KSN: Dress Code May Be Relaxed in Emergencies, Heads of Dept Can Decide What is Appropriate Attire

Recently, a woman and her mother went to the Jasin District Police Headquarters (IPD) in Melaka to file a police report on a road accident, but was turned away because she was wearing a skirt.

She then had to go to a nearby mall to buy a pair of trousers before returning to Jasin IPD to lodge the report.

The 56-year-old woman was asked to change her skirt to file a police report

“Dress code rules can be relaxed during emergencies”

Following the viral incident, Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN), Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, clarified that dress code rules can be relaxed during emergencies or unusual situations to ensure people aren’t denied urgent services.

In a statement, he said the guideline is outlined in the Public Administration Development Circular (PKPA) No. 1 of 2025, which focuses on strengthening customer relations in the public sector.

Shamsul azri abu bakar

He added that this flexibility also applies to frontline services such as security and healthcare, which deal directly with the public.

“This guideline applies to all dealings at government counters or offices. Relaxation is allowed in emergency or exceptional situations so customers aren’t denied their right to immediate service,” he said.

“These situations require immediate action…”

Shamsul Azri mentioned that emergencies include reporting accidents, fires, and disasters that threaten lives and property.

“These situations require immediate action, without worrying about dress code restrictions,” he said.

He added that for regular dealings at government counters or offices, Heads of Department have the discretion to determine what counts as appropriate and decent attire based on existing guidelines.

The statement added,

“This helps ensure a balance between customer needs and public service standards. The public service will keep improving access and service delivery to make it more friendly, efficient, and responsive.”

“We want every customer to receive service that is both effective and humane.”

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know down in the comments!

Also read: ADUN Calls Out Melaka Police for Turning Away Accident Victim Who Wore a Skirt When Lodging Report