All About Employee Leave & PTO in Malaysia
Learn what you need to know about leave requirements in Malaysia and how Justworks EOR can help you streamline hiring.
How an EOR Can Help with Employee Leave & PTO
Before bringing on new hires in Malaysia, employers need to understand the country’s regulations on employee leave and paid vacation days to ensure compliance. Justworks makes this process easier with expert support through our EOR services.
With Justworks, employees will be offered leave policies that align with Malaysian labor laws, helping you stay compliant while offering the benefits your employees expect. From managing local leave entitlements to handling broader HR complexities, Justworks is your go-to partner for smooth and stress-free operations in Malaysia.
Employee Leave & PTO Expectations in Malaysia
Employees in Malaysia are entitled to receive time off for public holidays, maternity/paternity and parental leave, vacation leave, sick leave, and other leaves of absence.
Vacation Leave
In Malaysia, paid vacation leave is a guaranteed benefit for employees, but the number of days depends on how long they’ve been with the employer. Here’s how it typically works:
Less than two years of service: At least eight days of paid leave per year
Two to five years of service:Â At least 12 days per year
Over five years of service: At least 16 days per year
Employers can offer more than the legal minimum but can’t offer less.Â
Sick Leave Â
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave, but the number of days depends on how long they’ve been with the company. Here’s how it works:
Less than two years of service: Up to 14 days per year
Two to five years of service: Up to 18 days per year
More than five years of service: Up to 22 days per year
If an employee is hospitalized, they can get up to 60 days of paid sick leave per year, including their regular sick leave entitlement. To qualify, they need a medical certificate from a registered doctor. While employers are required to offer the minimum sick leave specified above, they can offer more if they choose to.
Maternity Leave
Maternity leave is a mandatory benefit that provides 98 consecutive days of paid leave for female employees who have worked at least 90 days, nine months before childbirth. Employers are required to pay full wages during this period. Termination of employment due to pregnancy is strictly prohibited. Some companies may offer extended maternity benefits beyond the legal minimum.
Paternity and Parental Leave
Male employees in the private sector are entitled to seven days of paid paternity leave, provided they have worked for the same employer for at least 12 months. This leave must be taken consecutively within 60 days of the child’s birth. While there is no official parental leave for both parents beyond maternity and paternity leave, some companies offer additional benefits to support working parents.
Leaves of Absence
Other types of common and excused leaves of absence in Malaysia include:Â
Compassionate (Bereavement) Leave: Typically one to three days for the loss of an immediate family member (not legally required but commonly offered)
Marriage Leave: Some employers provide one to three days of leave for employees getting married (not mandatory but a common benefit)
Religious Leave: Muslim employees may receive leave for Hajj or Umrah
Unpaid Leave: Employees can request leave for personal reasons, such as travel or emergencies, but approval depends on the employer
Public Holidays in Malaysia
In Malaysia, employees are entitled to at least 11 paid public holidays per year, but the exact holidays vary by state, and employers are required to put up a notice at the beginning of the year displaying the 11 public holidays employees will receive. However, there are five nationwide mandatory holidays that all employers must observe:
5 Mandatory Public Holidays in Malaysia:
Workers Day – May 1
The Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King’s Birthday) – First Monday of June
Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong – Varies
National Day (Hari Merdeka) – August 31
Malaysia Day – September 16
If a public holiday falls on a rest day, the next work day will be a rest day.
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