Malaysia may introduce work-from-home for civil servants to save energy and reduce costs, mirroring Thailand’s move amid global fuel concerns.
PETALING JAYA: The government will study the feasibility of implementing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for civil servants, with the matter potentially discussed at a special Cabinet meeting tomorrow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
Fahmi has noted that several private companies have already adopted hybrid working arrangements, including WFH, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“On the government’s side, we will study the feasibility of the work-from-home arrangements, and the matter may be discussed at tomorrow’s special meeting.
“First, we will assess the state of the global economy, review the figures, and determine the actions the government should take,” he told reporters after attending the Ministry of Communications’ monthly assembly, according to a Bernama report.
The minister made the remarks in response to Thailand’s decision to implement WFH arrangements for its government agencies and state enterprises as a way to reduce energy consumption amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Also yesterday, Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan said his ministry will examine several energy-saving measures, including reducing electricity usage in government offices and expanding WFH arrangements for its employees to help cut operational costs.
He added that the initiative mirrors approaches taken by other countries, such as Thailand, and is intended to ensure government spending is managed prudently.
Ramanan also said the ministry supports the government’s decision not to hold any official Aidilfitri open houses this year involving ministries, government agencies, and government-linked companies (GLCs).
The move is a precautionary measure against potential economic uncertainties arising from the West Asia conflict, including tensions between Iran and Israel.
The crisis began when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iran against US interests in the region.
Since then, Iran has required tankers using the Strait of Hormuz to obtain prior approval and has pledged to bar tankers from the US and its allies from passing through the strait.
