A mother may commence her GPML no earlier than 28 days before her child's date of birth, but no later than the date of birth itself. All GPML must be taken within 12 months of the child's date of birth.

For employed mothers — without mutual agreement with employer:

• The full 16 weeks must be taken in one continuous block.

• Leave is calculated in calendar days (16 weeks × 7 days = 112 days), including weekends and public holidays.

For employed mothers — with mutual agreement with employer:

• The first 8 weeks must be taken as a continuous block.

• There must be at least 1 day's break between the first and second 8-week block.

• The remaining 8 weeks (weeks 9 to 16) can be taken flexibly, calculated based on working days only (e.g. 5 working days × 8 weeks = 40 days). Non-working days are not included unless leave is taken continuously.

• Mothers should discuss the arrangement with their employer in advance.

For self-employed mothers:

• The first 8 weeks must be taken as a continuous block.

• The remaining 8 weeks (weeks 9 to 16) are calculated based on working days only (e.g. 5 working days × 8 weeks = 40 days). Non-working days are not included unless leave is taken continuously.

Important note on Shared Parental Leave (SPL): Primary leave schemes — including GPML, Government-Paid Paternity Leave (GPPL), and Adoption Leave for Mothers (AL) — must be fully exhausted before Shared Parental Leave (SPL) can commence.