The Malaysian government has reportedly decided to raise air-conditioning temperatures across its offices as part of cost-saving measures and efforts to reduce energy consumption.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Azam Baki said the decision was made by the Cabinet.
According to Malaysiakini, he revealed this during a media engagement session with the Multi-Agency Task Force at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya.
He said the office air-conditioning temperatures will be increased, and civil servants may also be allowed to dress more casually due to the warmer environment.
Following the Cabinet’s directive, the air-conditioner temperature will be increased, and we may be allowed to wear more casual attire such as short-sleeved clothing,” he said.
Applies across government offices
The move is not limited to MACC.
Staff from two ministries confirmed that the directive to raise air-conditioning temperatures will be implemented across government offices.
The temperature is understood to be set at around 24 degrees Celsius.
Policy existed since 2011
The government has had a policy since 2011 that air-conditioning temperatures should not be set lower than 24°C. However, compliance has been an issue.
Former natural resources, energy and climate change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said adherence to the policy has been inconsistent.
In 2023, the Madani administration allowed civil servants to wear batik to work daily. This was part of efforts to make the temperature policy more bearable.
The latest measure comes amid global supply chain issues caused by the Iran conflict, which has led to rising prices of coal and natural gas.
Malaysia imports both resources in large quantities for electricity generation.
WFH to begin on April 15
Separately, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that federal ministries, government agencies, statutory bodies, and government-linked companies will implement a work-from-home policy starting April 15.
The move aims to reduce fuel consumption and ensure a more sustainable energy supply.
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