The Penang state government has decided not to implement Work-From-Home (WFH) arrangements for its civil servants at this stage, despite mounting pressure from rising fuel costs linked to the global energy crisis.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said, the decision was made after assessing operational needs, noting that there is currently no urgent requirement to adopt remote working arrangements across the state’s public sector.
“We feel it is not suitable for all types of work to be carried out from home and there is no pressing need,” he said at a press conference in Komtar, reported by Bernama.
Chow had earlier indicated that the Penang government was studying the feasibility of WFH arrangements, with the matter brought up for discussion at the state executive council meeting.
However, the state has opted to maintain existing work arrangements for now, signaling a more cautious and operationally driven approach compared with Putrajaya’s broader policy response to the energy crisis.
Separately, Putrajaya moves in a different direction with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announcing that WFH arrangements for the public sector and government-linked companies (GLCs) will be implemented nationwide beginning April 15.
At the federal level, the move is aimed at reducing fuel consumption and ensuring the sustainability of Malaysia’s energy supply amid ongoing global supply disruptions.
