PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia’s Anti‑Corruption Commission chief Azam Baki disclosed on April 2 that the Cabinet has decided to raise air‑conditioner temperatures in all government offices as part of a nationwide drive to cut energy use and spending, with staff allowed to don more casual attire such as short‑sleeved shirts to cope with the change.
The move, affecting ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and government‑linked entities, follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that public workers and government‑linked firms will shift to work‑from‑home from April 15 to reduce fuel consumption and stabilise energy supply amid mounting global disruptions linked to the Iran war.
Baki framed the higher thermostat settings as part of broader efforts to manage electricity demand at a time when coal and natural gas prices, both heavily imported by Malaysia, have surged. The twin measures, warmer offices and remote work, aim to ease pressure on the national grid and shield households and businesses from sharper price shocks in the current energy crisis.