PETALING JAYA: Malaysian pupils and students will no longer be required to wear neckties from next year, the Education Ministry announced, leaving the decision to schools and parents.
A recent circular signed by Education director-general Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad stated that wearing a necktie will be optional if agreed upon by both the school and parents, and that no party should coerce or pressure students on the matter.
The policy takes practical student needs into account, including the hot and humid local climate that can make daily necktie-wearing uncomfortable and aims to reduce household financial burdens associated with school uniforms.
A parent, who wished to be known only as Khadijah, said she is grateful that neckties are no longer compulsory.
“I hope my son’s school will consider allowing students not to wear a tie.
“I have lost count of how many ties I have had to buy for my son, as he keeps losing them. He took it off after school while waiting for his school bus and ended up misplacing it.
“He is still in primary school, so this tie-wearing is just not suitable for our climate. It is too hot and humid. They should consider introducing cooling uniforms with collars, similar to what golfers wear, where they just need to button up and still look smart in their khaki pants.”
One parent, who wished to be known as Jessica, felt that neckties still have a role in school uniforms, as they help children look clean and presentable.
“Wearing a necktie can also help students develop a sense of responsibility, as they learn to take care of their uniform and dress appropriately for school,” she said.
Having a similar view, civil servant Marziana Ab Rashid, 49, said that wearing neckties should continue, as it reflects a student’s identity and indirectly instils a sense of discipline and personal grooming.
She added that neckties encourage students to present themselves neatly and professionally, which is an important habit to cultivate from a young age.
“In line with current practice, students could wear neckties at least once a week, allowing them to maintain a polished appearance on certain days while enjoying more comfort on others,” she said.
A Form Two student, who wished to be known only as Abdullah, welcomed the decision, saying it is too hot most of the time to wear a necktie.
“It is so uncomfortable, and I look forward to wearing my sports and co-curriculum attire on the designated days my school has decided,” he added.
However, he acknowledged that he would still need to wear a tie because he is a school prefect.
Meanwhile, a 13-year-old student backed the move to make neckties optional, describing it as a practical change.
“I think it’s cool that ties are optional now. They’re super uncomfortable, especially in Malaysia’s heat.
“Most of the time, we’re already in sports attire for PE and other activities, so this just makes school a bit easier.
“As long as everyone still dresses neatly, I think it’s a good and practical change.”
