Batik now compulsory outfit for civil servants every Thursday

Putrajaya has made it compulsory for all federal civil servants to wear batik every Thursday, effective Aug 21.

According to a circular signed by Public Service Department director-general Zulkapli Mohamed, which was distributed yesterday, the government has agreed for all federal civil servants to be required to wear Malaysian batik clothes to work every Thursday.

However, the requirement is exempted for employees who are provided with uniforms or are attending official ceremonies with specific dress codes.

Also encouraging its use on other working days, the circular said the new ruling aims at continuing to support the Malaysian batik industry and ensuring its preservation as a heritage and symbol of Malaysian identity.

It further said that the new policy is subject to acceptance by the respective authorities, with the application of its provisions also extended to all state civil services, statutory bodies, and local authorities.

"With the effect of this (new) service circular, Service Circular Number 1 of 2021 on the Wearing of Malaysian Batik Attire for Federal Civil Service Officers is hereby revoked," the circular read.

The Service Circular Number 1 of 2021 stated that wearing Malaysian batik every Thursday was encouraged.