Budget 2023: Socso to amend act to encourage women to return to work

KUALA LUMPUR - Good news for women who are about to return to work from their maternity leave.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Social Security Organisation (Socso) will amend its Act, to permit the awarding of a grant equivalent to 80 per cent of the insured employee's salary value.

Anwar said this during the retabling of the Budget 2023 in parliament today.

He said this initiative was mooted to empower women who have finished their maternity leave.

“It was estimated that more than 130,000 women who return to work after giving birth will benefit from this grant involving a total of RM290 million per year.

“The Unity Government is sensitive to the needs of women, especially those who have to stop working after maternity leave to take care of their children due to the high cost of childcare,” he said.

Anwar also encouraged employers to provide childcare centres in the office. He added that the government will continue to provide guideliles for childcare centres in the office.

“Existing tax incentives will also be extended for childcare allowances as well as the cost of providing childcare centres in offices,” he said.

Nevertheless, the government will examine the need to make these facilities compulsory if there are discouraging responses from employers.

Anwar also added that those who wish to open childcare centres will also be provided loans by the government to assist them in opening these nurseries and childcare centres.

RM15 million will be allocated for those interested in opening these childcare centres.

"We will also simplify the registration process," he added.