Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow says the state is gathering input from all departments before deciding on a work-from-home policy for civil servants.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government has not yet decided on implementing a work-from-home policy for its civil servants as it is still gathering feedback from all relevant departments.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state has received related guidelines but will only make a final decision after a comprehensive review.
“We have instructed the State Secretary to obtain feedback from every department on the need for WFH before it is discussed again to determine who or which departments it can be implemented in,” he told reporters after an event at Komtar.
He added that the number of civil servants potentially involved remains undetermined as the state must first assess each department’s operational requirements.
Chow also highlighted the state’s existing subsidised bus services for civil servants travelling to Komtar from areas like Seberang Jaya, Jawi and Balik Pulau.
He said seven buses operate with a monthly fare of RM150 for staff, with the remainder of the cost borne by the state government.
Some civil servants also use the free bus service from Bukit Mertajam to Komtar, while the private sector has long had access to the free Congestion Alleviation Transport Bridge service from Seberang Perai to Bayan Lepas.
All feedback collected will form the basis for consideration before any decision on WFH implementation is made.
The state executive council had previously decided against implementing WFH for civil servants due to an absence of urgent need.
This comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the Cabinet’s agreement to implement a WFH policy for federal ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and GLCs beginning April 15.
