Civil servants' maternity leave 2027: 98 days per birth, lifetime limit raised to 490 days

In the Budget 2027 speech on 9 Oct 2026, the Government announced changes to maternity leave for civil servants. The details below are taken from the official speech text on the Ministry of Finance (MOF) Budget website.

Lifetime limit rises from 360 to 490 days

According to the speech, the Government agreed to raise the total maternity leave entitlement over a civil servant's career from 360 days to 490 days. This means maternity leave rises to a maximum of 98 days for each birth.

The Government also allocated RM20 million to improve childcare centres at Government facilities.

Start date not yet announced

As at 22 Oct 2026, the speech did not say when this change takes effect. Detailed conditions, including how the new limit applies to civil servants who have already used maternity leave, have not been published either. We will update this article when the official circular is issued.

Private sector employees: 98 days under the Employment Act

For private sector employees covered by the Employment Act 1955, maternity leave has been at least 98 consecutive days since January 2023. This is according to the Malaysian Government Official Portal. The Budget 2027 change above only applies to civil servants.

Other Budget 2027 measures for civil servants

• Special Financial Aid of RM1,500 for civil servants in Grade Utama B and below, including contract staff, paid twice.
• The minimum pension rises from RM1,000 to RM1,350 a month.