Kuala lumpur: The feasibility of implementing work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for civil servants will be studied, and may be discussed at a special Cabinet meeting tomorrow, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, noted the government's awareness of companies adopting hybrid working arrangements, including WFH, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized that the government will first evaluate the global economic landscape before any decisions are made. This evaluation is intended to inform the government's course of action, with discussions potentially taking place at a special meeting scheduled for tomorrow. Fahmi's remarks came in response to Thailand's recent move to enforce WFH arrangements for its government agencies to minimize energy usage amidst geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The minister highlighted that the special Cabinet meeting aims to harmonize government actions based on current economic data. Key economic factors such as Brent crude oil prices, aviation fuel costs, and other indicators will be closely examined. Fahmi mentioned that the government's objective is to realign its strategies to manage and curtail superfluous spending effectively.
Furthermore, Fahmi underscored the government's commitment to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), recognizing their fundamental role in the national economy, particularly those engaged in exports and domestic goods and services production. Decisions concerning MSME support measures will be informed by a comprehensive assessment of the domestic economic environment.
Fahmi assured that any action taken would be measured, avoiding actions that could hinder economic growth. He also confirmed that the supply of essential goods and fuel, including RON95 petrol, remains stable, with no current shortages affecting the country.
The crisis in West Asia began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. This incited retaliatory measures from Iran targeting US interests in the region. Iran has since mandated that tankers traversing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy shipping passage, must secure clearance from Iranian authorities and has vowed to block passage to tankers from the US and its allies.