Every month or so, they take an MC without fail unless it falls on a weekend I suppose.

Tak kira whether got important task or not, just whack an MC.

On the MC, the reason is stated as stomach pain, gastroenteritis or period paid.

Is this an acceptable reason? Can a superior do anything about it at all?

period pain is real. some women experience this. employees entitled for MCs if they are not feeling well.
Do they produce MC certs...if yes...then there is basically nothing you can do.

Yes it’s acceptable

Who are you to question a medical doctor that diagnose the issue

MC cert is a valid cert to be excused from work to recover as the individual cannot discharge thier duty

Simple as that

Whether you like it or not, there is nothing you can do about it.

Performance review there u can give remark lor.
Or if don't want passive aggressive, just reward the others who don't take MC.

Seriously, the place I work ppl whack unlimited leave (as long as approved) like there is no restrictions.

End up those who don't take leave have to shoulder their work. Makes me wanna do the same

Valid, you don't want labor office to find you,
Unless you can prove that, the mc is fake or bought then yes you can do something

reward those who didnt take given they are more productive ofc, that is the best way forward.

i think many guys don't realise how painful period pain is

If period pain, then it's kinda acceptable...

Certain people have weak body....

Anyway as long not fake MC...
Really cannot do much

Just during reviews given
Can write notes saying high usage of MC...

I have seen a colleague take all the sick leave that we entitled until she has used up all the coverage of the medical benefit.
What my company did is, just send a letter to remind her, you have used up all the leave and the coverage. If you wanna seek for medical advice, the cost will be under her. Regarding the leaves, I have forgotten already.
But still, it is normal for them, especially non-executive. They will think it is supposed to take.

Coincidentally this was on my mind this week. I took two days MC on mon and tues. my colleagues were like wah TWO days ah. like it was a big deal. Now still recovering but back to work.

some ppl rather not take mc and rough it out in the office then they infect everyone else with flu and stuff and when other ppl get sick, they will be like look at me, didnt even take MC. as if got badge to be had for infecting others.

I kept telling them, if your sick take MC lah, dont spread it in office. Everytime my accounts lady get sick, following week my manager then me.

yes set a rule those MC every month for 3 months in a row with no good reason such as pregnancy (not normal flu) will kena appraisal downgrade.

As long as their work performance not affected by taking MC, just let them take. Some old staff having habit of taking MC, they already reaching their retiring age soon so as long as not making big issue just let them be.

Learn to differentiate fake vs real sickness. Even fake MC once a month is considered as very good already. I used to have a colleague that MC 4/5 days per week. Once we are over 30 years old, our body is more prone to sickness (myself is example), especially when under stress (deadline, issues, etc). To me MC is not an issue, but IF it's an abuse of MC, then the pattern needs to be studied before any action is taken. This is to prevent penalizing those who really needs it. HR needs to clarify in front of everyone that MC is not annual leave (must clear all). It's only meant for sickness.

instead of a being suspicious and prejudice, why don't you talk to her about her health issues? if she has serious health issues, why don't you advise her to see a specialist about it?

As long the MC is issued by licensed doctor then manager have to accept. What the manager could do is reward more to those "healthy" employees.

Some HR has a guideline stated if an employee taken more than 5 days MC in a financial year, 0.5 will be deducted from the overall performance rating.

When an employee is on MC, his/her colleagues need to cover the dept's commitment. So reward those work extra. Fair an square.

If u work in mnc and follow those post that ask u put in review for too many mc, good luck respind to hr when the staff complain.

virtual signal? are u paying ? those salary?

12 days per year which is still lesser than the normal standard of 14 days MC per year right

If the employee is performing well and achieving his/her/they goals, why be concerned about them taking MC once a month ?