Public Service Leverages Hybrid Work Policy to Combat Haze Impact

KUALA TERENGGANU — The Public Service Department has indicated that the Hybrid Workday (HBH) policy can serve as a practical tool for managing workplace challenges posed by seasonal haze, particularly in affected regions.

Department heads across the public sector have been informed that the flexible working arrangement allows them to adapt operations during periods when air quality deteriorates significantly. The policy permits employees to balance work between office and remote settings, thereby reducing exposure risks during haze episodes.

The measure reflects efforts by Malaysia's civil service to maintain service delivery and employee wellbeing during environmental challenges. Public agencies in states most vulnerable to transboundary haze have been encouraged to implement the arrangement based on prevailing air quality conditions and operational requirements.

The guidance underscores the government's recognition that haze episodes can impact productivity and worker health. By enabling greater work flexibility, the Hybrid Workday policy provides departments with a buffer to sustain operations without compromising staff safety during periods of poor air quality.

Photo: Haze over Kuala Lumpur, September 2026. Renek78 via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).