WEST EAST CONFLICT: GOVT URGED TO CONSIDER WFH POLICY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 12 (Bernama) -- The government has been urged to consider targeted work-from-home (WFH) policies for certain sectors to help reduce the impact of global oil prices amid geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia.

Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said the proposal is a proactive step to reduce daily travel, save on petrol, and ease pressure on fuel subsidies, particularly RON95.

He said it could begin in government offices, agencies, government-linked companies and government-linked investment companies, then expand to private-sector firms as operationally suitable.

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“This approach can help ease city traffic, lower transport costs, and reduce fuel use amid global economic uncertainty.

“At the same time, the move could help the government manage fuel subsidies more efficiently and ease the financial burden on people affected by rising global oil prices,” he said in a statement today.

Muhammad Kamil, also the Political Secretary to the Finance Minister, said a flexible approach, such as a few WFH days per week, could be considered based on departmental or agency needs.

He said the approach also aligns with efforts to improve work-life balance while supporting sustainability by reducing vehicle use and carbon emissions.

Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the suitability of WFH for the public sector will be studied and may be discussed at tomorrow’s Special Cabinet Committee meeting.

Fahmi, who is also the government spokesperson, said the government is aware that some companies have adopted hybrid work, including WFH, since the pandemic.

Several ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, have introduced energy‑saving measures, such as encouraging WFH arrangements and reducing travel, to conserve fuel amid rising oil prices and supply disruptions linked to conflict in West Asia.

-- BERNAMA