The Maternity Leave Regulation

THE order to extend maternity leave up to 105 days was granted royal approval yesterday in His Majesty's titah to welcome the new year 2011.

Following concerns raised by the monarch recently, the government has reviewed the maternity leave regulation and will be replacing it with a new order which will entitle women officers and staff in the civil service to a longer maternity leave as of January 1, 2011.

His Majesty, in his titah, announced that the government will be enforcing the new regulation called the Maternity Leave Order 2011 as a measure towards coordinating the pre- and post-natal needs and health interest of mothers.

Privileges under the Maternity Leave Order 2011 will also be extended to citzens and permanent residents employed in the private sector, said His Majesty.

The maternity leave regulation, which previously entitled women officers and staff in the civil service to take 56 days leave, under the new order will increase the period of absence from work to up to 105 days.

Touching on the subject of health in his titah yesterday, His Majesty pointed out that aside from building up the nation's medical services capacity at the specialist level, efforts to improve health should also be intensified through prevention and awareness programmes.

"This includes strengthening efforts to completely eradicate the dangerous habit of smoking through the amendments made in the duty and excise of cigarettes, tobacco and tobacco products" said His Majesty.

The government, in its efforts to engage the expertise of quality doctors both overseas and locally, has recently introduced a new scheme in doctors' services, which hopefully will also inspire the nation's youth to develop an interest for the medical health profession, expressed His Majesty.

His Majesty the Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in his titah ushering in the new year expressed his deepest appreciation and satisfaction for the kindness and support shown by the nation to those in need.

"The kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand especially to those that are truly in need is a characteristic trait that we can all be proud of and should always maintain as a nation" said His Majesty.

His Majesty also lauded the nation's willingness to extend its assistance and support to victims of natural disasters in neighbouring countries that further demonstrates that our generosity knows no bounds.

In his titah His Majesty expressed his appreciation to the public for their efforts in carrying out their duties with sincerity for the good of the nation throughout the year 2010.

Source: The Brunei Times