KUALA LUMPUR: Beginning January 1, female public servants who are five months into their pregnancy will be allowed to leave work an hour earlier.
The special facility will be given to all permanent and contract staff including those currently serving the state public service, statutory bodies and local authorities.
These women will be able to leave one hour earlier from their designated working hours. This can also be applied to their husband, provided the couple works in the same vicinity.
The implementation of the special facility is for the purpose of safeguarding the welfare and safety of female civil servants as stated in the Public Service Circular No 11 of 2017, which was issued Friday and approved by the Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman.
The circular further clarifies ‘in the same vicinity’ as husband and wife who are working in the same building, complex or area, thus allowing the couple to ride in the same vehicle to return home from work.
The circular also state that previously the female civil servants were granted maternity leave and child care leave.
According to the circular, these civil servants are permitted to use the facility at any time when they are into their fifth month or 22 weeks and above of pregnancy.
“The facility will expire one day after the approved deadline or on the date when they start their maternity leave, whichever comes first.
“The use of this special facility is based on the application from the civil servant and approval from the head of department.
“The application form should be submitted a week earlier to ensure smooth administration of the department,” the circular said.
Translated from Berita Harian