PETALING JAYA: Private sector employees are interested in having their workplaces adopt the same air-conditioning settings as government offices, keeping the temperature between 24°C and 25°C, in order to reduce carbon emissions. They also believe that a more casual dress code should be allowed in the private sector.
36-year-old flight attendant Regina Loh supports the idea of casual wear on specific days, stating that it would help reduce their carbon footprint. She believes that although a uniform is necessary for her line of work during the week, it would be beneficial to allow casual wear on weekends or other occasions.
Real estate agent Jid Shaharuddin, age 42, believes that having more casual wear days will not affect productivity or workflow. He suggests that people who meet clients could benefit from a smart casual dress code, as it fosters a relaxed environment during discussions. Shaharuddin also notes that many private sector companies have implemented work-from-home policies, so dress code is not a major concern.
Allowing casual wear in the office has other advantages as well. Dharmaraj Sivalingam, a 40-year-old tech consultant, believes it is practical to let private sector employees dress comfortably. He also suggests that a casual dress code could reduce bureaucracy, as many companies already have casual wear days on Fridays. Sivalingam acknowledges that private sector employees often spend long hours at work, making a casual dress code more comfortable for them. However, he emphasizes the importance of dressing appropriately for important meetings or presentations.
On the contrary, 40-year-old financial consultant Mark Looi expresses skepticism towards the government’s move to introduce more casual wear days for energy efficiency. Looi argues that the climate in Malaysia is warm and humid year-round, regardless of the clothing worn. He believes that air-conditioners are necessary in most offices due to the prevailing weather conditions. However, Looi acknowledges that casual wear offers convenience compared to formal office attire, citing his experience in an IT startup where less time was needed to prepare for work.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
