SHAH ALAM: Department heads must ensure that employees working from home (WFH) adhere to prescribed rules and procedures and meet the set key performance indicators (KPIs), says the Chief Secretary to the Government.
Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the move was in line with the Public Service Reform Agenda under Human Capital Development, which emphasised increased productivity.
“In response to economic pressures and current needs, the government, through the Cabinet on April 1, agreed that the WFH policy be implemented starting April 15.
“However, there should be no misunderstanding. WFH does not mean ‘resting’ or ‘shopping’. It must comply with established rules and procedures, with output and productivity maintained at the same level, if not higher, than in-office work,” he said at the Selangor-level Taat Setia Madani Road Tour at Dewan Raja Muda Musa here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Shamsul Azri also stressed that civil servants must set an example to the public by carrying out instructions and driving the implementation wisely.
He called for all departments to consistently practise a culture of prudence, in accordance with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive.
“In the office, if lights and fans are not in use, switch them off. Air-conditioning should be set at an appropriate temperature.
Meetings can also be conducted online to reduce travel expenses and paper usage.
“Avoid wastage, and, unless absolutely necessary, refrain from purchasing luxury assets for office use except for safety or public interest reasons,” he said, adding that the government was also reducing official overseas visits to minimise costs.
He explained that the decision not to hold Hari Raya celebrations at national or state levels was not intended to dampen the festive spirit but to promote moderation and togetherness, while being mindful of those less fortunate, including the people of Gaza.
On Thursday, a circular was issued stating that federal civil servants in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well as all state capitals, with a one-way commuting distance to the office exceeding 8km, were eligible for WFH from April 15.
According to the circular, the Human Resource Services Circular WFH Policy outlines the policy, conditions and regulations governing WFH.
The phased implementation of WFH is a strategic government measure to strengthen preparedness in facing the global energy crisis following the conflict in the Middle East.
