Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has a comprehensive policy framework under its Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Discrimination Policy, which actively supports women’s participation, including through maternity policies. UKM recognizes diversity in gender and life circumstances, including pregnancy and maternity. It ensures that all women, including those who are pregnant, are treated with equality and respect in all aspects of university life. The policy explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination based on gender, including family and marital status, ensuring that women who are pregnant or have children are not disadvantaged in their education, research, or employment. UKM is committed to regularly reviewing its recruitment, promotion, performance management, and training processes to prevent any bias or discrimination, including those related to maternity. By fostering a supportive and non-discriminatory environment, UKM ensures that women can continue to fully participate in academic and professional roles, even during maternity. This aligns with the university’s dedication to creating an inclusive and equal opportunity environment for all.

• Policy Created: 2022
• Policy Review: 2025

Circular on Human Resources Services, issued by the Department of Public Service Malaysia

UKM refers to the Circular on Human Resources Services, issued by the Department of Public Service Malaysia as guidelines for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Discrimination Policy. Circular on Human Resources Services is not just a guideline; it is a promise to uphold the dignity and rights of all our citizens. Circular on Human Resources Services emphasizes the importance of equality, diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-discrimination across all genders within the workforce. It aims to create a fair and respectful environment, promoting equal opportunities and treatment for all employees. This includes implementing policies to prevent gender-based discrimination, ensuring representation in decision-making, and fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives. By addressing these issues, the policy supports a more equitable workplace that encourages collaboration and innovation.

The Government of Malaysia’s circular on Human Resource Services

The Government of Malaysia’s circular on Human Resource Services outlines maternity and paternity leave provisions for civil servants. It specifies entitlements for maternity leave, including duration and eligibility criteria for female employees. Paternity leave guidelines ensure that male employees can take time off to support their partners during and after childbirth. The policy aims to promote family welfare and work-life balance within the public service sector. For comprehensive details, you can refer to the official document.

Circular on Human Resources Services, issued by the Department of Public Service Malaysia

The Government of Malaysia’s circular on Human Resource Services

1. Paid Maternity Leave

At UKM, all female staff are entitled to a total of 360 days of fully paid maternity leave throughout their service. The maximum leave duration for each childbirth is 90 days. However, employees are given the flexibility to determine the length of their maternity leave for each childbirth, ranging between 60 and 90 days. Maternity leave may commence on the actual date of delivery, but staff members also have the option to begin their leave up to 14 days before the expected delivery date.

2. Permission to leave work one hour earlier than the official working hours

The Government of Malaysia, through Service Circular Number 11 of 2017, implemented a policy allowing female officers who are five months pregnant and above to leave work one hour earlier than the normal working hours. This privilege is also extended to their husbands who are public service officers working in nearby locations. This privilege is provided for the welfare and safety of female officers.

As a statutory body, UKM also adopts the policy implemented by the Government. Accordingly, female UKM staff who are five (5) months pregnant and above are permitted to leave work one hour earlier than the normal working hours.