For many teachers in Malaysia, school holidays are their primary source of rest, given that they receive less annual leave compared to other public servants.
However, recent reports from the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) indicate a worrying trend: some teachers are submitting fake medical certificates (MCs) or requesting emergency leave (EL) to prolong their holidays.
The growing trend of fake sick leave among teachers
Cuepacs revealed that a small but significant percentage of public servants—around 1% to 2% each year—are involved in this misconduct.
After long breaks, such as school holidays, it’s not uncommon for teachers to present fake MCs or request emergency leave, using it as a way to extend their time off.
While exhaustion from long drives or the stress of returning to work may feel like valid reasons to some, using false MCs to secure extra rest has raised concerns among employers.
Why teachers are resorting to false medical certificates
The issue, however, extends beyond just individual fatigue—it reflects a broader challenge within the education sector and public service.
“Teachers don’t have as much annual leave as other public servants, so many rely on school holidays,” explained a Cuepacs representative.
“But some go as far as submitting fake sick leave or applying for emergency leave to continue their vacations. This misuse can no longer be ignored.”
The representative further explained that most public servants who lie by submitting fake MCs do so because they fail to obtain sick leave from clinics or hospitals, reported Kosmo!.
“They lie because sometimes they can’t get sick leave from the clinic, as their health condition is not severe enough to interfere with their work.
Some public servants often claim they are tired from long drives during holidays and need extra rest. That’s why they request MCs even though they are not really sick,” he explained.
Cuepacs has emphasised that public servants caught submitting fake MCs or misusing emergency leave face serious consequences, including dismissal.
‘ Such behaviour shows a lack of respect for work ethics and could harm the relationships‘
According to Cuepacs, this violates both the Employment Act 1955 and the General Orders (Conduct and Discipline) 1993, which govern public servant behaviour.
In response to these challenges, Cuepacs is urging government ministries and departments to tighten their monitoring of sick leave and emergency leave to prevent further abuse.
Mohd. Effendy Abdul Ghani, president of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC), echoed these concerns, warning that the misuse of MCs and emergency leave can negatively affect an organisation’s productivity and damage the employer-employee relationship.
“This issue is prevalent during extended public holidays, with some employees seen as irresponsible for misusing MCs or emergency leave. Such behaviour shows a lack of respect for work ethics and could harm the relationships they have with their employers and colleagues,” he stated.
