Arulkumar Singaraveloo, chief executive officer of the Malaysia HR Forum, which trains human resource professionals, said concerns about employment for trailing spouses go beyond losing a second income.

“It includes professional identity, financial independence and the difficulty of returning to employment after a prolonged career break,” he told CNA.

"(The move to allow spouses to work) should improve Malaysia’s appeal, particularly among couples where both partners have professional careers." The Malaysian Employers' Federation (MEF) called the move a “positive step” towards making Malaysia a more attractive destination for international talent, including specialists whose expertise is important for investment and economic growth.

"Allowing eligible spouses to work will help employers attract and retain international talent, while reducing the personal and financial sacrifices associated with relocating to Malaysia,” MEF president Nik Mustapha Nik Mohamed told CNA. WILL IT HURT LOCAL JOBS?

But Malaysia-based economist Geoffrey Williams feels allowing spouses to work is merely a "minor adjustment" to the current expat visa scheme.

"The main concerns for expatriates are the length of visas and the criteria to obtain long-term visas or residence,” the director of Williams Business Consultancy told CNA.

“These are not only difficult but they are becoming more difficult and uncertain. This uncertainty makes Malaysia unattractive to anyone looking for a long-term stay, to build a career or to build a family life.”In January, the government said it would raise minimum salaries for expats across all three categories of employment passes, and mandate “succession plans” for those in Category 2 and 3 to transfer knowledge and expertise to local employees.

The measures, which took effect in June, had raised concerns among the expat community in Malaysia about how employers would respond and their long-term future in the country.