The state of Penang will not be implementing the work-from-home policy for civil servants, as authorities have deemed it unnecessary.
This follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that a work-from-home (WFH) policy will be introduced for those employed in ministries, government agencies, statutory bodies, and government-linked companies starting 15 April.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow took to Buletin Mutiara and his Facebook page to express the state government’s belief that the policy does not warrant urgency in Penang.
“We feel that the proposed work-from-home policy for Penang civil servants is not suitable for all tasks. There is no urgent need to implement it,” Chow stated.
To WFH or not to WFH?
The decision by the Penang state government has left Malaysians divided. Some citizens are concerned that civil servants might use the WFH policy as an excuse to slack off, while others believe that rejecting the policy hinders the country’s efforts to reduce fuel consumption.
One commenter noted:
“The PM ordered WFH, but the state government is saying there’s no need. The current issue is the fuel shortage, and WFH was recommended as a method to save.
“Tomorrow, the PM will be holding a meeting with Chief Ministers, yet Penang has already released a statement saying there is no need for WFH. Did the Chief Minister not discuss this with the PM first? It seems he is turning his back on the PM’s instructions.”
Meanwhile, others were more cynical regarding productivity:
“They already underperform while working from the office (WFO); how much worse will it be if they WFH?”
What do you think about this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.
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