HEADS of department in the civil service have been granted the authority to approve work-from-home (WFH) requests from officers residing within a 25-kilometre radius of their workplaces, in anticipation of severe traffic congestion during the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
The Public Service Department (JPA) announced the measure today, stating that it aligns with the Government’s MADANI principles, which emphasise compassionate governance, public welfare and efficient service delivery.
“Eligible civil servants are advised to liaise with their respective department heads for appropriate consideration,” the statement read. “The implementation of this policy must adhere to the guidelines and conditions set out in the current regulations.”
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 October in Kuala Lumpur, are expected to be among the largest gatherings ever hosted under the regional bloc, bringing with them increased security and traffic control measures throughout the city.
According to JPA, the WFH policy for public officers remains flexible and is governed by the Service Circular Human Resources Annex SR.4.1.2, which aims to balance agency needs with officers’ wellbeing and promote work-life harmony.
“This policy is intended to ensure continuity of operations while accommodating officers’ personal circumstances and maintaining overall workplace resilience,” the department stated. - October 13, 2025
