KUALA LUMPUR – The Cabinet has agreed to introduce the Hybrid Work Day (HBH) arrangement as a new norm in the public service beginning Aug 1, according to the Public Service Department (PSD).
Under the new framework, civil servants will be allowed to work two days from home or from an alternative location approved by their head of department, while spending three days in the office. The arrangement remains subject to service requirements, job suitability and established conditions, Bernama reported.
In a statement, the PSD said the HBH framework will replace the existing Work From Home (WFH) arrangement.
“Civil servants may work two days from home or at an alternative location approved by the Head of Department and three days at the office, subject to service requirements, functional suitability and prescribed conditions.
“HBH is a new government initiative that introduces more flexible work arrangements for civil servants without reducing working hours,” the statement said.
The PSD stressed that the implementation of HBH would not compromise the delivery of essential public services. Counter services and operations requiring physical presence will continue as usual, particularly in the security, defence, education, healthcare and judicial sectors.
For states where Sunday is the weekly rest day (HKM), Monday and Friday have been set as compulsory office attendance days.
In Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu, where Friday is the weekly holiday, Sunday and Thursday will be designated as mandatory office days.
The department said the initiative is part of broader public service reform efforts aimed at modernising government operations through results-based work practices and increased use of digital technology, in line with the Cabinet of Malaysia’s policy direction.
It added that a monitoring mechanism will be introduced to ensure integrity, performance and service delivery remain at optimal levels.
“Hybrid work arrangements have also been adopted in countries such as Singapore, Australia, Finland and Sweden,” the statement said.
The PSD said detailed guidelines and implementation procedures will be issued in due course. – June 26, 2026