Ipoh: The Perak government is reviewing the implementation of a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants following a circular issued by Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad stated that the State Secretary is conducting a detailed study on the matter. A special briefing for department heads is planned to outline the proposed implementation. Saarani mentioned that the state government has received a circular from the KSN to consider allowing relevant staff to work from home. The State Secretary will soon convene a meeting with department heads to brief them on the potential policy.

The initiative was discussed during a press conference following the presentation of reference books for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Khairudin Abu Hanipah and State Secretary Datuk Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim were also present.

Saarani highlighted that the proposed WFH approach differs from measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, which aimed at reducing movement and physical interaction. This time, the policy would serve different objectives that civil servants need to comprehend.

On the topic of an economic stimulus package, Saarani mentioned that the state government would first assess current needs before formulating targeted measures. Any stimulus initiative would be discussed in a special state government meeting, focusing on strengthening support for farmers and entrepreneurs to better navigate current economic challenges. He noted that the state government recently attended a federal briefing that emphasized efforts to enhance food security through the cultivation of short-term crops.