KUALA LUMPUR – Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz are set to present comprehensive proposals on work-from-home (WFH) arrangements at the next National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, said government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had called during today’s Cabinet meeting for several matters to be closely reviewed and submitted for decision at the MTEN session, scheduled after Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Bernama reported.
“The Cabinet today received an initial report from the Chief Secretary, which was also prepared by the Public Service director-general, regarding WFH for the public sector.
“The priority will certainly be non-critical sectors. The Prime Minister has requested that the Chief Secretary present a more comprehensive proposal at the next MTEN meeting,” Fahmi said at a post-Cabinet press conference.
He added that critical sectors such as education, healthcare and frontline services would not be affected by the WFH initiative.
On whether the policy would extend to the private sector, Fahmi said current discussions are focused on civil servants due to the size of the workforce and the need for coordinated government policy.
“However, the government does not prevent the private sector from implementing WFH if they feel there is a need at this time,” he noted.
Fahmi also highlighted the Prime Minister’s call for ministers to actively engage with agencies under their portfolios and industry stakeholders to gain a complete understanding of sector-specific challenges.
“For example, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has held discussions with aviation sector players following developments in West Asia that have impacted the industry.
“What will be done next is to compile all findings, and from the overall outcome, it will provide direction for efforts, initiatives and government assistance for certain sectors, if deemed necessary,” he said. – March 17, 2026