Minister to raise doctors' maternity leave issue at cabinet meet

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Nancy Shukri pledged to raise the slashing of maternity leave for medical officers at several public health clinics in Hulu Langat, Selangor, at the cabinet meeting tomorrow.

"I will bring this matter up at tomorrow's cabinet meeting. I will ensure that it is noted and acted upon. I will gather all the necessary details and information to present it to the cabinet tomorrow," she told reporters in Putrajaya today.

The minister also urged those involved in reducing the leave period to follow the government’s guidelines.

Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) and Hartal Doktor Kontrak criticised the move.

Nancy acknowledged that women in the workforce must juggle their career and family commitments, hence the advice for employers in both the civil service and private sector to provide healthy working conditions for women.

“We also hope that they will fulfil their obligations. And let us listen to the cries of our women. We understand, as women, that balancing a job and a household is demanding.

“That is why we urge those who are not complying to adhere to the regulations,” she said.

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