This is the third part of the NST's Online Special on 'Menstrual leave'.
PART 1: Menstrual leave for women workforce in Malaysia: A boon or bane?
PART 2: Menstrual leave, not an admission of weakness
KUALA LUMPUR: It is high time for the government to look into enacting a nationwide menstrual leave policy, with support from stakeholders including employers, say experts.
Former Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan said women's menstrual health is becoming a major factor affecting their productivity.
"In some women, dysmenorrhoea (severe and frequent menstrual cramps) can be incapacitating, affecting their ability to work .
"Dysmenorrhoea and menstrual disorders (including fibroids , endometriosis , adenomyosis , and polycystic ovarian syndrome ) have negatively impacted the lives of young women during their most productive years.
"Thus, menstrual leave which is increasingly gaining support across the globe is timely to be implemented in Malaysia without any delay," he told the New Straits Times.
Dr Tharmaseelan, who is also a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist said while women should be encouraged to care for their menstrual health, it is also important for the government to be supportive by according women menstrual leave.
Menstrual leave, he said should be regarded as a basic right for all women.
"Period leave is not a sign of a woman's weakness. Many people, including men are not able to work or perform just because of a severe headache, migraine or some minor ailment like stomach ache or other body aches.
"This, we are talking about agony, excruciating pain since dysmenorrhoea can be more incapacitating.
"Malaysia has even accepted paternal leave even when men can function fully well. We also accord leave to any person who accompanies a sick person to see a doctor.
"The reservations about the menstrual leave is that there will be a few who would misuse this benevolent gesture but that is unavoidable as it is human nature."
Dr Tharmaseelan added that it is imperative that women maintain healthy lifestyles to prevent any hindrance to their ability.
Women provide equal contributions to the growth of their family and the nation, hence they should be able to perform at maximum ability during the most productive years of their life, he said.
"This period corresponds and depends on their menstrual health which should not handicap their performance."
Meanwhile, Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia president, Dr Hoo Mei Lin said according women menstrual leave is a step in the right direction.
However, she said the conversation around menstrual leave policy needs a lot more work to ensure the rights of the women that were meant to be protected are protected.
"It needs to be introduced sensibly because if people do not understand why this issue (menstrual leave and menstrual health) is even spoken about then they will not be supportive of it and that is a shame.
"Period leave is a very good concept and very attractive although initially I had reservations because I'm worried people will just sweep their symptoms under the rug and not actually visit a doctor despite suffering from abnormal pain.
"Some might see this as an avenue or tool (since they can just have some rest at home) while they are suffering. But you should not suffer through your periods."
Dr Hoo advised women to pay a gynaecologist a visit at least once a year.
READ MORE: PBM calls on government to consider menstrual leave for women.
