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Writer's pictureDanesh Ramuthi

Compassionate Leave in Malaysia: What You Need to Know

Updated: Aug 5


Compassionate Leave in Malaysia


Losing a family member is an incredibly tough experience, one that no one should face alone. In Malaysia, compassionate leave is a legally required provision that offers employees the necessary time to grieve and support their loved ones. 


This article will explain the ins and outs of compassionate leave in Malaysia, including what you need to know about bereavement leave, the types of leave, and how to handle your employment contract. 


Whether you're dealing with the loss of spouses, children, or other close family members, we'll cover everything to help you understand your rights as an employee.


What is Compassionate Leave in Malaysia?


a woman comforting another woman

Compassionate leave is a type of leave granted to employees to allow them time off work to deal with the death or serious illness of a close family member. This leave is intended to provide employees with the necessary time to grieve, make funeral arrangements, and manage personal affairs related to the loss or critical condition of their loved one.


Are Malaysian Employers Legally Required to Provide Paid Compassionate Leave? 


Are Malaysian Employers Legally Required to Provide Paid Compassionate Leave

In Malaysia, compassionate leave is not explicitly mandated by law under the Employment Act 1955. However, many employers choose to include compassionate leave policies within their company's internal HR policies to support employees during significant personal losses such as the death of a close family member. 


These policies vary between companies, and while some offer paid leave, others may offer unpaid leave depending on their internal guidelines The standard practice is to provide a minimum of three days of paid leave, but as we said, this can vary depending on the employer's policies​


Employers typically require employees to provide proof, such as a death certificate or funeral notice, when applying for compassionate leave. Clear communication of the policy and procedures to all employees is essential to ensure transparency and fairness


Beyond compassionate leave, employers are encouraged to provide additional support, such as grief counseling or flexible work arrangements, to help employees cope with their loss or family emergencies​


How to Get Compassionate Leave from Your Employer

Obtaining compassionate leave from your employer typically involves several key steps. Here's a structured guide to help you through the process:

1. Review Your Company Policy


Review Your Company Policy

Start by checking your employment contract or the company's employee handbook for policies related to compassionate leave. Understanding the company's guidelines will help you know the amount of leave you are entitled to and the proper procedures to follow.

2. Notify Your Employer

Inform your employer or immediate supervisor as soon as possible about your need for compassionate leave. This notification can be done through email, phone call, or in person. Clearly state the reason for your request and the expected duration of your absence.

3. Provide Required Documentation


death certificate

Be prepared to provide documentation to support your leave request. This may include:

  • Death Certificate: If the leave is due to the death of a family member.

  • Medical Certificate: If you need to care for a seriously ill family member. Make sure to submit these documents promptly to avoid any delays in the approval process.

4. Fill Out Necessary Forms

Some companies may require you to complete a formal leave application form. Ensure that all required information is accurately filled out and submitted according to your company's procedures.

5. Plan for Work Coverage

Discuss with your supervisor how your duties will be covered during your absence. This might involve delegating tasks to colleagues or adjusting project timelines. Effective planning helps minimize disruptions and demonstrates your professionalism.

6. Stay Informed

Keep in touch with your employer during your leave if needed, especially if there are changes to the expected duration of your absence. Regular updates help maintain clear communication and mutual understanding.

Example Email Request

Here’s a sample email template you can use to request compassionate leave:

Subject: Request for Compassionate Leave

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I am writing to formally request compassionate leave due to [brief reason, e.g., the passing of my father]. I intend to take [number of days] days off starting from [start date] to [end date] to manage the necessary arrangements and grieve with my family.

I have attached [documentation, e.g., the death certificate] for your reference. I have also discussed my current projects with [colleague’s name] who has kindly agreed to cover my responsibilities during my absence.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Can an Employer Deny Your Request for Compassionate Leave?

Yes, technically, an employer in Malaysia can deny a request for compassionate leave, as there is no legal requirement under the Employment Act 1955 to provide such leave.

However, there have been no significant cases reported where compassionate leave requests were outright denied by employers.


In practice, it is common for Malaysian companies to provide a few days of compassionate leave, especially in a multicultural society like Malaysia, where respecting personal and family matters is highly regarded. 


This practice aligns with general cultural and social expectations, where employers show understanding and support during employees' times of grief or family emergencies. 


This approach supports employee well-being and contributes to a positive work environment and employee relations.


How many days is compassionate leave in Malaysia?


The length of compassionate leave in Malaysia is typically defined by the employer's policies. Generally, companies offer between three to 10 days for the death of an immediate family member. Some organizations might provide additional unpaid leave or extend the duration based on individual circumstances​.


What is legally considered an immediate family member in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, for the purposes of compassionate leave, an immediate family member typically includes parents, spouses, children, and siblings. This definition is commonly adopted by employers when specifying eligibility for compassionate leave under company policies, although the specifics can vary slightly from one organization to another based on their internal HR policies​


How long should you take off work after the death of a parent?

The length of time you should take off work after the death of a parent depends largely on your personal needs, your relationship with the deceased, and any cultural or religious practices you observe during the mourning period. 


In Malaysia, it is common for employers to offer between two to five days of compassionate leave for the loss of an immediate family member like a parent. This period is intended to provide some time for the initial grieving process and to handle immediate responsibilities such as funeral arrangements. 


Ultimately, the time needed can vary greatly from person to person. Some may feel ready to return to work sooner as a way to find a routine or distract themselves, while others might need more time to cope with their loss. 


It’s important to communicate with your employer about your needs and any additional time off you might require, whether through extended compassionate leave, unpaid leave, or the use of annual leave days.

What is another word for compassionate leave?

Another term commonly used for "compassionate leave" is "bereavement leave." This term specifically refers to the time off granted to employees to grieve and handle affairs following the death of a close family member.


Dear HR, How Can You Support Your Team Members Through the Loss of a Family Member?


HR supporting an employee who lost their family members

Supporting an employee during the difficult time of a family member's loss is crucial in fostering a compassionate and empathetic workplace. Here are five effective ways HR can provide support:

1. Provision of Compassionate Leave

Offering bereavement leave is a fundamental way to support employees. This leave should be flexible enough to accommodate different grieving processes and cultural practices related to mourning.


Ensure that the bereavement leave policy is clearly communicated to all employees, detailing the duration and any documentation required. This time off helps employees to manage immediate responsibilities and to grieve without the added stress of work.

2. Flexible Work Arrangements

Upon their return, some employees may still be coping with their loss and may find it difficult to immediately resume a full-time schedule. HR can support by offering flexible working options such as telecommuting, part-time hours, or flexible scheduling. This allows employees to gradually return to their full duties while balancing their emotional and family needs.

3. Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

An Employee Assistance Program that includes access to grief counseling can be invaluable. HR should ensure that employees are aware of these services and encourage their use. Providing professional support through counseling helps employees handle their grief more effectively and can aid in their overall recovery.

4. Ongoing Support and Communication


Ongoing Support and Communication

Regular check-ins by HR or the employee’s manager can make a significant difference. These check-ins should be conducted with sensitivity and should focus on understanding the employee’s current needs and adjusting support as necessary. It’s also important to communicate to the team about how they can help, ensuring that the employee feels supported by their colleagues as well.

5. Training for Managers

HR should provide training for managers on how to handle situations involving the loss of an employee's family member. This training should include how to communicate effectively and sensitively with grieving employees, how to adjust workloads and deadlines, and how to foster a supportive team environment. Empowering managers to handle these situations with care and competence is crucial for maintaining a supportive workplace culture.

Why Compassionate Leave Matters?


a man and woman supporting and comforting a grieving woman in a support group

Compassionate leave is crucial in the workplace because it acknowledges the human aspect of employees, respecting their need for time to grieve and manage personal crises. By supporting staff during tough times, organizations foster a culture of empathy and respect, which can significantly enhance employee morale and loyalty.

  • Supports Emotional Health: Compassionate leave allows employees to grieve without the stress of work, supporting their mental and emotional well-being. This time helps them cope with loss more effectively and return to work ready to engage.

  • Enhances Employee Loyalty: By providing compassionate leave, companies demonstrate care for their employees' personal challenges, fostering loyalty and a deeper employer-employee connection.

  • Promotes a Positive Work Culture: Offering compassionate leave contributes to a culture of empathy and support within the workplace, encouraging employees to also support each other.

  • Reduces Work Disruptions: Allowing employees time off to handle personal grief helps prevent longer periods of reduced productivity. Employees are more likely to focus better at work when they return.

  • Improves Retention Rates: Companies that support employees during tough times, such as offering compassionate leave, often see higher retention rates as employees feel valued and supported.

Wrapping Up: Understanding Compassionate Leave in Malaysia

Compassionate leave is more than a policy; it's a reflection of a company's empathy and support for its workforce during tough times. For businesses in Malaysia, adopting such practices not only boosts morale but also builds a loyal and supportive work environment.


Understanding the policies surrounding compassionate leave helps employees manage their personal obligations effectively during times of grief and ensures that employers can maintain a supportive environment. This balance is crucial for fostering a compassionate workplace that values the well-being of its employees as much as its operational success.


At Douglas Loh, we understand that managing a business involves not just focusing on financial and operational excellence but also on the well-being of your team.



FAQs on Compassionate Leave in Malaysia

1. Is documentation required to apply for compassionate leave?

Yes, most employers in Malaysia require some form of documentation when an employee requests compassionate leave. This could include a death certificate or a medical report, depending on the situation that necessitates the leave.


2. Can compassionate leave be converted into unpaid leave if the allocated days are insufficient?

Many employers allow employees to convert their compassionate leave to unpaid leave if the bereavement period extends beyond the paid leave days available. This option is typically discussed on a case-by-case basis


3. Can an employee take compassionate leave for the loss of a non-legal family member?

Depending on the employer's policy, compassionate leave may be granted for the loss of close friends or significant others who are not legally recognized as family members. Employers may require some proof of the relationship and the impact of the loss on the employee.


4. Can compassionate leave be granted for the loss of a pet?


Typically, compassionate leave is reserved for the loss of human family members. However, some companies might recognize the emotional bond between employees and their pets, offering a form of leave or allowing the use of personal or unpaid leave for such situations


5. Can compassionate leave days be accumulated and used later?

Compassionate leave is generally intended to be used at the time of the bereavement or emergency and is not typically accumulative. Employees are encouraged to use this leave as needed and cannot usually save it for future use.


6. Are contractors or part-time employees eligible for compassionate leave?

Eligibility for compassionate leave for contractors or part-time employees depends on company policy. Some companies extend compassionate leave benefits to all employees, while others may offer it only to full-time staff.


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