KUALA LUMPUR – The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) has condemned the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for imposing a strict dress code at its Miri Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) office, labelling it as an inappropriate federal interference in Sarawak’s cultural practices.
SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting said that federal agencies operating in Sarawak must acknowledge the state’s diverse cultural landscape and avoid imposing rigid rules that may undermine public service efficiency, Borneo Post reported.
“We do not welcome this form of federal imposition on the people of Sarawak. We strongly urge the Inland Revenue Board to revert to the previous practice, which has never caused any problems throughout our history,” said Ting, who is also the Piasau assemblyman.
Ting stressed that the dress code, a directive of the federal agency, does not align with the administrative practices or daily realities of Sarawak’s government offices, emphasising that it is not a policy of the Sarawak state government.
“Sarawak is home to 34 ethnic groups, each with its own unique lifestyle, traditional attire, and cultural practices that differ significantly from other parts of Malaysia,” he added. “Federal agencies must respect and understand this cultural diversity.”
He further highlighted that for decades—long before Malaysia’s formation on September 16, 1963—Sarawakians had never been barred from government offices based on their attire.
“Our society has always been characterised by peace, harmony, and mutual respect among our 34 ethnic groups. This long-standing social fabric should not be disrupted by externally imposed standards that fail to reflect our lived realities,” Ting remarked.
While acknowledging that dressing appropriately in government offices is a matter of basic courtesy, Ting pointed out that many people visit these agencies out of necessity.
“Denying entry based solely on attire disrupts their ability to carry out personal and work-related responsibilities and contradicts the core principle of people-friendly public service,” he stated, emphasising that public service should focus on accessibility and not create additional barriers.
Ting urged federal agencies in Sarawak to implement policies that are sensitive to local customs and realities, rather than imposing practices from West Malaysia indiscriminately.
“Any dress code should reflect Sarawak’s cultural context and daily practices, rather than being enforced rigidly. Sarawakians engaging with federal agencies deserve to be treated with fairness, professionalism, and respect,” he added.
SUPP will continue to monitor the situation and engage with relevant parties to ensure that public service remains efficient and responsive to the needs of the people, Ting concluded. – December 4, 2025