PETALING JAYA: There will be some leeway in the dress code given at government counters in emergency situations and exceptional circumstances, says Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar (pic).
The Chief Secretary to the Government said this would ensure that the public are not denied the right to receive immediate assistance as stipulated under the Kemajuan Pentadbiran Awam (PKPA) 1/2025 circular.
"Emergencies and exceptional circumstances include making reports on accidents, fire and disasters which can threaten lives and property.
"For regular matters at government offices and counters, department heads can use their discretion to determine if the clothing is appropriate based on existing guidelines," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Dec 10).
Shamsul Azri said the civil service would continue enhancing customer relations to ensure access to and delivery of its services are efficient and responsive.
On Tuesday (Dec 9), Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said an internal inquiry had been launched after a woman who tried to lodge a police report after a traffic accident was prevented from entering the Jasin police headquarters entrance due to her attire.
He said the dress code is based on a circular issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government on public sector customer relations management dated Dec 1, 2020.
It was reported in vernacular media that she and her daughter were involved in an accident on the North-South Expressway.
She went to the Jasin police headquarters to file a report but was stopped at the entrance because her skirt length was slightly above her knee.
