The Employment Act 1955 sets the minimum paid leave every covered employee in Malaysia is entitled to. Employers can be more generous, but not less. Here is the statutory baseline.
Annual leave (paid)
| Length of service | Days per year |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 8 days |
| 2 to 5 years | 12 days |
| More than 5 years | 16 days |
Sick leave (paid)
Where no hospitalisation is needed:
| Length of service | Days per year |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 14 days |
| 2 to 5 years | 18 days |
| More than 5 years | 22 days |
Where hospitalisation is necessary, an employee is entitled to up to 60 days of paid sick leave in a calendar year (inclusive of the outpatient days above).
Public holidays
Employees are entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year, of which 5 are compulsory: National Day, the Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Birthday of the Ruler / Federal Territory Day, Workers' Day (1 May) and Malaysia Day. The employer chooses the remaining 6.
Maternity leave
Eligible female employees are entitled to 98 days of paid maternity leave (increased under the 2022 amendment, effective 2023).
Paternity leave
Married male employees are entitled to 7 consecutive days of paid paternity leave, subject to the qualifying conditions in the Act.
Rest days
Every employee is entitled to at least one rest day per week. Work on a rest day is paid at premium rates — see our overtime guide.
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Summary of statutory minimums under the Employment Act 1955; individual contracts may grant more. Confirm details for your case. Not legal advice.
