Responding to a question by Charles Santiago (PH-Klang) in the Dewan Rakyat, deputy minister Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff said the research involved 57,000 survey participants.

Santiago had asked if Putrajaya had a plan to introduce menstrual leave, slamming the ministry for being “backward” on this leave policy.

Earlier, Siti Zailah had said the introduction of such leave required the women, family, and community development ministry to get the views of the Public Services Department (JPA), human resources ministry, finance ministry, trade unions and employers’ groups.

“The process of introducing menstrual leave does not only involve the wellness of women employees, but it also creates implications on the nation’s economy and productivity,” she said.

Santiago had earlier called for the speedy drafting and enforcement of a policy that would require employers to grant leave to menstruating women if they needed it.

He claimed this would promote employee loyalty and productivity, adding that countries such as Japan and Indonesia had implemented their menstrual leave policies successfully.