Johnson & Johnson Malaysia has implemented a new Global Parental Leave policy that allows fathers a maximum of eight weeks 100 percent paid parental leave within a year of the birth of a child or adopted child.

Female employees are offered a maximum of 26 days of maternity leave in addition to the 60 mandatory days allowed as set out in the Employment Act 1955 in Malaysia. The new policy is being rolled out across all Johnson & Johnson offices in Malaysia and is available to around 400 employees.

Chin Keat Chyuan, Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson Sdn Bhd, said, “Welcoming a newborn into a family is a blessing. We also understand new parents need all the support they can get to become the best parent they can be. With this new policy, we hope to support new parents through this milestone.”

Available to non-unionised, maternal, paternal and adoptive parents, the policy came into effect at the beginning of this month and will be applicable to parents due to have a child from that date.

Speaking in a statement, the company said, “By extending parental leave benefits to fathers and adoptive parents, Johnson & Johnson also strengthens our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and support for the modern-day family — no matter what shape that family takes.”