Paid Sick Leave Entitlements in Malaysia
Under the Employment Act 1955, all employees in Malaysia are entitled to paid sick leave. The number of days depends on your length of service:
Need a Medical Certificate in Malaysia?
100% online | Licensed doctors | Same-day delivery | Available 365 days
| Length of Service | Outpatient Leave | Hospitalization Leave | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 14 days | 60 days | 74 days |
| 2 to 5 years | 18 days | 60 days | 78 days |
| More than 5 years | 22 days | 60 days | 82 days |
Hospitalization leave is counted separately from outpatient sick leave, meaning an employee with 5+ years of service can take up to 82 paid sick days per year.
MC Requirements for Every Absence
Malaysia is one of the few countries in Southeast Asia where a medical certificate can be required for any sick leave absence, even a single day. Key rules:
- You must inform your employer within 48 hours of the start of your sick leave
- The MC must be from a registered medical practitioner
- Your employer may require you to visit their panel clinic
- Failure to provide an MC may result in the absence being treated as unpaid leave
How to Verify Your Doctor Is Registered
To ensure your MC is valid, verify that your doctor is registered with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). You can check through:
- MeRITS system — the online Medical Register Information Technology System
- MMC website — searchable database of registered practitioners
- Clinic registration — check for valid clinic license displayed at the premises
What Happens If You Exceed Your Sick Leave?
If you exhaust your paid sick leave entitlement:
- Additional sick days may be treated as unpaid leave
- Your employer may require additional medical documentation
- Prolonged illness may qualify for SOCSO (Social Security) benefits
- In extreme cases, extended absence may affect your employment status
Employer Verification Rights
Employers in Malaysia have the right to:
- Contact the issuing clinic to verify the MC is genuine
- Require employees to use designated panel clinics
- Reject MCs with reasonable grounds (unverifiable doctor, altered document)
- Conduct investigations into suspected MC fraud
Getting a Medical Certificate Online
Need an MC quickly? DrCertificate offers online medical certificates from licensed doctors with same-day delivery. Available 365 days a year.
Get your sick leave certificate for Malaysia
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer deduct salary for sick leave with a valid MC?
No. If you have a valid MC and have not exceeded your sick leave entitlement, your employer must pay you in full for those days.
Can I take sick leave during my probation period?
Yes. Probationary employees are entitled to the same sick leave benefits as confirmed employees under the Employment Act 1955.
What if I get sick while on annual leave?
If you fall ill during annual leave and obtain an MC, those days may be converted from annual leave to sick leave, subject to your employer’s policy.
