Malaysia Stresses Discipline in New WFH Policy

Malaysia’s Chief Secretary, Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, has made it clear that the new work-from-home (WFH) arrangement, commencing April 15, is not a license for complacency. He reiterated that civil servants must mirror office productivity while working remotely.

In a recent address in Shah Alam, he stated that this remote work initiative, locally known as BDR, should not be seen as an opportunity to slack off. Employees are required to meet predetermined key performance indicators (KPIs) and need to be under heightened scrutiny from their department heads.

This WFH policy aligns with Malaysia's wider civil service reforms that prioritize results over mere physical attendance. Civil servants are called on to maintain discipline, commitment, and loyalty to national leadership, including Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, while fulfilling governmental duties with care.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of cutting down on extraneous costs, which includes reducing excessive electricity consumption, limiting physical meetings, and avoiding international trips. Civil servants are also reminded to use social media judiciously, refraining from sharing unverified information, and strictly following official protocols and regulations.