The announcement was done in conjunction with International Women's Day and with immediate effect. Chief Human Capital Officer Nora Manaf said the enhanced benefit was decided on after a holistic review of the people's policies and programmes currently offered by Maybank.

“The enhancement to the existing 90-days maternity leave policy is yet another feature of our commitment to the bank’s diversity and inclusion agenda,” Nora said in a statement.

How it works:

1. 90-days materinity leave policy with full pay is the existing standard.

2. Employees can then apply for an additional three months with half pay.

3. Finally, the further six months can be applied with no pay.

Maybank has also implemented a sabbatical leave policy for all its eligible staff for a minimum of three months to a maximum of 24 months.

BONUS: Let's compare this to the best maternity leave policy available

Top 3 Countries with the best maternity leave policy (source: The Huffington Post)

#1 Sweden The Swedes actually offer 56 weeks paid at 80% the salary of citizens and 13 additional weeks paid at a fixed rate after. That's 483 days of leave.

#2 Croatia The land that brought Game of Thrones to life boasts 24 weeks of 100% paid leave and 34 weeks at a fixed rate.

#3 Canada Oh, Canada. They are in third place with 50 weeks of 55% paid leave.