JPA announces civil servants are no longer required to wear neckties during work hours or meetings, with exceptions for certain official events.
PUTRAJAYA: The Public Service Department has announced that civil servants are no longer required to wear neckties during working hours or when attending meetings.
This directive was issued through a circular dated October 31, 2025, and signed by JPA director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.
The policy aligns with the MADANI Government’s administrative approach introduced in November 2022, which emphasises a more flexible and people-friendly working environment.
This approach maintains professionalism while adapting to modern workplace needs and local conditions.
The circular specifically referenced Malaysia’s local climate and the need for energy efficiency and conservation under General Circular No. 2 of 2014.
These environmental considerations contributed to the government’s decision to relax the necktie requirement for daily work activities.
However, neckties remain mandatory for certain official events involving foreign dignitaries or international meetings.
This includes welcoming ceremonies for foreign delegations and international colloquiums or conferences.
Additionally, individual ministries and departments may still require neckties for specific official functions or programmes.
Such requirements must be clearly stated in invitation letters or emails to prevent confusion among attendees.
The JPA also confirmed that this new directive exempts the necktie requirement previously outlined in Paragraph A.5 of the Human Resource Service Circular.
This specific section addressed dress and appearance etiquette for civil servants under MyPPSM Section UP.7.2.3. – Bernama
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