SHAH ALAM, March 26 — Working from home (WFH) will be allowed for civil servants, to start in stages and on a selective basis, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the introduction of more flexible work arrangements for the public service is due to the impact from surging global oil prices amid the West Asia crisis.
Anwar also said the government would encourage the private sector to adopt similar arrangements, noting that several companies have already implemented such practices.
“Other measures (to address the impact of the global crisis) are being considered, including the decision to set rules for more flexible work, such as working from home.
“Public offices will be able to implement work-from-home arrangements in stages and selectively, and, God willing, it will be successful,” he said during a special address this evening on Putrajaya’s measures to boost preparedness ahead of the global energy crisis.
On March 12, Parti Keadilan Rakyat Youth chief Mohd Kamil Abdul Munim suggested the government consider targeted WFH arrangements for certain sectors, adding that it could reduce daily travel and fuel consumption as oil prices surge amid escalating tensions in West Asia.
Unity Government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil also previously said the government would look into allowing WFH for civil servants to address the matter.
Several Asian nations have turned to remote work to ease pressures on energy needs and protect fragile economies.
This includes Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines, which have all implemented WFH policies and conservation measures similar to those during the COVID-19 pandemic.
