HOME Ministry civil servants have been warned not to post social media content that could be perceived as neglecting official duties while working from home, with senior officials cautioning that such actions may invite disciplinary measures.
Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Awang Alik Jeman said staff granted the flexibility to work from home must exercise discretion and avoid sharing images or updates that could imply they are not fulfilling their responsibilities during official working hours.
“At the same time, if you are given the convenience to work from home, do not upload photos or posts on social media that could be perceived as you being absent from work.
“Posting pictures of yourself playing badminton, going out at shopping centres and so on — please avoid this so that there is no need to share anything that could be considered sensitive on Facebook or any other social media platform.
“If this happens, I say this frankly, action will be taken, so don’t do it. I have warned you in advance, do not do anything that could be detrimental to yourself,” he said at the ministry’s monthly assembly.
He stressed that employees must continue to meet performance expectations and deliver assigned outcomes, regardless of whether they are working remotely or on-site.
Staff benefiting from the arrangement, he added, should not cite work-from-home arrangements as a reason for failing to achieve key targets.
Awang Alik noted that while the flexible working policy applies within the ministry, several enforcement-related agencies are exempt due to the nature of their operations.
These include the Royal Malaysia Police, the Prisons Department, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, the National Anti-Drug Agency, the National Registration Department and the Eastern Sabah Security Command.
The reminder follows earlier guidance from Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, who said heads of departments are responsible for ensuring that employees working from home comply with established rules and procedures, while continuing to meet their key performance indicators. - April 13, 2026
