The Malaysian government has announced a work-from-home arrangement starting today in response to persistently high energy prices, affecting up to 200,000 civil servants. The move aims to reduce energy consumption and government operating costs.
Under the policy, general government departments, statutory bodies, and government-linked companies will implement a three-day-per-week work-from-home system. However, key service sectors such as security forces, defence, healthcare, and education are excluded. Authorities said the arrangement will be applied flexibly depending on departmental operational needs, and not all civil servants will be eligible.
The Chief Secretary to the Government said department heads will determine eligibility based on job requirements to ensure public services are not disrupted. He added that he is confident civil servants will maintain efficiency and continue fulfilling their duties under the new system.
The government said ongoing tensions in the Middle East and volatility in global energy markets have had a tangible impact on regional economies. By reducing commuting and office energy usage, it hopes to ease fiscal pressure in the short term while lowering fuel dependence.
Global energy prices have continued to rise in recent months due to geopolitical factors, prompting several countries to introduce energy-saving measures.
Authorities have not set an end date for the policy, but said they will continue to monitor energy market trends and assess its effectiveness, adjusting the arrangement if necessary.