8 October 2026
Unpaid Leave in Malaysia: Salary Deduction Per Day
How much salary is deducted for unpaid leave in Malaysia? See the daily deduction for common salaries using the monthly salary divided by 26 method.
Free tool: Prorated Salary Calculator →
Unpaid leave means taking time off without pay, so your employer deducts the days you are away from your monthly salary. The Employment Act does not give a general right to unpaid leave, so it normally depends on your contract, company policy and your manager's approval.
How much is deducted per day
A common method is monthly salary divided by 26 working days, multiplied by the days of unpaid leave. The table shows the deduction for 1, 3 and 5 days at common salaries.
| Monthly salary | 1 day | 3 days | 5 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM 1,700 | RM 65.38 | RM 196.15 | RM 326.92 |
| RM 2,000 | RM 76.92 | RM 230.77 | RM 384.62 |
| RM 3,000 | RM 115.38 | RM 346.15 | RM 576.92 |
| RM 4,000 | RM 153.85 | RM 461.54 | RM 769.23 |
| RM 5,000 | RM 192.31 | RM 576.92 | RM 961.54 |
Other methods employers use
Some employers divide by the actual calendar days in the month or by 30. Which method applies depends on your contract and company policy, so check your employment letter. Our guide on 30 or 31 days explains the differences.
Effect on EPF and SOCSO
EPF, SOCSO and EIS contributions follow the wages paid for the month, so a month with a lower salary because of unpaid leave generally means slightly lower contributions.
Asking for unpaid leave
Apply in writing as early as possible. State the dates, the reason and who will cover your work, and ask for confirmation of the approval from your employer.
Work out your own deduction
Use the prorated salary calculator to compare the 26-day, 30-day and calendar-day methods for your own salary.
Frequently asked questions
How is unpaid leave calculated in Malaysia?
A common method is monthly salary divided by 26 working days, multiplied by the unpaid days. Some employers use calendar days or 30 days instead, so check your contract.
Is unpaid leave a right under the Employment Act?
The Employment Act does not give a general right to unpaid leave, so it usually depends on your contract, company policy and your employer's approval.
Does unpaid leave affect EPF and SOCSO?
Contributions are based on the wages paid for the month, so lower pay from unpaid leave generally means slightly lower EPF, SOCSO and EIS.