Malaysia’s work-from-home (WFH) initiative for civil servants has successfully saved the government RM4.22 million in RON95 fuel subsidies, equivalent to 2.14 million litres of petrol, since its implementation last month.
Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the latest figures were recorded up to May 25 following the launch of the initiative on April 15.
He explained that the policy was introduced as part of the government’s efforts to reduce pressure caused by rising subsidy costs and global supply challenges.
“Let me remind everyone again — WFH does not mean ‘Lie Down And Relax’,” he joked during his speech at the ERAT Appreciation Ceremony on Monday night.
“The purpose of the initiative is to control petrol consumption, which is why the government approved its implementation beginning April 15,” he said.
Despite mounting subsidy pressures, Shamsul Azri stressed that the government remains committed to ensuring public services continue without disruption.
Earlier reports revealed that within just 10 days of implementation, the WFH programme involving 200,000 civil servants had already generated savings of RM1.9 million in RON95 subsidies.
To ensure the policy runs smoothly, Shamsul Azri urged department heads to adopt the T.E.G.A.S leadership concept — which stands for swift action, empathy, clear ideas, adaptability and effective strategies.
He also reminded civil servants to practise the values of M.A.L.A.Y.S.I.A — friendliness, fairness, integrity, trustworthiness, confidence, loyalty, reform and wisdom — when serving the public.
In a striking example, he questioned whether ordinary citizens receive the same treatment as VIPs at government counters.
“When Datuks come, we smile brightly. But if a cleaner comes for assistance, do we treat them the same way?” he asked.
He stressed that public service is a responsibility and trust, not a position meant for pride or status.
Meanwhile, Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission chairman Ismail Bakar reminded department heads that integrity must always remain a priority, warning that failure to act against wrongdoing could damage the credibility of enforcement agencies nationwide.
