“Batik isn’t cheap” – Govt Called Out for Suggesting Civil Servants Wear Batik Daily to Reduce Energy Consumption

The government is encouraging civil servants to wear batik attire on all working days as an alternative to standard office wear.

This initiative coincides with a new directive to set air-conditioning temperatures to a minimum of 24°C in government buildings, forming part of a broader effort to reduce energy consumption.

Batik outfit encouraged throughout the week

The Director-General of Public Service, Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, stated that the move aligns with the Human Resource Service Circular (Ceraian UP.7.2.3) regarding Dress Etiquette and Appearance for public officers.

According to the circular, batik attire is mandatory every Thursday for both male and female officers. However, it is now also encouraged as suitable office wear for the remainder of the week.

In a letter circulated to Ministry Secretaries-General and State Secretaries, and later shared on the Public Service Department’s (JPA) Facebook page, Wan Ahmad Dahlan clarified that department heads may permit officers to wear corporate attire or fieldwork clothing on specific days when necessary, in accordance with Paragraph 13 of the circular.

Additionally, civil servants may wear corporate attire on any working day except Thursdays, provided they are not officers required to wear official uniforms.

Financial practicality of daily batik wear

Despite the government’s intentions, Malaysian influencer and former teacher Mohd Fadli Salleh foresaw that some civil servants may struggle with the cost of the transition. In a Facebook post shared today (7 April), Fadli noted that while he understood the rationale behind the suggestion, the plan might require civil servants to “fork out” significant sums of money.

“Batik is lighter and cooler; that is the rationale. But sir, wearing it every day is fine in theory, only if you own many pieces of batik. To do that, you’d need to buy more batik shirts, and they are not exactly cheap,” Fadli wrote.

The influencer highlighted that with tight household finances and high fuel prices, purchasing multiple batik outfits may be impractical for many. He suggested a more flexible approach to office dress codes:

“What if civil servants were allowed to wear collared T-shirts or other existing attire that still looks neat? As long as it is presentable, and not a sleeveless undershirt, it should be acceptable.”

What do you think of Fadli’s take on this? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: “WFH doesn’t mean resting at home or going shopping” – Govt Chief Secretary Tells Civil Servants

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