child’s birth registration at the JPN. My child has yet to be discharged. Today is my last day of paternity leave, and I have to return to work tomorrow."

“My husband has worked for this company for more than three years, if I’m not mistaken. He was only given three days of paternity leave for both our children when he was supposed to get seven days. My husband had to take unpaid leave because of this. Our children also experienced prolonged jaundice,” shared a user.

Image Credit: Threads

However, one user pointed out that there may be a reason why paternity leave is limited to seven days, suggesting that some fathers could misuse the benefit.

One user said, “Because some fathers might misuse paternity leave instead of using it to care for their wife and newborn child.”

Image Credit: Threads

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