“Hot weather, financial burden” – MOE Says Students No Longer Required to Wear Neckties from 2026

In line with Malaysia’s hot and humid climate, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that neckties are no longer mandatory for students starting next year. This move aims to improve comfort while maintaining discipline and professionalism in schools.

MOE, in an official statement shared on its website, stated that the decision was made as a result of the 2025 Special MOE Professional Meeting on 8 December and will come into force starting the 2026 academic calendar.

Students are no longer required to wear neckties starting in 2026

However, the circular, signed by the Director-General of Education, Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, clarified that wearing ties is still permitted based on a consensus between the school and parents.

“No party is allowed to exert any coercion or pressure on students regarding the wearing of ties. MOE is always concerned about the need for parents to provide their children with school supplies before the start of the new school session,” Dr Mohd Azam stated in the circular.

The Education Director General added that to make it easier for parents to meet these needs, this policy was decided based on research into the current needs of students, considering various factors, including:

• The hot and humid local climate, in which the wearing of a necktie may cause discomfort to the students
• MOE’s efforts to ease the financial burden on the families

Do you think this is a timely adjustment that aligns school attire with Malaysia’s hot and humid climate?

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