Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has mandated Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to ensure stringent oversight of the work-from-home (WFH) policy within the federal public sector. This directive emphasizes the need for verification of civil servants' presence during their WFH periods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, MADANI Government spokesperson, announced that the directive was issued during a Cabinet meeting, highlighting that government service delivery, particularly counter services, will remain operational as usual. Fahmi, who also serves as the Communications Minister, noted the government's appeal for the private sector to explore WFH arrangements where feasible.

The nationwide WFH policy for the federal civil service, involving approximately 200,000 employees, came into effect today. This measure serves as a preparedness strategy in response to the global energy crisis spurred by conflict in West Asia. The policy is applicable to federal civil servants located in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and all state capitals, specifically targeting those residing more than eight kilometers from their workplaces.

Exceptions to the WFH policy include personnel in the security and defence, healthcare, and education sectors. The implementation of the policy varies depending on the state and weekly rest days. In states where Sunday is the weekly holiday, WFH will be observed from Tuesday to Thursday, while in states with Friday as the weekly holiday, it will be implemented from Monday to Wednesday.