Govt Says Dress Code Rules At Public Service Counters & Offices May Be Relaxed For Emergencies

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Following backlash over a road accident victim being denied entry to a police station for her attire, the government has clarified that dress codes may be relaxed in emergencies

This applies to public service counters and government offices, where frontline agencies such as police and healthcare services often deal with urgent situations that require immediate assistance.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar told Bernama yesterday, 10 December, that the relaxation is outlined in Section 3.2 of Appendix A in the Public Administration Circular (PKPA) 1/2025, effective 20 January this year, which covers strengthening public sector customer relationship management.

"Relaxation of the dress code will be allowed in emergency situations and those outside normal circumstances to ensure customers' rights to immediate service," he said.

"Emergencies and exceptional circumstances include accident reports, fire reports, and disaster-related matters that pose a threat to lives and property."

For routine visits to government counters and offices, Shamsul Azri said department heads still have discretion to decide what attire is appropriate and respectful

"The public service will continue improving customer relations to ensure services are accessible, friendly, efficient, and responsive," he added.