Medical Leave Entitlement for Attending Vaping Rehabilitation Sessions

Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Manpower (a) whether workers who are required to attend rehabilitation sessions after having been caught vaping are entitled to have such sessions recognised as medical leave; and (b) what guidance is provided to employers in handling such cases.

Under the Employment Act, only employees who have received a medical certificate from a medical practitioner are entitled to take sick leave. Employees who attend rehabilitation sessions will not be issued medical certificates and are therefore not eligible for paid sick leave. Employees and employers should discuss and mutually agree on a leave arrangement, such as annual leave or no-pay leave, so that employees can attend these sessions.