by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 11: The government has relaxed dress code rules at Federal government counters and offices during emergencies or unusual situations to ensure the public’s rights to immediate services are not denied.
In a press statement, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said this decision takes into account the needs of frontline services such as security, healthcare and other services that directly interact with the public.
“In this regard, looking at the situation of frontline services such as security personnel, health and other services that are directly in contact with customers, relaxation of the dress code will be given for emergency cases and outside the normal norms so that customers are not denied the right to receive immediate service as per item 3.2 Appendix A of PKPA 1/2025,” he said.
He added that emergency matters and outside the normal norms include accident reports, fire reports and matters regarding disasters that can threaten life and property.
For routine matters at government counters and office services, Shamsul Azri said heads of departments may use appropriate discretion to determine polite and appropriate dress code based on the guidelines in force.
“The public service will continue to improve customer relations to ensure access and delivery of friendly, efficient and responsive customer relations services in line with the principles of Ihsan in MADANI values,” he added.
Shamsul Azri also noted that the dress code for government counters or offices is set out in Public Administration Development Circular (PKPA) No. 1 of 2025: Strengthening Public Sector Customer Relationship Management, which took effect on January 20.
The circular stipulates dressing politely and appropriately, in accordance with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara; Modesty and Morality.
The announcement follows a statement by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, who said, according to Bernama, the Chief Secretary will review the Cabinet’s proposal on dress code exemptions for frontline services, including healthcare and security.
This comes after an incident in which a woman in her 20s, accompanied by her mother, was reportedly denied entry to a police station to file a report on a road accident because their skirts were shorter than knee length.
“The Prime Minister’s view is that on security issues involving police stations, for those who wish to make a report, there should be no circumstances that prevent them from making a police report,” Fahmi stressed. – DayakDaily
