KUALA LUMPUR – Department heads must ensure that staff undertaking work from home (WFH) adhere to prescribed rules and procedures, while meeting the set key performance indicators (KPIs).
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the move is in line with the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA) under Pillar 2: Human Capital Development, which emphasises increased productivity.
“In response to economic pressures and current needs, the government, through the Cabinet, on April 1, has agreed that the WFH policy will be implemented starting April 15.
“However, there should be no misunderstanding. WFH does not mean ‘resting’ or ‘shopping’. It must comply with established rules and procedures, with output and productivity maintained at the same level, if not higher, than in-office work,” he said.
He said this at the Selangor-level Taat Setia Madani Road Tour at Dewan Raja Muda Musa in Shah Alam today.
Shamsul Azri also stressed that civil servants must set an example to the public by not only carrying out instructions but also driving the implementation wisely.
In line with the directive of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, he called for a culture of prudence to be consistently practised across all departments.
“In the office, if lights and fans are not in use, switch them off. Air-conditioning should be set at an appropriate temperature. Meetings can also be conducted online to reduce travel costs and paper usage.
“Avoid wastage, and unless absolutely necessary, refrain from purchasing luxury assets for office use except for safety or public interest reasons,” he said, adding that the government is also reducing official overseas visits to minimise costs, in line with current decisions.
He also explained that the decision not to hold Aidilfitri celebrations at the national or state level was not intended to dampen the festive spirit, but to promote moderation and togetherness, while being mindful of those less fortunate, including those in Gaza.
Yesterday, a circular was issued stating that federal civil servants in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, as well as all state capitals with a one-way commuting distance to the office exceeding eight kilometres, are eligible for WFH starting April 15.
The directive was outlined in a circular titled ‘Pelaksanaan Bekerja Dari Rumah bagi Perkhidmatan Awam Berikutan Konflik Asia Barat’ (Implementation of Work From Home for the Public Service Following the West Asia Conflict), signed by the director-general of Public Service, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
According to the circular, the Human Resource Services Circular (PPSM) SR.4.1.2: Work From Home Policy outlines the policy, conditions and regulations governing WFH.
The phased implementation of WFH is a strategic government measure to strengthen preparedness in facing a global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia.– April 3, 2026