PUTRAJAYA, Oct 31 — Civil servants are no longer required to wear neckties during working hours or when attending meetings, said the Public Service Department (JPA).
The directive, outlined in a circular dated October 31 and signed by JPA director-general Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, is in line with the Madani Government’s administrative approach introduced in November 2022, which emphasises a more flexible and people-friendly working environment without compromising professionalism.
“Taking into account the local climate as well as the need for energy efficiency and conservation under the General Circular No.2 of 2014, the government has agreed that civil servants are no longer required to wear neckties during working hours and meetings,” it read.
However, it said neckties remain mandatory for certain official events such as welcoming ceremonies for foreign delegations and international meetings, colloquiums, and conferences involving foreign dignitaries or leaders.
It said ministries and departments may require neckties for certain official functions or programmes, provided the dress code is clearly stated in the invitation letter or email to avoid confusion.
The JPA also said that under this new directive, the necktie requirement as outlined in Paragraph A.5 of the Human Resource Service Circular (MyPPSM) Section UP.7.2.3 on Dress and Appearance Etiquette for Civil Servants is now exempt from enforcement.
