Malaysia’s government has announced that civil servants and employees of government-linked companies will begin working from home from 15 April as part of emergency measures to conserve fuel and protect the country’s energy supplies during the ongoing global energy crisis triggered by conflict in West Asia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement in a special address on 1 April following a Cabinet meeting. The work-from-home directive will apply to all federal government ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs). Detailed implementation guidelines will be issued in the coming days.
“The objective is to reduce fuel consumption and ensure the sustainability of energy supplies,” Mr Anwar said. He stressed that the government was taking proactive steps “to cushion the impact of the global energy crisis through initiatives to support the people”.
The move comes as the prolonged conflict in West Asia has disrupted global oil supplies, particularly through the closure or severe restriction of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for crude oil shipments. Malaysian media reports indicate that the government is currently spending around RM4 billion (approximately ₹924 crore) per month in subsidies to keep domestic RON95 petrol prices stable at RM1.99 per litre.
PM Anwar said the country was also working to diversify its energy sources and secure alternative supplies of oil and gas to safeguard national energy security. He urged Malaysians to adjust their lifestyles and policies “to protect the people and ensure the sustainability of our energy supply”.
The policy was first hinted at by the prime minister on 26 March, when he spoke of phased and selective flexible working arrangements for civil servants in response to oil supply disruptions. The 15 April start date marks the formal rollout across the public sector and GLCs.
The announcement follows similar signs of strain in other countries in the region, as the Middle East conflict continues to ripple through global energy markets. Malaysian officials have described the work-from-home policy as an early and necessary step to shield citizens from potential price shocks and maintain economic stability.
