PUTRAJAYA, Aug 22 — All civil servants are required to don batik on Thursdays, while wearing batik on other working days is encouraged.
The directive, effective yesterday, was contained in the Service Circular on Malaysian Batik Attire During Working Hours for Federal Public Service Officers, dated August 21, 2023, signed by Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Datuk Zulkapli Mohamed.
The circular said the directive does not apply to officers who are provided with uniforms, or who are attending official ceremonies with specific dress codes.
“The use of Malaysian batik by civil service officers has been implemented since 1985.
“To continue supporting the Malaysian batik industry, and to ensure it remains a heritage and a symbol of Malaysian identity, the government agreed all public officials are required to wear Malaysian batik every Thursday, and are encouraged to wear it on other working days,” read the circular, which was shared on the PSD’s Facebook page today.
The circular was distributed to all state civil services, statutory bodies and local authorities.
“With this (new) service circular, Service Circular Number 1 of 2021 on Malaysian Batik Attire for Federal Civil Service Officers is hereby revoked,’ it said.
The previous circular said wearing batik every Thursday was “encouraged”.
— Bernama
