Budget 2020 sees 90-day maternity leave, higher overtime cap

Putrajaya plans to make improvements to the Employment Act as part of its Budget 2020 policy.

This includes increasing maternity leave from 60 days to 90 days effective 2021.

Parents sending their children to registered nurseries or pre-schools will also have their individual tax relief for fees raised from RM1,000 to RM2,000.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, in tabling Budget 2020, said there would also be improvements in how sexual harassment cases are handled, including better protections and procedures.

The government will also step up anti-discrimination provisions in the workplace to tackle discrimination based on race, religion or gender, for example.

Meanwhile, Putrajaya will also raise the salary cap for those eligible for overtime payments from RM2,000 to RM4,000.

EPF contributions will also be extended to include contract service workers and professionals.

This will start with a voluntary scheme for those who work in the arts and entertainment industry.

Meanwhile, Socso coverage will be expanded to enable contributions from the self-employed across 18 key sectors including fisherfolk and farmers.