We’re Watching You: WFH Not an Excuse To Chill Out, Gov Says

By Danial Martinus • 14 Apr 2026 in News

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With tensions in West Asia escalating, the Malaysian government has imposed a WFH mandate for those in the public sector in an effort to mitigate the impact of rising oil costs brought on by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The WFH mandate is scheduled to start on 15 April, with those in people-facing roles required to stay in the office.

But with this new change of environment for thousands of public sector workers, the government has just one stern warning: “We’re watching you.”

WFH ≠ Paid Vacation

According to Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, civil servants who post photos or updates that might suggest they’re doing anything else other than work will face disciplinary action.

More specifically, the photos shouldn’t indicate that they’re taking part in leisure activities like shopping, playing badminton, or going on a casual outing of any sort.

“During WFH, please, those who are given so, do not upload photos or posts on social media that may be seen as neglecting work. Posting pictures of playing badminton or going out to shopping complexes, for example,” he said.

“So please avoid uploading anything sensitive on Facebook or any other social media platform. If this happens, I will be frank, action will be taken. I have already said this early on, do not do anything that could be detrimental to yourself. Action will be taken, there will be no exceptions in this matter.”

Conditions for WFH eligibility include a daily commute of more than 8km to the office, and employees must be based in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangore, or in state capitals.

Of course, it’ll be business as usual for uniformed personnel such as police, Rela, and other enforcement agencies.

Other essential services such as identity card counters won’t be affected by the WFH mandate.

“Do not say that because we are working from home, we cannot meet our targets. That is not an excuse,” Awang said.