PUTRAJAYA, May 3 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement on the introduction of the Post-Maternity Leave Allowance (EPCB) has been described as a holistic approach aligned with Islamic values, while emphasising women’s welfare, family protection, and the balance between career and household responsibilities.
In a statement today, chairperson of the Muslim Women’s Council of the Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (MAWIM) Prof Dr Zuriati Ahmad Zulkarnain said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the welfare of women, particularly mothers returning to work after maternity leave.
“This step not only helps ease the financial burden but also supports emotional well-being and the stability of the family institution.
“In the spirit of Malaysia MADANI, which upholds the values of compassion, well-being and social justice, this allowance has the potential to serve as a catalyst for building a more family-friendly work ecosystem, while elevating the role of women as a pillar of national development without compromising their role as nurturers of future generations,” she said.
Zuriati said the approach is not merely a welfare policy, but a strategic national investment in strengthening human capital and fostering a stable family institution.
She also expressed her deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister for his concern in introducing the allowance under the MADANI Government agenda.
When delivering his message at the 2026 National Workers’ Day celebration on Friday, Anwar said the government will introduce the EPCB as a progressive measure to support women’s participation in the labour force and to reduce the pressure faced by mothers after childbirth.
-- BERNAMA
