Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri has reported that women currently occupy 38.8 percent of decision-making roles within the public sector.
However, she noted that the goal of achieving 30 percent representation for women in similar positions within the private and corporate sectors has not yet been reached.
This topic was a focal point during the inaugural meeting of the National Women and Family Council (MWKN) for the year, which took place on October 19.
During the meeting, discussions also centered on strategies and initiatives aimed at encouraging women to reenter the workforce, with the aim of fulfilling the 60 percent female workforce participation target outlined in the Madani Economic Framework.
“If we were to compare with Singapore, the number of working women there is over 70 percent, so we want to reach a high level, but we need to provide support, especially in terms of salaries,” she said in a press conference.
Nancy also stated that the meeting addressed various perspectives and recommendations regarding the implementation of initiatives extending tax incentives for women returning to the workforce until December 31, 2027. These incentives were introduced as part of the Budget 2024 announcement. Among the key points discussed was the proposal to raise the income tax exemption limit for childcare allowances, which employees receive or that employers directly pay to childcare centers, to RM3,000.
Furthermore, as a proactive step to encourage women to rejoin the workforce, the ministry is actively implementing legal reforms, particularly through the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 2022.
The meeting also featured deliberations on policy implementations and the National Reproductive and Social Health Education Action Plan (PEKERTI) 2022-2025 at the state level, spearheaded by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN).
The gathering was attended by Deputy Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu, the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr. Maziah Che Yusoff, as well as representatives from agencies under the ministry and other ministries.
Established at the outset of the year, MWKN functions as a platform bringing together all stakeholders, including Federal Government agencies, private sector representatives, academic representatives, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Its primary purpose is to generate insights and ideas aimed at empowering women and fortifying family institutions in a comprehensive and far-reaching manner.